Hi all,
I will have 1 hour to analyze a large set of information and create a powerpoint with a solution to a client problem. Any tips on how to structure a deck for this since it will be a real problem? Additionally, any practice advice on how to quickly sift through and interpret data?
Thanks!!
Hi Anonymous,
this is what I would recommend to consider for the presentation part:
A) structure the order of the slides
For many presentations following a written case 5 slides are enough to present your findings. You can structure them as follows:
B) structure the content of each slide
There are three basic components for slides:
Many people structure the title as the mere description of what the chart is telling. A great title, instead tells the implication of the graph. Eg say the graph is showing a cost structure for a division. A bad title would be: Cost structure from 2005 to 2015. A good title would be: Cost structure of Division XYZ is not sustainable”. A great title would be Cost structure of Division XYZ is not sustainable due to ABC, assuming you have insides on the cause. The rule of thumb for the title is that if you read all the titles of the slides together you should get a clear idea of what is going on.
C) structure the presentation of the slides
When you present, I would suggest the following steps for each slide:
As general tips for the analysis for the information before the presentation, you could consider the following 5 areas:
1. Learn how to define a plan of action and stick to that
The first thing you should do in a written case is to define a plan and allocate in the best possible way your time. Assuming 60 minutes for the analysis, a good approach would include:
You should then practice to stick to the time allocated, in order to maximize your final performance.
2. Practice graph interpretation
You will normally have to analyse graphs in a written case. The best way to practice is to take graphs from online resources and use a timer to test in how much time you can understand the key message. McKinsey PST graphs could be a good practice for that.
3. Work on quick reading and quick understanding of key information
You will not have time to read and prioritize everything, so you have to understand where to focus. The ideal way to practice is to use long cases such as HBS ones, and practice on reducing the time needed to absorb the key information that can answer a defined question. Quick reading techniques could also help.
4. Practice quick math
You will normally have math to do in a written case. GMAT and McKinsey PST math should work well to prepare on this.
5. Learn how to communicate your slides/answers
You may have to present your findings at the end of the case. Although as mentioned it will require more time, I would apply the same structures of final sum up in a live interview case, that is:
As you will not be able to double check hypothesis with the interviewer as in the live case before the presentation, you should clearly state when you are making hypotheses and that you will have to verify them with further analysis.
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Hi,
I've uploaded some samples here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zor4m49eyx5qxal/AABeUN6mtiGkWhEklRjszX2Oa?dl=0
(Message me for a password)
The best way to prepare is the following:
The appropriate structure is usually the following:
Slide 1: Context, Objective, Recommendations
Slide 2-5: Analysis
Last slide: Next steps or risks & mitigation
Good luck!
Hi,
Vlad and Francesco have done an excellent job explaining how to best structure your recommendation. Just to highlight a few points that I think are important:
Having gone through such an interview myself last year (and successfully passing it), here are some additional thoughts I would like to share with you. In these interviews, presentation usually is not the most difficult part, since it is just an extended version of your recommendation in a normal case interview (provided that you can do that well). You would have practiced it thousands of times already, and all you have to do is to expand your supporting arguments and add in more details (of course, in a structured way).
Many candidates instead struggle with how to process such a large amount of data within such a short time period. So here is some generally advice:
These are just some general suggestions. If you would like to discuss this topic in more details, feel free to message me.
(editiert)
