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Business Sense

Business sense refers to the ability to quickly grasp economic dynamics and make decisions that are both strategically and commercially sound. In consulting, it’s not enough to repeat theories from your business degree. What matters is a deep understanding of how companies operate, what drives markets, and what different stakeholders are aiming to achieve.

Consultants with strong business acumen can quickly adapt to new industries, understand client needs, and set priorities that make economic sense. They don’t just ask, “What is analytically correct?” – they also ask, “What truly benefits the company?” This mindset often makes the difference in a case interview.

Table of contents

Why Your Business Sense Matters in Consulting

How Business Sense Shows Up in Case Interviews

1. Define a clear objective.

2. Develop sound hypotheses.

3. Evaluate actions realistically.

4. Interpret numbers in the right context.

5. Make a well-founded recommendation.

How to Train Your Business Sense

Key Takeaways

Why Your Business Sense Matters in Consulting

As a consultant, you’re expected not only to analyze complex problems but also to think in a solution-oriented and entrepreneurial way. A strong business mindset helps you put analyses into context, assess actions realistically, and focus on generating maximum client value.

In day-to-day consulting, you're working under pressure, collaborating with decision-makers, and constantly weighing trade-offs. Those who think commercially and can strategically prioritize have a clear edge.

In a case interview, showing that you understand markets and business models is key – it sets you apart and proves your readiness for the job.

👉 In our Case Library, you can prepare effectively with curated practice cases and put your business sense to the test.

Company case provided by Company case by

BearingPoint Germany

BearingPoint Case: Nachhaltigkeit on the Road – Potenziale der Kreislaufwirtschaft für den Automobilhersteller

Der Automobilhersteller YourCars denkt zunehmend darüber nach, wie er seine Kosten senken und gleichzeitig seinen ökologischen Fußabdruck minimieren kann. Eine mögliche Lösung besteht darin, die Prinzipien der Kreislaufwirtschaft, insbesondere die „5Rs" – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle – in seine Produktionsprozesse zu integrieren. Hauptziel dieser Überlegungen ist es, den Verbrauch und die Verschwendung von Ressourcen zu minimieren, die Lebensdauer von Produkten und Materialien zu maximieren und letztendlich einen nachhaltigeren und effizienteren Betrieb zu gewährleisten. Zu diesem Zweck beauftragt die Geschäftsführung eine Unternehmensberatung mit der Erarbeitung erster Ansätze. Du als Unternehmensberater:in sollst der Geschäftsführung die Chancen und Risiken des Kreislaufwirtschaftsansatzes erläutern. Darüber hinaus möchte die Geschäftsführung wissen, in welchen Bereichen Einsparpotenziale bestehen. Schlussendlich sollst du basierend auf der Analyse eine Empfehlung aussprechen.

4.3

10.3k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Operations strategy

Profitability analysis

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

OC&C

OC&C Strategy Consultants Case: Expansion einer Schmuck Agentur in China

Unser Kunde, Schmuck Agentur, ist ein führender europäischer Fachhändler für Accessoires und Schmuck. Der Kunde ist derzeit nur in Europa aktiv und vertreibt sowohl Premium- und Luxusprodukte, meist von europäischen Marken, als auch "Mid-Market" Produkte, die eher der hauseigenen Marke angehören. Der Großteil des Vertriebs geschieht über das eigene stationäre Geschäft in Europa. Schmuck Agentur möchte expandieren, und zieht hierfür den chinesischen Markt in Betracht. Aus diesem Grund wirst Du gebeten zunächst Bewertungskriterien für einen möglichen Markteintritt zu erarbeiten. Im Anschluss wirst Du Informationen erhalten, die Dir erlauben einige Faktoren zu bewerten. Abschließend sollst Du eine Empfehlung aussprechen, ob der Kunde das stationäre Geschäft nach China expandieren sollte.

4.7

22.4k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Candidate-led

Market analysis

Market entry

Profitability analysis

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

FTI-Andersch AG

FTI-Andersch AG Case: Business Transformation – Global Plastics AG

Die Global Plastics AG ist ein im M-DAX gelistetes Unternehmen mit weltweit 2.500 Mitarbeitenden und einer Gesamtleistung in Höhe von € 395,0 Mio. in 2021. Der Umsatz des Unternehmens ging 2020 nach dem Ausbruch der COVID-19-Pandemie stark zurück und soll im Jahr 2022 wieder an das Niveau vor COVID-19 anknüpfen. Neben Umsatzrückgängen hat die Global Plastics AG auch mit einer erhöhten Varianz in den OEM Call-Offs zu kämpfen, was zu Überkapazitäten in der Produktion führt. Zusätzlich befindet sich die Global Plastics AG in Kundenverhandlungen zu bestehenden und neuen Verträgen. Das Thema Nachhaltigkeit ist tief in der Unternehmensidentität verankert. Das Unternehmen investiert kontinuierlich in die Forschung und Entwicklung von neuen Technologien. Diese Investitionen dienen im Wesentlichen dazu ... - ... das bestehende Produktportfolio weiter zu verbessern und sich einen Wettbewerbsvorteil zu erarbeiten. - ... den zu erwartenden strengeren Vorschriften hinsichtlich CO2-Neutralität der Wert-schöpfungskette als auch einer steigenden Beimischungsquote von recyceltem Kunststoff und Alternativmaterialien in den nächsten Jahren gerecht zu werden. Das Unternehmen ist bei den Kunden für seine innovativen Technologien bekannt und für seine branchenweit Maßstäbe setzende, präzise und qualitativ hochwertige Fertigung geschätzt. Die Global Plastics AG produziert weltweit in fünf Werken (USA, BRA, HUN, CHN, DEU) Kunststoffbauteile für Fahrzeuginnenräume in den Anwendungsbereichen PKW (PT-Segment), LKW (CT-Segment) sowie Baumaschinen (CON-Segment). Global Plastics beliefert primär deutsche Premium-OEMs weltweit und gilt als Qualitätsführer im Interior-Markt. Der globale Interior-Markt ist zunehmend von einem durch asiatische Wettbewerber generierten Preisdruck geprägt, die den Qualitätsansprüchen europäischer Kunden immer besser entsprechen. Sie wurden durch den Vorstand der Global Plastics AG beauftragt, einen Transformationsplan zu entwickeln, der die langfristige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit des Unternehmens sicherstellt. Ziel Ihres Workstreams ist die Analyse des aktuellen Produktionsnetzwerks sowie die Erarbeitung neuer Hebel für Wachstum. Die Global Plastics AG hat Ihnen zur Analyse ihre GuV und Bilanz zur Verfügung gestellt. Dort sind die Ergebnisse der Geschäftsjahre 2019 bis 2021 sowie der Forecast für das Geschäftsjahr 2022 (drei Monate Ist + neun Monate Plan) enthalten. Bitte lösen Sie die beiden unten aufgeführten Aufgaben.

5.0

1.3k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Growth strategy

Market analysis

Operations strategy

Open case

Expert case by

Dennis

Commercial Feasibility of Natural Gas Pipeline

A large natural gas field is unexpectedly discovered on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. The gas can be accessed and produced relatively easily and is of good quality. Europe, and especially Germany as the largest gas consumer in the EU, is looking for alternative gas suppliers to reduce its one-sided dependence on Russia. An initial market study has shown that stable demand in Western Europe would allow for around 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year from the new gas field to be sold on the European market for the next 25 years. To achieve this, however, the gas must be transported to the important Western European gas hub Baumgarten in Austria. Several large oil and gas companies sense a business opportunity here and are now asking themselves whether it is economically feasible to build a corresponding gas pipeline from Corsica to Austria. One of these companies has approached you as a consultant to provide your assessment.

2.3

1.3k times solved

Difficulty: Beginner

Candidate-led

Market entry

Market sizing

Profitability analysis

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

Derivatives & Hedging Interview

This question set explores how companies use forwards, swaps, and options in practice to manage risk. You’ll cover theory, applications, and calculations. The aim is to test not only technical knowledge but also structured reasoning when applying derivatives to real-world corporate finance situations.

5.0

100+ times solved

Difficulty: Advanced

Interviewer-led

Mergers & Acquisition

Open case

Expert case by

Margot

AltaVia Elevators

Your client is AltaVia Elevators, a Vienna-based elevator manufacturer and the number 4 player in Europe. The company has two businesses: New equipment: AltaVia sells about 20,000 new elevator units per year to construction projects, generating about EUR 1.6 billion in revenue. Service: AltaVia maintains about 400,000 units under paid service contracts, generating about EUR 960 million in revenue. Every installed elevator legally requires certified maintenance, and new units include two years of free maintenance by AltaVia. When that period ends, the building owner decides whether to sign a paid AltaVia service contract or switch to a third party. Paid service customers can also leave AltaVia later. New equipment sales have just reached a record high and the order book is full. Yet group operating profit has declined for the third year in a row. Over the same period, LiftServ, a PE-backed independent service group, has been buying small maintenance firms across Europe and prices standard maintenance about 30% below AltaVia. The CEO wants to know: why is profit falling despite record sales, and what should AltaVia do about it?

5.0

900+ times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Profitability analysis

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

Electric Mobility

Our client is a start-up company that wants to mass-produce an electric vehicle for the US market. So far it has developed a prototype all-electric vehicle. They hired us to solve the problem of swapping to mass-production.

4.2

14.0k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Market analysis

Operations strategy

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

E.ON Inhouse Consulting

E.ON Inhouse Consulting Case: E-Mobility

Climate change has become one of the biggest challenges in the 21st century, and with roughly 75% of all CO₂ emissions coming from energy, this sector plays a key role in the transition to a reduced carbon footprint. E.ON has taken up on the challenge to promote more sustainable and efficient energy solutions throughout its whole customer spectrum. Correspondingly, a shift towards more sustainable energy consumption is noticed across the globe with many cities having set themselves ambitious climate targets, among those are: - Copenhagen -100% CO₂ emissions by 2025 - Amsterdam -60% CO₂ emission by 2030 - New York -40% CO₂ emissions by 2030 With E.ON focusing entirely on the “new” energy world, we have become the partner of choice for solutions propelling the energy transitions. Mr. Jensen, the mayor of Essen has come to E.ON requesting our help to accelerate the transition for his city. Essen is a city with about 600,000 inhabitants and prides itself as a forward-thinking one with lots of ambitions to become green itself. The economy is well and with his freshly won election the mayor looks forward to put its promised big initiatives into real projects.

3.6

16.0k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Market analysis

Market entry

Market sizing

Profitability analysis

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

Inverto Case: FashionForward’s Sourcing Shake-up

FashionForward is a mid-sized, private-label fashion retailer headquartered in Europe with €600 million in annual revenue. Its product portfolio includes fast-fashion collections for men and women, sold in 220 stores across six countries, and online. The company currently sources approximately 85% of its total production volume from Bangladesh, heavily relying on just three key suppliers for over 70% of that volume. Their procurement strategy is highly cost-driven, and supplier relationships are transactional. FashionForward has now asked Inverto to develop a new sourcing strategy. Over the last 18 months, FashionForward has faced increasing procurement challenges: - A drop in demand for trend-sensitive fashion categories - Long lead times (up to 40 days), limiting reactivity to seasonal trends - Repeated shipping delays and FX volatility from Banglades - Overstocking in basics and stockouts of fashion-forward items - ESG non-compliance flagged in two factories during an audit - Growing pressure from the board to increase agility and reduce dependency on Bangladesh

4.4

11.2k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Market analysis

Operations strategy

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

Vorsprung durch Marge

Dein Klient ist der Vorstandsvorsitzende eines großen Automobilkonzerns. Er möchte, dass Du ihm hilfst, die Gewinnmarge seines Unternehmens zu verbessern.

4.4

4.5k times solved

Difficulty: Advanced

Interviewer-led

Growth strategy

Profitability analysis

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

CTcon

CTcon Case: Das beste Eis der Stadt!

Deine Klientin ist die Besitzerin der Eisdiele TOTO in einer deutschen Großstadt. Das Geschäft läuft so gut, dass die Besitzerin eine weitere Filiale eröffnen will. Sie ist hellauf begeistert und möchte auf Nummer sichergehen. Sie fragt Dich daher: Ist das eine gute Idee?

4.6

16.8k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Capacity change

Growth strategy

Market entry

New product

Profitability analysis

Open case

Expert case by

Benjamin

McKinsey Round 1: Homeware Heaven

Our client is Homeware Heaven. They are a homeware and appliance retailer that sells items such as kitchen appliances (fridges, ovens), kitchenware, lighting, bedding and bath products, home decor etc. They have 100 stores in the top 20 cities in the US. Their stores are large stand-alone stores located outside of the city centre. Over the last 3 years, business has not been going well for our client. Their revenue has been declining year over year and they have had fewer unique shoppers in their stores. They have hired McKinsey to help them turnaround the situation

4.6

1.5k times solved

Difficulty: Advanced

Interviewer-led

Growth strategy

Profitability analysis

Open case

Expert case by

Emily

Paper Product Overseas Growth

The client is an Indonesian producer of paper boards which can be further processed into paper boxes, shopping bags, etc. They sell in both their domestic market i.e. Indonesia, and in the export market i.e. the US. Revenue last year was $5 billion, with 80% from Indonesia and 20% from the US. Overall they have been growing at 3% annually. The client wants to achieve a 5% growth rate. With the resource constraint they have, they want to focus on one of the two markets. They want to know which market they should go after to achieve that increase in growth rate, and how.

3.8

700+ times solved

Difficulty: Advanced

Candidate-led

Growth strategy

Operations strategy

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

BCG Platinion

BCG Platinion Case: Digital transformation of an entire corporation

The CIO of a major insurance company needs your support to renew the company's IT landscape as a starting point for their digital transformation. The IT landscape of the client is highly fragmented and integrated. Most IT applications are "legacy" monolithic custom developments (running on Mainframe) and are hosted on-premise. There are issues with stability and scalability of applications plus IT costs are ever increasing "Time-to-market" to release new functionalities is too high, due to constraints of current architecture. You are asked to quickly assess the status quo, identify main areas of intervention and measures to address the pain points and renew the IT landscape. Note: This case is interviewer-led. The cases in our interviews are more candidate-led. In this case, you take the lead and manage the entire case from start to finish. So be prepared for this when you apply to us.

3.9

27.8k times solved

Difficulty: Advanced

Interviewer-led

Digital transformation

Market analysis

Operations strategy

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

Working Capital Forecasting at FreshHarvest AG

You’re advising FreshHarvest AG, a fast-growing food distribution company based in Germany. They operate on tight margins, high volumes, and have recently secured several new retail partners. The CFO wants to better understand how working capital decisions and seasonal dynamics impact their free cash flow profile and ultimately their valuation. Your task is to assess how working capital evolves over the forecast period, how payment term shifts affect cash flow, and how to reflect seasonality in a dynamic forecasting model. This case will test your analytical skills, cash flow understanding, and judgment around operational finance levers.

5.0

400+ times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Valuation

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

RWE Consulting Case: Floating Wind in Japan

RWE is an international renewables company with a proud heritage of more than 125 years in the energy business. Recently, during the Capital Markets Day in 2023, RWE’s CEO renewed the company’s 2030 vision of being a global leader in green energy. To achieve this, additional substantial investments in clean technologies are planned, allowing for a total capacity of more than 30 GW to be added until then. Against this background,RWE is constantly scanning for attractive investment opportunities in core and new markets with a focus on renewable energy sources like offshore or onshore wind as well as photovoltaics. After winning an offshore wind project on the Japanese West Coast, let us assume, for the context of this case study, that RWE is now actively exploring additional opportunities in Japan. The RWE Consulting team was asked to evaluate the attractiveness of the Japanese market and find suitable additional investment opportunities with special interest in the new technology of floating offshore wind. Specifically, your job as a consultant is to provide a “Go or No-Go” recommendation on whether to invest in floating wind in Japan.

4.6

34.4k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Market analysis

Market entry

Market sizing

Profitability analysis

Open case

Case by

PrepLounge

Chip equity

Our client is an electronics holding called Chip’n’Chip. They want to invest in a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturer called OnBoard, and asked you whether it’s going to be a good investment. How would you help them?

4.5

38.3k times solved

Difficulty: Advanced

Candidate-led

Mergers & Acquisition

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

Bain & Company

Bain Case: Old Winery

You have inherited the “Old Winery” from your grandfather, a winery that has been family-owned for five generations and can be dated back to the 16th century. Half of the eleven hectares are used to grow white grapes, the other half to grow red grapes. They are grown in a conventional way, i.e. they are not organically farmed and certified. The vine stocks are in a good condition regarding age and care. Overall, the only ¼ of the harvest is made into wine by the winery itself; the rest is sold. Your grandfather never wanted to change the image of the winery and left the managerial and administrative task to a young and energetic wine-maker. Due to the not so well-known brand, the demand for the “Old Winery” wine is currently rather low. You do not intent to run the winery operatively, given your limited knowledge of winemaking, but find the idea of owning a winery exciting.

4.3

152.2k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Candidate-led

Growth strategy

Market analysis

Market sizing

Mergers & Acquisition

Open case

Company case provided by Company case by

Mercedes-Benz Management Consulting

MBMC Case: AMG | Turning the most affluent prospects into loyal clients

Mercedes‑AMG stands for uncompromising performance, engineering excellence, and emotional driving experiences. Yet recently, AMG’s top management has become concerned that while the product itself continues to exceed customer expectations, the moment of purchase no longer does. The trigger for this case was a concrete incident: a highly affluent customer configured an AMG top‑end vehicle in detail, was technically convinced, but ultimately decided against the purchase, stating: “It’s a fantastic car – but it didn’t feel special.” For the CEO of Mercedes‑AMG, this statement raises a critical question. In the luxury and performance segment, emotional differentiation at the point of decision is as important as horsepower or technology. Against this backdrop, AMG is exploring new ways to elevate the buying experience for its most valuable customers. One idea under discussion is the introduction of AMG Individualization Hubs – exclusive physical spaces where customers would finalize their vehicle together with AMG experts in a highly personalized and immersive setting. The management now asks you and your Consulting Team to assess this idea holistically: How can AMG strengthen emotional differentiation during the purchase decision, and do Individualization Hubs represent a strategically sound and economically viable solution? The objective is to develop a clear recommendation that balances brand impact, customer experience, and profitability.

4.9

17.7k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Interviewer-led

Growth strategy

New product

Profitability analysis

Open case

Expert case by

Hagen

Baby Formula

BabyformulaCo is a leading producer of baby formula with a 30% market share in the US that is looking for ways to increase their market share without significantly lowering profitability. Recently, a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for low-income women and their children was introduced, which provides vouchers to purchase baby formula. The client is interested in bidding for the tender contracts but needs help in determining the appropriate bidding price.

4.3

20.5k times solved

Difficulty: Intermediate

Candidate-led

Competitive response

Growth strategy

Pricing

Profitability analysis

Open case

How Business Sense Shows Up in Case Interviews

Your business sense won’t be tested directly – but it shows up in your thinking, your assumptions, and your recommendations. Here are five moments when it really counts:

5 tips on how to show business sense in case interviews

1. Define a clear objective.

Clarify what the company wants to achieve in the case. Is it short-term profit, long-term growth, or a stronger market position? A well-defined goal aligns your analysis and recommendations – and shows you understand the business context.

2. Develop sound hypotheses.

Top candidates derive economically plausible hypotheses. If revenue is dropping, explore potential causes like demand, pricing, or competitive pressure.

3. Evaluate actions realistically.

Go beyond theory. Consider real-world feasibility, conflicting objectives, and strategic risks. Instead of simply saying “raise prices,” consider price elasticity, customer segments, and likely competitor reactions.

4. Interpret numbers in the right context.

Numbers only make sense when interpreted correctly. High margins might signal a premium position – or upcoming competitive threats. Business sense means understanding what the numbers imply in context.

5. Make a well-founded recommendation.

Your final recommendation should be logical and economically viable. Acknowledge risks or gaps, and show that your solution could succeed in the real world.

How to Train Your Business Sense

Business sense isn’t innate – it’s a skill you can develop. The key is to build a solid understanding of economic principles and learn how real-world decisions are made.

Start by regularly reading business news. Outlets like New York Times, the Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times will help you get a feel for markets, business models, and strategic thinking. Go beyond the facts – try to understand the economic rationale behind each story.

When practicing case interviews, stay sharp and reflective. Ask yourself: Is my reasoning not only logical but also economically sound?

Mock interviews with peers are especially helpful. You’ll improve your communication skills and receive valuable feedback.

👉 Use our Meeting Board to find peers and practice together.

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Also, think like an entrepreneur in daily life. Observe companies, analyze new strategies, and reflect on what drives success or failure. The more often you go through this process, the sharper your business intuition becomes – and that’s what sets you apart in interviews.

Key Takeaways

Business sense is one of the most important success factors in both consulting and case interviews. It reflects your ability to quickly recognize economic patterns, form sound assumptions, and make realistic, client-oriented decisions. In interviews, what sets top candidates apart isn’t memorized theory but the ability to see the bigger picture: understanding what really matters to a business, prioritizing strategically, and proposing solutions that are both practical and value-driven.

To demonstrate your business sense, it’s crucial to clearly define the objective of the case, develop plausible hypotheses, assess potential actions not only analytically but also from a business standpoint, and interpret numbers within the correct context. Your final recommendation should be not just logical, but economically viable and well thought through.

The good news is that business sense can be learned. By regularly reading business news, reflecting on strategic decisions, working through case interviews critically, and actively seeking feedback, you’ll build a strong foundation in economic thinking. Over time, this mindset will not only boost your interview performance but also set you up for long-term success in consulting.

Let's Move On With the Next Articles:

Presentation and Communication

Consulting Skills & Preparation

The majority and the most obvious part of preparation is, of course, the substantive preparation for your case interview. However, you also need to present what you have learned in a way that gives your interviewer an impression of your personality and character. This means that you must appear confidentand communicate clearly and precisely. The best preparation is useless if you come across as closed-off and insecure. As a consultant, you must always appear trustworthy and confident when interacting with clients to be taken seriously and to enable you and your team to work in a solution-oriented manner. This is already tested in the case interview – albeit indirectly ;)

To the article

General Knowledge

Consulting Skills & Preparation

In case interviews, having solid general knowledge can make a big difference, especially in market sizing questions. Knowing basic facts about regions, population sizes, and economic indicators helps you build stronger arguments. It’s not just about the analysis itself but also about showing interviewers that you understand global trends and can quickly process key information — an important skill in consulting. In a case interview, quick and accurate estimates are essential. For example, if you're asked to evaluate the potential market for a product in a specific country, having solid data — like the population size — is crucial. Without this information, it can be challenging to make a meaningful calculation. In addition to national market data, it's important to know about key global markets. Being familiar with major economic regions like the U.S., China, and the EU is valuable because large consulting firms such as McKinsey and BCG operate extensively in these areas. A solid understanding of these regions shows that you can think about global factors and helps you stand out from other candidates. What Your Knowledge of Population, Economy & Geography Says About You Having strong general knowledge in specific areas not only shows that you are well-prepared, but also that you can quickly understand economic relationships—a crucial skill in consulting. When you have information like population sizes or a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at your fingertips, you can quickly verify assumptions and make informed decisions, which is exactly what case interviews expect. Additionally, your knowledge of these topics demonstrates a genuine interest in world affairs and your ability to recognize and understand global trends. This insight is vital for evaluating how political, economic, and social changes affect businesses. It also highlights your capability to absorb and use complex data effectively. Population Country/Region Population (approx.) Worldwide 8.05 billion China 1.426 billion India 1.419 billion Europe (EU states) 450 million USA 335 million Indonesia 277 million Brazil 203 million Russia 143 million Japan 124 million Germany 83 million UK 68 million GDP Forecast in USD for 2024 Country/Region GDP 2024 (approx. in trillions USD) Worldwide 105 trillion USD USA 25 trillion USD China 18 trillion USD Japan 4.3 trillion USD Germany 4.5 trillion USD France 3.0 trillion USD UK 3.1 trillion USD India 3.9 trillion USD Italy 2.2 trillion USD Brazil 2.1 trillion USD Canada 2.2 trillion USD Key Data to Know for Your Case Interview In case interviews, making quick and accurate estimates is key. A good grasp of units, along with basic fraction and percentage calculations, is essential for working efficiently. Additionally, being comfortable with time units is important for making rough estimates and calculations. The table of larger and smaller time units below provides a handy overview of commonly needed values. These fundamental skills help you tackle tasks confidently and quickly. Overview of Time Conversions: Days, Weeks and Hours Larger Units Smaller Units Days/Year 365 days (In leap years: 366 days) Days/3 Years 1,095 days Days/4 Years 1,461 days (including 1 leap year) Weeks/Year 52 weeks Hours/Week 168 hours Seconds/Hour 3,600 seconds Conversion of Fractions to Percentages and Decimal Values Fraction Percentage Decimal 1/5 20% 0.20 1/6 16.67% 0.1667 1/7 14.29% 0.1429 1/8 12.5% 0.125 1/9 11.11% 0.1111 1/10 10% 0.10 1/11 9.09% 0.0909 1/12 8.33% 0.0833 1/13 7.69% 0.0769 1/14 7.14% 0.0714 1/15 6.67% 0.0667 1/16 6.25% 0.0625 1/17 5.88% 0.0588 1/18 5.56% 0.0556 1/19 5.26% 0.0526 1/20 5% 0.05 Remember, it’s not enough to just memorize these numbers—you also need to be able to calculate with them effectively! Use our Mental Math Tool to specifically train your math skills and prepare for your next interview.

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Preparation Plan

Consulting Skills & Preparation

Preparing for a case interview can feel overwhelming, but having a structured plan will help you stay focused and make steady progress. A well-organized approach ensures you build a strong foundation, practice effectively, and refine your skills before the big day. In this guide, we will walk you through the key components of an effective practice plan, including self-study, peer practice, and working with a coach. Let’s go!

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