Mckinsey Dubai First round case study types/industries

Hey there,

For McKinsey its all about the HOW you approach the case, not WHAT you know about a specific industry or function.
 

Hence, focus on

• The correct approach for every question in an interviewer-led format
• Honing your content creation strategies
• Work on your chart interpretation skills
• Work on your quantitative reasoning and mental math
   

Do not focus on

• Specific industries or functions
• Frameworks from Cheng or Case in Point
   

Expect

• Unusual cases
• A mix of business and non-business cases

I have written a detailed insider perspective on the McKinsey case interview here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview

Check out my profile if you have any questions or want professional coaching. I have specialized in the McKinsey interviewing format and had tremendous success with my approach over the last 18 months.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

I had a few candidates recently applying for Dubai, so I could tell you what were the sort of cases they received, but I don't think it would help you much. It doesn't mean that you'll be receiving the same type of cases or from the same industry if they did. Instead, aim to get a well-rounded prep across all types of cases and industries. 

Hello!

It would be a mistake to try to see the cases that have appeared in some random data points that you can gather, and restrict your scope. The reality is that you need to be ready for many!

The classics -where to start, but not where to end- are the follwing: 

1. Profitability cases- basic profitability framework.

2. Idea generation cases: for any specif issue

3. Growth cases: market penetration, new product launch, product mix change, etc.

4. Pricing cases

5. M&A cases

6. Valuation cases

7. Value chain cases

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi there,

You need to be prepared for every case type and industry. I know this sounds impossible, but it's less about memorizing every single one and much more about being prepared for whatever comes your way.

I'm going to list out the most common/likely ones, but please don't take this as a prediction of what will happen:

• Government / Public Sector
• Oil & Gas
• Energy
• Public works/infrastructure/construction
• Financial Services
• Travel and Tourism
• Consumer Goods
• Industrial Goods
• Private Equity
• TMT

Here's a bit of reading on having the right casing mindset: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Hi there,

As a former McKinsey interviewer I can confirm: The industry and content of the case make no difference to the right candidate.

All McKinsey cases test specific skills, which are deliberately disconnected from any knowledge you may have around a certain topic. In fact, too much knowledge is likely to affect your performance negatively.

Hence, make sure you understand McKinsey cases i.e. how they work in general and what is being asked of you in terms of skills to be demonstrated. If you're unsure about this, get professional coaching with a former McKinsey interviewer.

My advice for McKinsey preparation is always to get some professional coaching with a former McKinsey interviewer as part of your study plan. They will be able to provide you with real cases and the insights needed to succeed.

Let me know if you'd like to learn more. I used to be a McKinsey interviewer and know exactly what it takes.

Best of luck!

Hi there,

I agree with the other comments that in theory you should be prepared for “any questions”. However knowing the questions asked in the past definitely helps.

I helped many candidates to land offers specifically at McKinsey Dubai and know 20+ real case questions they asked there, in case you need help please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco

Totally with Florian where it’s really the intrinsic problem solving skills underlying the case than what the case is about.