1st round RB, any examples of cases? how much difficult? Are the cases depending on the practice of the interviwer?

Question

Ian · Accepted Answer

Hi there,

The main thing I'd like to flag to you is try not to predict interviews. Rather, be prepared for and practice for anything! This way, you won't be caught off gaurd when you're suprised. Practice being surprised. Because you always will be.

Now, RB works in the following industries/functions, so make sure to be familiar with these areas in particular!



Good Casebooks/Resources in General

1) There's a HUGE list here (14 casebooks, scroll down to item #12):



https://www.firmsconsulting.com/quarterly/case-interview-examples/



2) Most of the coach-created cases are very good. Check out all of them here!



https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases?language=en&style[]=expert-case&sort=real-case-desc&page=1&perPage=20



https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-airline-business-during-covid-19-191



https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/cutting-carbs-divestiture-in-the-electrical-power-market-228



https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/hot-wheels-186



https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/yodaphone-195



3) I like the following MBA casebooks


	Ross - great firm overview, industry overview, key concepts, and the cases aren't bad (they also include proposed frameworks)
	Stern - EXCELLENT industry overview, cases not just good but really clear and easy to follow
	Columbia - awesome in late stages when looking to focus on certain areas. In their table of contents (and in header of each case), they lay out not just industry and case type, but firm (BCG, Bain, etc.), concepts tested (breakeven, brainstorming, etc.) AND difficulty across math, structure, and creativity

Francesco · Answer

Hi there,

1. Any examples of cases? 

Typical cases change according to the office, I would recommend you specify at least the country interesting for you. Having said that, it is risky to prepare only on “common cases” as there are no guarantees you may get a "common" one

2. How much difficult? 

Not sure how a scale of difficulty may help;) If your question is if it is easier to get into RB than MBB: not necessarily. Companies hire based on demand and supply. There are fewer people applying at RB, but given RB is smaller there may be fewer slots as well

3. Are the cases depending on the practice of the interviewer?

Possibly, but not necessarily.

For additional information please feel free to PM me, I have 40+ real questions asked at RB worldwide.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Clara · Answer

Hello!

You should cover the classics in your prep:


	1. Profitability cases- basic profitability framework.
	2. Idea generation cases: for any specif issue
	3. Growth cases: market penetration, new product launch, product mix change, etc.
	4. Pricing cases
	5. M&A cases
	6. Valuation cases
	7. Value chain cases


Given you are under this much time contraint, consider working with a coach to foster speed and ensure you have a tailored plan to be very targeted. PM me interested!

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Gaurav · Answer

Hello there!

It's quite hard to get a proper "example case" as there are dozens of them. And also studying examples will not help you to be successful during the interview - the important thing is to be ready for anything. So check out some case books, practice them, and master your skills in the RB-related areas. 

For any further questions - write to me!

GB

Dennis · Answer

Hi there,find below a few practice cases in a representative style from recent years that also deal with new business models, etc.https://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-ueblicher-stil/schwierig/business-strategy-home-delivery-solution-for-retailer-chain-332?lang=enhttps://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-ueblicher-stil/anfaenger/commercial-feasibility-of-natural-gas-pipeline-329?lang=enhttps://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-ueblicher-stil/anfaenger/options-evaluation-profitability-of-brewing-company-startup-327?lang=enhttps://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-ueblicher-stil/fortgeschritten/opportunity-assessment-alternative-revenue-streams-for-a-salt-mine-333?lang=enIn addition, there are many more expert cases here on PrepLounge that you can search and filter by topic.Best

Antonello · Answer

Hi, I can confirm the interview format will be the classical one, with the fit part + business case/market sizing

Best,
Antonello

Raj · Answer

I have coached many candidates successfully to offer at RB, and my advice would be don't try to guess what type of case you will receive, but prepare for all the major types.

It is obviously good to be aware of particular industry and functional strengths at RB, but don't assume the case will be based on this.

I would suggest preparing for typically candidate-led cases and getting comfortable digesting exhibits.

PM me for more info if applying to a European / ME office