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Beginner level in casing

Hello there!

I have always been interested in consulting and next year would like to move towards career change to it. I have read some of the books which were recommended in the Q&A, so my questions are about cases:

What is the right balance between theory and practice?

What types of cases do I better start with?

How much time does it usually take to move from the Beginner level to the Intermediate one?

Thanks in advance.

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Top answer
Gaurav
Coach
on Dec 29, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi, 

here is a good preplounge article on case solving:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/interview-first-aid/crack-the-case-interview/approaching-a-case

Start by studying this one but don't waste your time studying plain theory, because case solving is all about PRACTICE.

Here are some cases you might wanna check out:

For Beginner level:

Laundry Chain - Revenue Increase

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/beginner/laundry-chain-revenue-increase-215 

Launching Caskets in North Africa

https://www.preplounge.com/en/admin/cases.php?action=preview&id=225 

For Intermediate level:

Grain Co-operative – Brand Launch

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/grain-co-operative-brand-launch-217

Case with a twist: Chinese Alloy Wheels – US Market Entry

https://www.preplounge.com/en/admin/cases.php?action=preview&id=226 

I suggest you start with the intermediate level after you are confident with the beginner ones.

Hope it was helpful,

GB

on Dec 29, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

I'll try to give you some tips considering the three questions you asked.

1. The theory you should focus on is the knowledge that allows you to clearly understand what is going on in the main types of cases (P&L, market entry, etc.). I wouldn't make such a clear distinction between theory and practice: go back and forth from theory to practice to maximize the impact of each component on your performance.

2. Good market sizing cases are very useful to begin with. They tend to be highly analytical and allow you to improve your case structuring skills as well as your math skills of course. In addition, it is hard to get an offer from MBB without being able to do a market sizing well!

3. It really depends on your starting level, effort and time you devolve to case prep, people you prepare with, etc.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you want to explore how I can add value to your interview success.

Best,

Antonello

Ian
Coach
on Dec 30, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

These are all great questions!

My #1 piece of advice is to start early and get a slow but steady cadence going. This is definitely a marathon not a race!

What is the right balance between theory and practice?

I'd say 20/80. So theory at the start (20%) but then practice is extremely important

What types of cases do I better start with?

Easier, more logical, linear cases. Start simple then work your way up!

How much time does it usually take to move from the Beginner level to the Intermediate one?

I would say a number of weeks and probably ~10-15 cases (of course, this is in general)

Deleted
Coach
on Dec 31, 2020
Experienced strategy consultant

Hi,

  • I would suggest toward more practice and you will know which theory to pick up while you are practicing
  • I would say start with the typical market sizing, profitability type of case to give you a better foundation
  • It really depends on how much work you put in

Best,
iman

Clara
Coach
on Dec 31, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

To yor questions:

  1. Mostly practical, tbh
  2. Profitability is always the 1st step in this journey
  3. Depends a lot on your background, time that you have to practice, etc. However, you see a huge difference already when you have done 8-10 caess. 

Best, 

Clara

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