Hello!

1. Are case interview books like Victor Cheng actually useful? Or is it the same as the contents that we see for example on this platform?

Although Cheng's book provides a good understanding of the case solving process, some concepts in the book are dated and overused (e.g. a Business Situation framework). It won't hurt to read it.

Case in Point - I suggest you skip it.

2. If not what books do you recommend for someone like me without MBA background to gain an understanding of business in general and improve for the interview?

Reading books is passive learning which is the least efficient method to learn anything. To progress quickly, I suggest you take an active learning approach (in the following order):

1. Getting coaching when you are a complete beginner to learn the basics;

2. After you've learned the basics, practice cases with peers to polish your case solving process and acquire understanding of a wide range of industries and problem types;

3. Before the interview, ask a few acting consultants to give you cases in a mock-interview format to assess your readiness.

Good luck!
Nick

(edited)

Hi there,

In general, simply reading has rapidly diminishing returns.

Books like Case in Point and casebooks are good for beginners. However, if you want to truly process to intermediate/advance, you need to very much move into live cases with peers and other practice (charts/exhibits, math, daily reading, etc.)

Here's some reading important reading for you:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/candidate-led-cases-what-to-expect-and-example-cases

1. Are case interview books like Victor Cheng actually useful? Or is it the same as the contents that we see for example on this platform?

USeful just for early stages. Mostly similar to what you'll see elsewhere.

Be careful though: Most online materials just teach the what.

A lot of my candidates come to me and have learned incorrectly because they have learned how to memorize but now how to think.

2. If not what books do you recommend for someone like me without MBA background to gain an understanding of business in general and improve for the interview?

All of them and none of them.

What matters most is your caser. Most cases are somewhat unrealistic and no case perfectly matches what will happen in the interview.

Rather, you need to get wide exposure to all types of case (both standard and nonstandard ones) and all types of interviewers.

Now, that said, these are ones that I particularly like

1. Columbia
   1. Cases by Firm
   2. Cases ranked by difficulty of Math, Structure, AND Creativity
2. Stern
   1. Cases by interviewer vs interviewee-led
   2. Ranked by difficulty
3. Haas
   1. Cases by interviewer vs interviewee-led
   2. Ranked by difficulty
4. Darden
   1. Cases by Firm
   2. Cases ranked by difficulty across quantitative, qualitative, and overall

Now, remember, much more important than just reading a "hard" McKinsey case or having a friend case you in it, is actually how you're cased. I can make the easiest case be your worst nightmare (as can any other coach). Make sure that, if you're really trying to get pushed hard and get prepared for the toughest cases, you're looking at hiring a coach...delivery is truly key here!

Hi there!

I used Victor Cheng when I was practicing and found it helpful at the time because I was a complete novice. 

Now I wouldn't really reocommend his book, mostly because it puts a misleadingly large emphasis on having a hypothesis right from the beginning. That doesn't really make sense in consulting and as a consequence doesn't even make sense during interviews. 

Still, it's worth a read. Now you can also use tools like chatGPT to give yourself a crash course into these books. 

Sharing with you a couple of guides to use as a crash course:

• Expert Guide: Mastering Structuring & Brainstorming
• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy
• Expert Guide: What Do Management Consultants Do? 
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn? 
• Expert Guide: The Must-Know Consulting Terms for Interviews

Aside from this, try the following cases which include detailed answers:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/element-mobile-expands-into-refurbished-phones-mbb-2nd-round-302

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/advanced/mbb-first-round-soy-technologies-303

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/mbb-second-round-codewave-employee-turnover-challenge-304

Best,
Cristian
 

Hi there,

Let me add some additional perspectives for a well-rounded preparation:

1. Comparative  analysis: while Victor Cheng provides foundational knowledge, remember that consulting interviews can evolve. Books like "Case in Point" and "Case Interview Secrets" serve as useful primers but shouldn't be the sole resources.
2. Dynamic vs. static learning: while books offer theoretical insights, platforms like PrepLounge enable interactive case practice, which is invaluable. Combine reading with mock interviews for a comprehensive approach.
3. Framework flexibility: avoid being overly dependent on preset frameworks detailed in books. The real consulting world values adaptability and unique problem-solving approaches.
4. Mindset  shift: moving from an academic or non-MBA professional mindset to a consulting one requires focusing on client-centric problem-solving, structured thinking, and effective communication, skills learned by practicing and not reading.
5. Self-assessment tools: Periodically gauge your preparation using assessment tools or quizzes. It'll help you understand where you stand and areas needing improvement.
6. Holistic preparation: Remember, interviews aren't just about case proficiency. Familiarize yourself with firm's recruiting processes and also prepare for the fit interview.

Best of luck with your preparations!

Alberto

Hi there,

I am happy to share my perspective.

1. Are case interview books like Victor Cheng actually useful? Or is it the same as the contents that we see for example on this platform?

You can of course read books like Case in Point and consult casebooks from target universities (available for free online). However, if you are short on time, a complete beginner and prefer a hands-on approach, I would take advantage of all the offerings available on PrepLounge (e.g., see the sections Case practice, coaching, resources, and consulting Q&A). 

2. If not what books do you recommend for someone like me without MBA background to gain an understanding of business in general and improve for the interview?

I also don't have an MBA, but found this book quite useful: https://www.amazon.com/Visual-MBA-Shortcut-World-Class-Education/dp/0241386683

I also completed several trainings and certifications on platforms such as edX, Coursera, Udemi and LinkedIn to get a better grasp of essential business and financial concepts that come in handy when casing.

I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck!

Best,

Margot

I think for someone with 0 information about casing any basic book like case in point is a good way to get an introduction to the case interview style and what to expect. They are a good start, but they are not enough to get you good enough for landing the job itself. For that you need extensive practice with peers who have experience with the interview process, alumni of MBB firms or coaches.

You can read  Victor Cheng's book (or watch the videos, although the video is more complete). It's a decent introductory book. It explains most of the consulting mindset and interview process well. Unfortunately, is quite subpar in terms of explaining how to structure, and tries to sell a kind-of “one size fits all” approach which is a road to failure. So you will need to learn how to structure in a different place, but as a started material is very good. 

Please avoid Case in Point at all costs.

Unfortunately a significant number of books were written by people who spent only a couple of years in consulting as analysts, and most of them never managed projects and have not even recruited themselves. This is a limitation, because they didn't really learn how to solve (real) cases properly.

Hi,

My take on this is that books (like any other resources) are just one component of improving and getting better at the case interview. 

The case interview is meant to test candidates on the skills that are used on the job. And on the real job, a lot of learning is actually apprenticeship based: you try a task out, you make a mistake, you get feedback, and you also get to see what good looks like from your manager/partner. 

So a big part about improving is actually practicing and getting quality feedback. 

If there is one useful book to start reading that will help you in communication and also logical thinking - I can recommend The Pyramid Principle. Other than that, there are plenty of online resources that will tell you how to improve or do the case interview. The tough part about casing is that it sounds easy/straightforward, but it rarely is :) 

All the best!