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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.

Table of contents

What Are the Key Advantages of Practicing With a Coach?

Personalized Feedback

Realistic Simulation

Insider Knowledge

Structured Approach

Time Efficiency

Confidence Boost

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

🚀 Flexibility and Convenience

📅 Workshops and Online Events

How to Find the Perfect Coach to Suit Your Needs

What Makes a Good Coach?

Final Thoughts on Working With a Coach

What Are the 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:

Filtering: Begin by filtering the coaches based on your most important criteria, such as price per coaching session, or employer.
Selection: Choose up to 10 coaches whose profiles, ratings, Q&A contributions, and PrepLounge awards you wish to explore further.
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

1,706 Reviews

English, Italian, Spanish

United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)

To Coach

Francesco

Consulting

#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

To Coach

Hagen

1,134 Reviews

English, German

Germany (UTC +1)

To Coach

Hagen

Consulting

Premium + Coaching

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

41,605 Q&A Upvotes

192 Awards

USD 329 / hour

To Coach

Florian

634 Reviews

English, German

Austria (UTC +1)

To Coach

Florian

Consulting

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

To Coach

Cristian

368 Reviews

English

Germany (UTC +1)

To Coach

Cristian

Consulting

Most awarded coach | Ex-McKinsey | Verifiable 88% offer rate (annual report) | First-principles cases + PEI storylining

English

Germany (UTC +1)

USD 379 / hour

1,040 Coachings

54,761 Q&A Upvotes

223 Awards

USD 379 / hour

To Coach

Casper

207 Reviews

English, Polish

Philippines (UTC +8)

To Coach

Casper

Consulting

Premium + Coaching

English, Polish

Philippines (UTC +8)

USD 179 / hour

1,087 Coachings

8 Q&A Upvotes

66 Awards

USD 179 / hour

To Coach

Agrim

67 Reviews

English

United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)

To Coach

Agrim

Consulting

Finance

English

United Arab Emirates (UTC +4)

USD 329 / hour

526 Coachings

7,205 Q&A Upvotes

141 Awards

USD 329 / hour

To Coach

Alberto

77 Reviews

English, Spanish

Spain (UTC +1)

To Coach

Alberto

Consulting

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

To Coach

Alessandro

4 Reviews

English, Indonesian, Italian

Indonesia (UTC +7)

To Coach

Alessandro

Consulting

Premium + Coaching

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

1,074 Q&A Upvotes

2 Awards

USD 159 / hour

To Coach

Melike

3 Reviews

English, German

Germany (UTC +1)

To Coach

Melike

Consulting

Premium + Coaching

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

455 Q&A Upvotes

2 Awards

USD 149 / hour

To Coach

Robert

2 Reviews

English, German

Germany (UTC +1)

To Coach

Robert

Consulting

Ex-McKinsey | Ex-(Junior) Engagement Manager | Recruiting Erfahrung bei McKinsey Digital

English, German

Germany (UTC +1)

USD 169 / hour

3 Coachings

0 Q&A Upvotes

0 Awards

USD 169 / hour

To Coach

Browse Through the Coaching Packages

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

USD 1,795

USD 1,689

Add to cart More information

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

USD 2,499

USD 1,849

Add to cart More information

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

USD 1,478

USD 1,185

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Find Interesting Insights From Coaches in the Q&A

Is this the only way?

2 hrs

200+

Best answer by

Kevin

You are absolutely not alone in this feeling, and I am sorry you are going through such a tough time. It takes courage and clarity to realize this quickly—that immediate visceral reaction is your best internal compass. The pressure you feel is real, but it is external, and it is manageable. Here is the strategic reality regarding your career timeline: The damage from leaving now is minimal, provided you handle the narrative correctly and quickly pivot into a better fit. A few months is easily digestible for most future employers. The recruiting machine looks for long-term trends, not micro-stints. Frankly, burning out over the next 12 to 18 months just to hit some arbitrary external minimum tenure would do far more long-term harm to your health, your performance reviews, and your network than pivoting now. Your priority must be your mental health and developing a transition plan immediately. When you interview for the next role, you do not lead with anxiety or "I hated the travel." Instead, frame it as a strategic realization: you gained incredible insight into high-level problem-solving but discovered you were ready to focus on depth in a specific functional area (e.g., Product Strategy, Corp Dev) or industry where you could directly drive execution, which wasn't available in the generalist model. If the tenure is extremely short (under four months), some candidates even strategically omit the role entirely, though that depends on how major of a gap it creates on your CV. Get out, prioritize your well-being, and treat this period as an expensive but quick learning experience. You have the brand name on your CV already—now go build tenure somewhere that doesn't cost you your sanity. All the best with your next steps.

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How to request internal transfer?

2 hrs

< 100

Best answer by

Evelina

Hi there, This is more common than it feels, especially in umbrella firms, and starting the conversation early is reasonable. The key is to frame this as exploration, not a request to move now. When you reach out to HR: Say you’re settling in well and are early in your role Explain that you’ve learned about an adjacent group that aligns closely with your long-term interests Ask about the process and timing for internal mobility rather than approval Keep the tone neutral and forward-looking. HR conversations are usually confidential by default, and it’s fine to say you’d like to keep this discussion confidential while you understand how things work. What to avoid for now: Don’t involve your current manager yet Don’t criticize your current team Don’t ask for an immediate transfer HR will guide you on typical tenure, performance expectations, and when your current team would need to be involved. If you’d like, I can help you draft a short message to HR that strikes the right tone.Best, Evelina

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1 month to prep for McKinsey Interview Private Capital

2 hrs

< 100

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

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Revolut Operations Manager interview insights

2 hrs

< 100

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

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Milan Consulting Hiring Trends - Post-MBA Recruitment

2 hrs

< 100

Best answer by

Ashwin

Milan is an interesting market. It is one of the stronger consulting hubs in Southern Europe but it operates very differently from London, Dubai, or the major US offices. The talent pool is smaller, the client base is more regional, and hiring tends to be more relationship driven than in bigger markets. Here is what I see in practice. MBB offices in Milan do hire post-MBA candidates but the volume is significantly lower than what you would see in London or Paris. McKinsey Italy tends to be the most active of the three, followed by BCG which has a strong Italian presence historically. Bain Milan hires too but in smaller numbers. The important thing to understand is that these offices often have a strong preference for candidates with Italian language skills and ideally some connection to the Italian market. If you don't speak Italian fluently, that is a real barrier for Milan specifically, even at MBB. Clients in Italy, especially in the mid-market and family business space which is a huge part of the Italian economy, often operate in Italian. For Tier 2 firms, Strategy& and Roland Berger have a solid presence in Milan. Roland Berger in particular is strong in Italy and Germany, so worth looking at seriously. EY-Parthenon and Accenture Strategy are active too but their post-MBA hiring tends to be less structured than MBB. It is more about timing and open roles than a formal recruiting cycle. Here is what people from INSEAD often get wrong about Milan. They treat it as a backup to London. It is not. Milan has its own dynamics, its own client relationships, and its own hiring preferences. If you genuinely want Milan, you need to show that clearly in your applications and networking. Why Italy, why Milan specifically, what is your connection to the market. Firms get a lot of applicants who list Milan as their second or third choice and they can tell. My practical advice. Network directly with INSEAD alumni in Milan offices. INSEAD has a decent Italian alumni base and that is your strongest channel. A warm introduction from an alumnus inside McKinsey Milan or BCG Milan is worth more than any online application. Reach out now, not after the cycle starts. Have coffee chats, understand what each office is working on, and make sure the right people know your name before you formally apply. Also, don't limit yourself to just the branded strategy firms. The Italian market has some strong local players and advisory boutiques that do very interesting work, especially in luxury, manufacturing, and family business transformation. These won't have the same brand on your CV but the experience and network you build can be excellent.

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BCG Re-application Strategy: Referral Link vs. Direct Recruiter Email? (2 previous rejections)

2 hrs

< 100

Best answer by

Evelina

Hi there, Good question — this is a common situation, and there is a meaningful tactical difference in how you re-apply. Short answer: yes, a direct, human referral via email to a recruiter is generally more effective than using a standard referral link in your situation. Here’s why: Referral link vs. direct recruiter email A standard referral link still goes through the ATS. It helps, but your application can still be grouped with prior attempts and screened the usual way. A consultant emailing your CV directly to the recruiter (or Platinion recruiting lead) almost always triggers a manual review, especially for experienced-hire roles. It doesn’t “override” ATS rules formally, but in practice it gets eyes on your profile. Previous rejections Having applied before is not a blocker, especially with a ~1-year gap and additional experience. What matters is whether your profile has materially evolved. In your case, moving deeper into ERP transformation at a Fortune 200 company is a legitimate step-change. Recruiters are much more receptive when a consultant can say, “This candidate has grown since their last application — worth a look.” What works best in practice Ask the consultant to send a short, targeted email to the recruiter explaining why now (e.g., increased scope, leadership, ERP modernization scale). Then apply through the portal only if the recruiter asks you to — don’t do both simultaneously unless directed. Has this worked for others?Yes. Many experienced hires who were previously rejected successfully re-entered the process this way, particularly in specialist tracks like BCG Platinion, where recruiters rely more on internal signal than raw ATS filters. Best, Evelina

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Who are the main competitors of company X?

4 hrs

4.2k

Best answer by

Daniel

This question can be two-fold: Competitors of consulting company you are interviewing for – then just name them, you probably applied for all of them anyway ;) Competitors of any company they name – this question is for sure not asked in MBB, but can be asked in Tier 2-3, so to prepare for that question: Make a list of the industries they work in Identify biggest companies in your region in those industries – this way you will already know the names once you go into that interview Hope this helps! Best, Daniil

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What's the most efficient way to practice mental math for case interviews while working full-time?

12 hrs

< 100

Best answer by

Alessandro

the mistake is thinking mental math requires “study time.” It doesn’t. It requires reps, and those reps fit naturally into dead time during the day. The most efficient approach is to turn mental math into a habit. On the subway, in the car, walking, or waiting for a coffee. Do short calculations in your head. Do not use phone/calculators anymore. Focus on a very small set of operations that dominate case interviews:percentages, ratios, growth, quick multiplication and division, and rough estimation. During your commute, mentally solve 10–20 quick problems: “What’s 18% of 250?”, “What’s 1.3 × 240?”, “If revenue grows 15% twice, what’s the rough total growth?” Say the steps in your head or out loud if you can. This mimics interview conditions. Two rules make this effective. First, round aggressively unless told otherwise. Second, verbalize the structure before the math. Speed without structure doesn’t help in interviews.

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Tips for first-year consultants at MBB? What I wish I knew before starting

12 hrs

< 100

Best answer by

Alessandro

loved this question as it made me reflect. TLDR-Your performance is constrained by energy, people, and politics more than raw problem-solving ability. Manage your energy aggressively.This job is a marathon of intensity, not a test of heroics. Protect sleep as much as you can. If something can be postponed and buying 30 extra minutes of sleep is an option, take the sleep. The ROI of a well-rested brain is higher than a half-done task delivered while exhausted. You’ll think clearer, make fewer mistakes, and actually move faster the next day. Network internally from day one.Staffing is a constant motion problem. You are effectively re-interviewing for your next role every few months. Build relationships with EMs, PLs, and partners before you need them. Be visible, be reliable, and follow up. Good staffing doesn’t happen by accident. People matter more than topic or industry.A great project with a toxic partner or EM will drain you faster than a “boring” topic with good leadership. If you experience consistent toxicity, disengage early and don’t go back. People rarely change at senior levels. Protect your long-term trajectory, not just the current case. The client’s perception of you matters more than you think.Clients talk to senior leadership. Make sure they like working with you, trust you, and see you as dependable. If a client has a private agenda or behaves in a toxic way, raise it early with your leadership. Letting it fester will hurt you, not them. Learn to manage upward early.Don’t wait for feedback cycles. Clarify expectations weekly. Ask what “great” looks like for your EM or partner, then deliver exactly that. Most underperformance at MBB is expectation mismatch, not capability. Bias for clarity over perfection.Clear, well-structured thinking beats over-polished work every time. Senior people value judgment and signal, not decorative slides. When in doubt, simplify. Build a reputation for one thing first.In your first year, don’t try to be good at everything. Be known for something: rock-solid analysis, calm under pressure, client communication, or reliability. Generalists emerge later. Take care of your body.Exercise, sunlight, basic nutrition. This isn’t wellness talk; it’s performance hygiene. The job punishes neglect fast.

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