Have an interview with a firm coming up that is a 30 minute presentation case. Essentially, you get 30 mintues solo to solve a case that is later presented to partners.
Any tips on how to prepare? Any things I can get out of the way already?
Have an interview with a firm coming up that is a 30 minute presentation case. Essentially, you get 30 mintues solo to solve a case that is later presented to partners.
Any tips on how to prepare? Any things I can get out of the way already?
Hi! To perform above average in this step, you need first to understand the principles of scoring and why this is different from a regular case study interview.
Feel free to reach for more tips on how to crack this step or to set your peformance apart from others in the process,
Best
Riccardo
Hi Anonymous,
I would recommend you to focus on 5 areas to crack a presentation case; I have reported them below with some suggestions on how to prepare for each of them.
1. Learn how to define a plan of action and stick to that
The first thing you should do in a presentation case is to define a plan and allocate in the best possible way your time. Assuming 30 minutes for the analysis, a good approach would include:
You should then practice to stick to the time allocated, in order to maximize your final performance.
2. Practice graph interpretation
You will normally have to analyse graphs in a presentation case. The best way to practice is to take graphs from online resources and use a timer to test in how much time you can understand the key message. McKinsey PST graphs could be a good practice for that.
3. Work on quick reading and quick understanding of key information
You will not have time to read and prioritize everything, so you have to understand where to focus. The ideal way to practice is to use long cases such as HBS ones, and practice on reducing the time needed to absorb the key information that can answer a defined question. Quick reading techniques could also help.
4. Practice quick math
You will normally have math to do in a presentation case. GMAT and McKinsey PST math should work well to prepare on this.
5. Learn how to communicate your slides
You normally have to present your findings at the end of a presentation case. I can apply the same structures of final sum up in a live interview case, that is:
As you will not be able to double check hypothesis with the interviewer as in the live case before the presentation, it could make sense to clearly state when you are making hypotheses and that you will have to verify them with further analysis.
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for reaching out.
This is a classic way to test your presentation and analytical skills. I had this kind of exercise when I interviewed for Monitor Deloitte. Do you need to present slides or just your answers?
Whatever, that's always good to sketch some drafts, but don't lose you time doing this.
What I would advise is the following:
1- take some samples of short case studies with graphs and quotes from clients and try to solve them in 30' and present them to a friend that prepares for consulting or a preplounge expert. I can send you some examples of this if you reach out to me by PM.
2- try to focus on prioritizing. Usually, there will be too much information and graphs for 30 minutes. Take your time (3-5') to go through all the material and select your priorities.
3- focus on the quant questions but do not neglect the qualitative part. Take assumptions and be ready to defend them.
4- do not neglect the presentation itself. Be prepared as if you were in front of client (i.e. with a strong story line) but be ready to be challenged by your interviewers, have your backup with your calculation method and your assumptions.
Best of luck and do not hesitate to reach out to me if needed.
Best,
Norah
Always focus on the core message and build your recommendation around it.
That means touch uppon the following points:
1. Conclusion
2. Quantitative + Qualitative proof
3. Assumptions behind it
4. Big picture: i.e. next steps, market framing etc.