Hello, are full brainstorming cases common in MBB interviews? e.g. a client has a high inventory level and needs help to solve that problem.
instead of the usual profitability, market-entry, etc.. cases in which most of the cases online are about!
The answer is "Yes, but..."
When I interviewed at McKinsey, I would often use a case where part of it required interviewees to demonstrate creativity and conceptual thinking by coming up with a number of different ideas.
But it was never just "brainstorming." Instead:
In general, consultants don't love brainstorming. It gives the sense of being too unstructured.
Hope this helps. Happy to talk more over DM.
Allen
Tbh, I struggle a bit to see the difference. The question you describe above can lead into a deep discussion that is similarly complex that any other type of case. After an initial brainstorming, you then go down different branches of your framework and solve them separately. The approach and type of case would be exactly the same.
Keep in mind that even for a brainstorming, ideally you use a framework - written or not. For the question you describe above, I'd start with a split into two aspects: The supply side (you want to explore different options to manage incoming supply without suffocating suppliers you'll still need in the future), and the demand side (the measures you take to reduce inventory).
Hi Anonymous,
I completely agree with Hennning here. Even for the "brainstorming" cases, you will need to have a structure.
The question is - why might you find them brainstorming? Some call them "less structured" and consider them to be an integral part of the last round, but in fact, they still are cases that needed to be structured and solved comprehensively.
Do you need any further help?
GB
Hi, it can also be a sub part of a larger case
Best
Anto
Hi there,
I wouldn't say "common" but I would absolutely say you should prepare for them!
Be observant as to how they word the question, and whether it looks like they need you to go into full case mode. Furthermore, be prepared for brainstorming questions within a case.
Those headlines are common in 2nd round interview, but they are solved the same way as the 1st case "structured" cases.
Cheers!
Hi,
Yes it is common and really depends on the interviewer.
However, the principles and approach to the case will remain the same with the cases used in practice. You need good structure, communication, quant ability and ability to summarize.
Best,
Iman
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