Hi there,
I want to be a management consultant. I read books and different ways to tackle the case study, but I cannot solve the case study on my own. Can someone please tell me how to tackle case studies without getting stuck?
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Hi there,
this is a loaded question and can only be answered generically here because I don't know where exactly your struggles lie.
Overall though, “getting stuck with case studies” can have various manifestations and underlying reasons such as
- not figuring out the right approach for a given problem
- overlooking relevant information
- misunderstanding (and not validating) the true objective of the case
- stumbling over repeated math errors
- communicating in a way that is not concise, structured or deliberate
- …
Everyone starting to practice solving cases will likely stumble across some or all of the above. But practice will be the remedy for you to get better at it.
In general, reading cases is a good introduction to the topic to develop and understanding of what a case is and what might be expected from a solution to that case. However, don't expect to improve by just reading cases. You have to try to solve them on your own to actually develop the necessary skills you will need for the interviews.
I would recommend for you to get together with a coach to assess your status quo. That way, you can get tangible and actionable feedback on what to improve specifically or do differently to prepare effectively.
Feel free to message me in case of further questions.
Best
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This is basically what this platform is all about.
I'd suggest you start with the material that was created by PrepLounge here - https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-interview-basics
Then go on Youtube and check a couple of case examples to see how this plays out in reality.
Then come back here to do live practice with candidates and get feedback from experts through coaching sessions.
Sharing with you a couple of info materials on the topics above:
- Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy
- Expert Guide: What Do Management Consultants Do?
- Expert Guide: The Must-Know Consulting Terms for Interviews
- Expert Guide: Mastering Structuring & Brainstorming
Best,
Cristian
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Hi there,
Q: Can someone please tell me how to tackle case studies without getting stuck?
I would recommend sharing where exactly you get stuck (structure, math, graph, conclusion, etc). In this way, we can provide better feedback.
For general tips, you can find some suggestions below:
▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview
Good luck!
Francesco
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Oh boy. Please get coaching. From what I can tell, there is a lot that's needed (basically: the problem of not knowing what you don't know).
Short of that, here's some reading to help you:
The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases
Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
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Hello,
It's great that you are taking ownership of your interview preparation.
I would suggest the following:
- Have a good and clear understanding of what you are being assessed on
- Develop a plan to build up the relevant skills and traits
- This should include live practice with a partner, as just reading by itself really does not simulate the conditions of the case interview
If you are unable to get yourself ‘unstuck’, then often the best way is to get an external perspective - this could be a friend or a coach.
Hope this helps!
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Hi there,
Where are you exactly having issues with?
Best,
Alberto
—
Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs
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