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How to get started with cases on Preplounge?

Hi all,

for past few weeks, I was building basic capabilities and knowledge in order to be able to handle cases (mental math, business concepts, frameworks, etc). I would like to start putting it to practice in cases.

However I am struggling with how to start (very first case):

  • Should I start with coach in order to grasp the "reality" of case interviews? I sense here the advantage in developing right manners/procedures from the very beginning.
  • Should I start with peer cases? I am afraid  that inexperienced peer can introduce wrong manners and that I will do the same to him/her. How to avoid this trap?
  • Should I do the first cases from the library just by myself? I am not sure if this will work, since there is nobody to ask and to guide :) 

What is your experience on starting? How did you do it? Which method has highest value based on your experience?

Thanks for all your opinions. #justdoit

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Top answer
edited on Mar 07, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

If you want to book a coach, I would recommend a minimum of 5 cases first (either with reliable peers or read from good sources) to get a basic understanding of what a case interview is about.

After that, booking a coach will help you to structure a good approach and internalize best practices.

If you have a premium account, you can access my two cases at the following link:

  • Case 1: https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/advanced/mbb-final-round-case-smart-education-198
  • Case 2: https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/beginner/bain-1st-round-case-blissottica-235

For both, I wrote down an evaluation grid and a suggested score, so that you can understand if you would get a pass or not in an actual interview and clarify your current level.

Best,

Francesco

Clara
Coach
on Mar 07, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I would do a combination of options 1 and 2. Actually, most coaches would "send homework" between the sessions -homework that is put in practice by practicing cases with other candidates in the platform-, and part of their coaching plan will be for you to practice some of the key concepts with peers. 

The good thing of having the coach guidance from the beggining -considering htat you will take it at some point, that is not compulsory either- are: 

  • Building a personalized game plan and follow it from day 1
  • Avoiding picking bad habits form other candidates
  • Having a go-to person for the whole process

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Denis
Coach
on Mar 07, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Go for a coach in the first session to understand what the real expecations are and how to approach cases. This will be crucial to change your mindset. Do not build bad habits and waste time by doing it the wrong way.

Deleted user
on Mar 06, 2021

If you have sufficient prep time, then start with peers/friends first & get some practice. After that see how you feel and engage a coach of your choice to target the gap areas. Browse the 100s of cases of Preplounge & run filters to pick those you want to practice.

If short on time & you have interviews lined up, then go for a coach straight away. 

Having said this, all of this can be done without a coach. Many coaches here are fully committed to see you succeed but its a personal choice and dont feel forced to go for formal coaching straightaway. Remember its an investment in you, so make it wisely. Once you land that job you will recover the $ in no time.

11
Ian
Coach
on Mar 06, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I know I'm a coach, and there could be a perception of bais here, but I could not encourage option #1 more.

Just 1 session with a coach earl to set you up for sucess is crucial.

They can provide you a preparation plan, preparation materials, etc. and teach you how to think properly about casing from the get-go.

As a hypothetical, if you could only have 1 session during the entire case prep process, I would recommend it be used at the beginning, not the end.

Luca
Coach
on Mar 08, 2021
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

I have had the chance to follow several candidates taking this test and I have written (together with them) a detailed guide on how to successfully approach Imbellus test.


The guide includes:

  • Detailed hands-on strategy to ace the Imbellus
  • Excel model with an algorithm to solve the first scenario
  • Hands-on example and practical tips to crack the game

On top of that, you will receive an interesting paper on Imbellus valuation metrics and a coupon code for a session with your purchase!

Feel free to text me if you are interested. You can find a screenshot of the excel model below.

Best,
Luca

Gaurav
Coach
on Mar 08, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

I would recommend booking a session with a coach. 
If you need any help, let me know

GB

Raj
Coach
on Mar 14, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

I would suggest you start in order of:

3. Do you first cases alone - read-through a couple as an example, get familiar with the structure and cadence, an

2. Try peer cases under a controlled environment 

1. Once you've done 5 or so cases alone and with a peer, and have a better gauge of your strengths and weaknesses hire a coach to take you to the next level

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