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Practice with Coaches

When preparing for a case interview, especially under time constraints, working with an experienced coach can significantly enhance your chances of success.

💡 Pro Tip: PrepLounge offers access to over 800 (former) management consultants from top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, who are ready to help you perfect your interview technique.

What Are the Key Advantages of Practicing With a Coach?

Key Advantages of Practicing With a Coach

Personalized Feedback

One of the primary benefits of working with a case coach is receiving tailored feedback. Unlike general preparation methods, a coach can pinpoint your specific weaknesses and provide actionable advice to improve. This personalized approach ensures that your preparation is efficient and targeted, addressing your unique needs and challenges.

Realistic Simulation

Practicing with a coach allows you to experience a realistic interview setting. Coaches who have conducted numerous case interviews can replicate the pressure and dynamics of a real interview, helping you become more comfortable and confident. This experience is invaluable, as it prepares you to handle the stress and spontaneity of actual interviews.

Insider Knowledge

Experienced coaches often come from prestigious consulting backgrounds themselves. Their insider knowledge about what top firms are looking for can give you a significant edge. They can share insights about the interview process, common pitfalls, and the specific attributes that firms value, ensuring that you are well-prepared to meet these expectations.

Structured Approach

A coach can help you develop a structured approach to solving case problems. This structured thinking is crucial in case interviews, where clear, logical, and well-organized answers are highly valued. Coaches can teach you frameworks and methodologies that streamline your problem-solving process, making your responses more coherent and compelling.

Time Efficiency

For candidates with limited preparation time, coaching is a highly efficient way to get ready. Coaches can quickly identify areas that need improvement, helping you focus your efforts where they are most needed. This targeted preparation can save you time and help you progress faster than you would on your own.

Confidence Boost

Confidence plays a crucial role in interview performance. Regular practice with a coach can boost your confidence by familiarizing you with the interview format and helping you refine your answers. Knowing that you have prepared thoroughly with expert guidance can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your overall performance.

 

How PrepLounge Optimally Supports You With a Wide Range of Coaching Options

🚀 Flexibility and Convenience

PrepLounge offers a variety of coaching options to fit your needs and preferences. You can choose from individual sessions, CV reviews, or comprehensive coaching packages that include multiple sessions or focus on specific topics. Additionally, there are programs available that combine a premium membership with coaching credits, providing a cost-effective way to access top-notch coaching services.

📅 Workshops and Online Events

PrepLounge also regularly hosts workshops and online events led by experienced coaches. These sessions cover a range of topics and provide opportunities for interactive learning and direct feedback. Participating in these events can further enhance your preparation and keep you updated on the latest trends and techniques in case interviews.

 

How to Find the Perfect Coach to Suit Your Needs

To find the perfect coach for your case interview preparation, you can proceed in three steps within the coach overview:

How to Find the Perfect Coach to Suit Your Needs
  1. Filtering: Begin by filtering the coaches based on your most important criteria, such as price per coaching session, or employer.
  2. Selection: Choose up to 10 coaches whose profiles, ratings, Q&A contributions, and PrepLounge awards you wish to explore further.
  3. Contacting: Reach out to 2-3 coaches to address any potential questions or concerns about their coaching approach. Feel free to ask if they offer a free intro call.

 

What Makes a Good Coach?

Good coaches are characterized by the following features:

  • Customization: they tailor the coaching to your specific needs.
  • Good rapport: They make you feel comfortable and work well with them.
  • Transparency: They offer you full transparency about the coaching process on PrepLounge.

 

Final Thoughts on Working With a Coach

Practicing with a coach is a strategic investment in your case interview preparation. The personalized feedback, realistic simulation, insider knowledge, and confidence boost that coaches provide can make a significant difference in your performance. With the expert guidance available on PrepLounge, you can ensure that you are thoroughly prepared and ready to excel in your case interviews.

By leveraging the expertise of experienced case coaches and taking advantage of the diverse coaching options and events available on PrepLounge, you can maximize your preparation efficiency, build your confidence, and increase your chances of securing a position at a top consulting firm.

 

Take a Look at Our Coaches

Francesco
Francesco
1,706 Reviews
English, Italian, Spanish
United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)
Francesco
Consulting
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
English, Italian, Spanish
United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)
USD 999 / hour
4,715 Coachings
59,368 Q&A Upvotes
483 Awards
USD 999 / hour
Hagen
Hagen
1,136 Reviews
English, German
Germany (UTC +1)
Hagen
Consulting
Premium + Coaching
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
English, German
Germany (UTC +1)
USD 329 / hour
1,437 Coachings
41,606 Q&A Upvotes
192 Awards
USD 329 / hour
Cristian
Cristian
368 Reviews
English
Germany (UTC +1)
Cristian
Consulting
Most awarded coach | Ex-McKinsey | Verifiable 88% offer rate (annual report) | First-principles cases + PEI storylining
Most awarded coach | Ex-McKinsey | Verifiable 88% offer rate (annual report) | First-principles cases + PEI storylining
English
Germany (UTC +1)
USD 379 / hour
1,041 Coachings
54,840 Q&A Upvotes
223 Awards
USD 379 / hour
Florian
Florian
634 Reviews
English, German
Austria (UTC +1)
Florian
Consulting
1500 5-star reviews across platforms | 700+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
1500 5-star reviews across platforms | 700+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
English, German
Austria (UTC +1)
USD 399 / hour
1,420 Coachings
40,181 Q&A Upvotes
195 Awards
USD 399 / hour
Casper
Casper
207 Reviews
English, Polish
Philippines (UTC +8)
Casper
Consulting
Premium + Coaching
1st session: -50% | Ex-Bain, Big 4 Recruiter | 12 yrs coaching | Great Price/Value | Free Intro Calls | Written Cases
1st session: -50% | Ex-Bain, Big 4 Recruiter | 12 yrs coaching | Great Price/Value | Free Intro Calls | Written Cases
English, Polish
Philippines (UTC +8)
USD 179 / hour
1,087 Coachings
8 Q&A Upvotes
66 Awards
USD 179 / hour
Agrim
Agrim
67 Reviews
English
United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)
Agrim
Consulting
Finance
ELITE Prep | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Top Coach | 3hrs Case Mastery | 10y+ Consulting | Free Counselling
ELITE Prep | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Top Coach | 3hrs Case Mastery | 10y+ Consulting | Free Counselling
English
United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)
USD 329 / hour
526 Coachings
7,205 Q&A Upvotes
141 Awards
USD 329 / hour
Alberto
Alberto
77 Reviews
English, Spanish
Spain (UTC +1)
Alberto
Consulting
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers
English, Spanish
Spain (UTC +1)
USD 699 / hour
306 Coachings
11,425 Q&A Upvotes
89 Awards
USD 699 / hour
Alessandro
Alessandro
4 Reviews
English, Indonesian, Italian
Indonesia (UTC +7)
Alessandro
Consulting
Premium + Coaching
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
English, Indonesian, Italian
Indonesia (UTC +7)
USD 159 / hour
5 Coachings
1,121 Q&A Upvotes
2 Awards
USD 159 / hour
Melike
Melike
3 Reviews
English, German
Germany (UTC +1)
Melike
Consulting
Premium + Coaching
50% discount on 1st session | Ex-McKinsey | Break into MBB | Approaching interviews with clarity & confidence
50% discount on 1st session | Ex-McKinsey | Break into MBB | Approaching interviews with clarity & confidence
English, German
Germany (UTC +1)
USD 149 / hour
4 Coachings
462 Q&A Upvotes
2 Awards
USD 149 / hour
Elena
Elena
1 Review
English, German
Germany (UTC +1)
Elena
Consulting
BCG Consultant | Several years of case prep experience | Free 1st Intro Call |
BCG Consultant | Several years of case prep experience | Free 1st Intro Call |
English, German
Germany (UTC +1)
USD 149 / hour
3 Coachings
0 Q&A Upvotes
0 Awards
USD 149 / hour

Browse Through the Coaching Packages

Path to Consulting Package
Path to Consulting Package
27 Reviews
5 tailored sessions
Personal fit & case mastery
First principles thinking
5 tailored sessions
Personal fit & case mastery
First principles thinking
The 1% Case Method
The 1% Case Method
62 Reviews
Intuitive Case and Fit Mastery
Unparalleled Offer Rates
$1,877 Bonus Practice Materials
Intuitive Case and Fit Mastery
Unparalleled Offer Rates
$1,877 Bonus Practice Materials
Prepped and Primed 3
Prepped and Primed 3
31 Reviews
3 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
Fully tailored and customized
100+ video course included
3 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
Fully tailored and customized
100+ video course included

Find Interesting Insights From Coaches in the Q&A

If you discover product defects on a day off, would you call the boss?
1 hr
4.2k
49
Profile picture of Oleksandr (Alex)
Best answer by
Oleksandr (Alex)
Hello, This is type of questions which distincts people with a good ownership skills. In principle, depends on the criticallity of the situation, you shall try to solve it with all and every manner and tools by yourself, unless the potential negative impact from the delay (during which you will try to change anything) is much larger than the implicit value from your actions. For example, if your product's defect is minor or if you may stop the line w/o large issue on the client's side or penalty on your side - pls make the fixting or replacement. However, if your product is time-sensitive, clients need it urgently, delay will cause your company significant amount of money or you can't fix it - then you need to get your boss involved. What your boss may potentially do (and what you may potentially be willing to do)? Well, sometimes it's better approach your boss, because he/she has more responsibilities, broader vision of the context, etc. But the real ownership quality is shown when (for any reason) there is no boss above? Then you may consider the following: * Inform the client about it and ask his advice on the situation to understand urgency, propose him discount, product substitution, extra services, etc. * Buy the same/similar product at your own cost from 3rd party supplier and deliver it to the client w/o him being aware of your problems * Inform the client about the delay, and promise him to deliver it with no cost for him. Thus you will definitely discover what you shall be doing in order to avoid such collapses in the future. Hope this helps,
View Q&A
Who do you need as your 'right hand'?
1 hr
3.7k
19
Profile picture of Rakan
Best answer by
Rakan
Good question. I always state, prior to responding, that personal fit questions are more important to the applicant than to the firm. One must always be genuine with their answers because it's critical that you work at a firm that is aligned with your own values, work style, approach to teamwork, and standards. Personally, I would want a right hand that challenges me: (a) to think more logically and with more depth (b) to see different perspectives (c) to complement my skillsets. At the same time, I would like a person that's very positive and has an attitude of 'everything is achievable and possible' yet in a pragmatic way. Not a dreamer, but a person with a positive attitude that does not fear creative ideas. Rakan
View Q&A
insights reading
4 hrs
< 100
6
Profile picture of Alessandro
Best answer by
Alessandro
What works for me in interviews: First, anchor on the question.Before looking at numbers, be clear what you are solving for (profit, growth, root cause). Otherwise you just talk and do not answer anything. Then scan the basics fast.Title, axes, units, timeframe, legend. 10 seconds. This avoids stupid mistakes. Start with the big pattern.Do not go bar by bar. Look for what really moves the result: biggest driver, clear trend, outliers.Open with a top line like: “Overall, performance is down, mainly driven by APAC.” Use rough numbers only.Interviewers do not care about precision. They care about direction and scale.“Down ~20%, most of the drop from one region.” Always add the “so what”.Describing the chart is not enough. You need to link it to the case.“APAC is the problem, so the issue is likely local demand or pricing, not the global product.” End by pushing the case forward.Say what you would look at next.“This suggests I should split volume vs price in APAC next.”
View Q&A
Post Final Round with T2
4 hrs
< 100
3
Profile picture of Alessandro
Best answer by
Alessandro
Totally fair and normal for you to follow up. How to do it well: Be factual and calm Do not frame it as pressure or an ultimatum Be explicit that the T2 firm is your first choice Suggested structure: Thank them Mention competing offer and deadline State clearly that they are your top choice Ask about expected timing or alignment Template u could use Hi ... Thanks again for the final round earlier this week. I wanted to share a quick update: I’ve received another offer with a response deadline of ... Your firm is my clear first choice, so I wanted to check whether you have visibility on the decision timeline or if it might be possible to align decisions. If they are a yes, this often accelerates things. If they are still debating, they will usually tell you transparently. Either way, you lose nothing by reaching out.
View Q&A
1 month to prep for McKinsey Interview Private Capital
6 hrs
< 100
5
Profile picture of Evelina
Best answer by
Evelina
Hi there, With one month and no prior casing experience, the key is to keep your prep focused and structured, not to try to cover everything. Here’s a practical way to approach it for a McKinsey Private Capital BA interview: Week 1: Foundations Learn the McKinsey interviewer-led case format (how cases flow, what interviewers expect) Understand basic case structures (profitability, market entry, investment decision) Start light mental math and exhibit reading drills Watch 1–2 example McKinsey-style cases to understand pacing Week 2: Core case skills Start doing live cases (at least 3–4 this week) Focus on structuring clearly, explaining logic out loud, and synthesizing Don’t worry about speed yet — clarity matters more Begin adapting your REPE mindset to cases (returns, value creation, risks) Week 3: Private Capital focus Practice PE-style cases: commercial due diligence, market attractiveness, growth levers, cost/value creation Get comfortable discussing investment logic, risks, and feasibility Improve exhibit interpretation and quick math Refine your PEI stories (leadership, conflict, drive) Week 4: Polish Fewer cases, higher quality (mock interviews if possible) Focus on synthesis, top-down recommendations, and confidence Practice handling ambiguity calmly Your REPE background is a real advantage for Private Capital — you already think in terms of value, risk, and returns. The main thing you need to build is case interview mechanics and communication, not business intuition. If useful, I can help you map this into a week-by-week plan or do a fast-track mock to get you oriented quickly. Best,Evelina
View Q&A
Revolut Operations Manager interview insights
8 hrs
< 100
5
Profile picture of Evelina
Best answer by
Evelina
Hi Neha,Revolut’s problem-solving interview is closer to an MBB-style case, but with a much stronger operational and ownership lens.What they’re really testing across the three dimensions:1) Problem solvingYou’ll still need clear structure and logic, but expect the problem to be more practical and execution-oriented. Focus on breaking the problem down cleanly, prioritizing what matters most, and working comfortably with numbers and trade-offs. Perfect frameworks matter less than showing good judgment.2) CreativityThis isn’t about “crazy ideas,” but about generating thoughtful, non-obvious options. Show that you can think beyond the first obvious solution, consider different levers, and adapt if constraints change. Being flexible in your thinking is key.3) Independence / ownershipThis is where it differs most from consulting. Revolut wants to see that you can take initiative, make decisions with incomplete information, and move things forward without constant guidance. Be decisive, explain your assumptions, and don’t wait for permission to act.How to prepare: Use MBB-style cases as a base, but always ask yourself “how would I actually execute this?” Practice driving to a recommendation quickly, then discussing implementation risks and next steps Get comfortable taking a clear stance and defending it Avoid over-structuring or waiting for prompts — show ownershipIf you approach it like a real business problem where you’re accountable for the outcome, rather than a textbook case, you’ll be well aligned with what Revolut is looking for.For further guidance / practice of real-feel Revolut cases feel free to reach out :)Best,Evelina
View Q&A
BCG ASPIRE gamified assessment - what to expect?
9 hrs
< 100
2
Profile picture of Cristian
Best answer by
Cristian
This format is just emerging now and there isn't a lot of reliable information about it.  I also don't want to tell you the same things that you've probably already read on blogs from consulting platforms.  My advice instead would be that you reach out to the recruiter and you try to squeeze more details from them. They tend to be quite helpful. Ask if they can guide you towards similar materials you could practice on. Tell them that you want to ensure you are as prepared as possible because it's such an important opportunity for you.  Best,Cristian
View Q&A
First step at BCG
9 hrs
< 100
3
Profile picture of Evelina
Best answer by
Evelina
Hi there, Happy to clarify — this first BCG step can feel confusing if you haven’t seen it before. What does the task look like?For the first case assessment, you are usually alone, not speaking to a live interviewer. There is no virtual person reacting to you in real time. It’s a structured online case or assessment where you work through prompts, questions, and exhibits on your own within a fixed time window. Do you speak or type? Can you write notes?You’re typically expected to type your answers, not speak on video. You can absolutely use pen and paper or a notebook to structure your thoughts, do calculations, or sketch frameworks — that’s encouraged. Just make sure your final answers are clearly reflected in what you submit on screen. How to prepare effectivelyThe biggest tips are: Practice clear, structured written answers, not just verbal casing Get comfortable interpreting exhibits quickly and drawing 1–2 key insights Keep answers concise and top-down — don’t try to explain everything Manage time carefully; it’s easy to overinvest in one question Think like a consultant: clarify the objective, prioritize, then answer This is less about perfection and more about showing structured thinking under time pressure. What recent candidates experiencePeople often say the hardest part is pacing and resisting the urge to overthink. Those who do well tend to keep calm, stick to simple logic, and focus on answering the exact question asked rather than trying to impress. If you want, I can also help you map out a short, focused prep plan for this first step so you don’t burn out before the live interviews.Best, Evelina
View Q&A
Breaking the into MBB with PhD in Industry with >5 year experience
9 hrs
< 100
4
Profile picture of Margot
Best answer by
Margot
Hi there, This is a very realistic pivot, but the path matters a lot at your experience level. With 6+ years in big pharma research, AI/ML exposure, and a PhD, you are not too junior for consulting, but you are too senior for the classic “fresh PhD” Advanced Degree intake. That intake is optimized for recent graduates, not industry seniors. Here are the most viable routes, in order of practicality: 1. Target life sciences specialist roles firstAt MBB and firms like L.E.K. Consulting, your strongest entry point is Life Sciences Specialist, Expert, or Knowledge roles that sit close to case teams. These roles value deep therapeutic, R&amp;D, and pipeline expertise and often allow transition into generalist consulting later if performance is strong. This is the cleanest way to leverage your pharma depth without being down-leveled too aggressively. 2. Experienced-hire consulting roles at boutiquesLife science focused firms like L.E.K. are structurally better at absorbing senior industry profiles into true consulting roles. Compared to McKinsey &amp; Company, Boston Consulting Group, or Bain &amp; Company, boutiques are more flexible on title, case mix, and ramp-up. If your goal is hands-on strategy work quickly, this path often dominates MBB in the first 2–3 years. 3. EMBA as a repositioning tool, not a requirementAn EMBA like the one at Berkeley Haas School of Business can help, but only if used deliberately. It will not automatically unlock MBB consulting roles. Its real value is:• Structured networking with consulting partners• On-campus access to experienced-hire pipelines• Reframing you from “senior scientist” to “commercial strategy leader” If you do an EMBA, you must start networking with consulting firms from month one, not wait until graduation. 4. How to position your profileYour pitch should not be “scientist learning consulting.” It should be:• Translating R&amp;D and AI insights into portfolio strategy• Advising leadership on pipeline prioritization and investment decisions• Bridging science and commercial decision making This framing matters more than your degrees at this stage.
View Q&A

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