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Recommended readings / resources to prepare for consulting job at MBB?

MBB
New answer on Sep 29, 2020
4 Answers
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Anonymous B asked on Dec 20, 2018

Starting soon as a consultant at one of the MBB firms, and I was wondering if there are any recommended readings, articles, or skills I should brush up on (excel?) to look at before my start-date?

Thanks!

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Guennael
Expert
replied on Dec 20, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

Congratulations!

- Excel definitely a must. There are various (cheap) excel training modules around, I highly suggest you get familiar w/ excel quickly if you aren't yet. Pivot tables, vlookups, even index match...

- Keyboard shortcuts. My first manager told me to get rid of my mouse (which is also standard procedure in banking btw)

- PowerPoint, sure why not

- Web scrapping, sure why not

- Above all, I'd relax and enjoy the down time right now; go out, sleep, exercise... Pretty soon, you'll have more work and stress than you'd want

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Anonymous replied on Sep 29, 2020

Dear A,

Congratulations to your offer!

It would be helpful for you to learn the business-focused Excel features.

In business, about 80% of your work will come from 20% of the functionality of the Microsoft Excel.

The core skills of a competent business Excel user are something like:

  • Formatting & basic formulas
  • Mouse-free Excel navigation
  • Vlookups & conditional statements
  • Data analysis - filtering, sorting, and analyzing data
  • Data visualization - tables, charts, and dual axis charts
  • What-if-analysis
  • Pivot tables

If you can do these things, you’ll outperform 95% of people in the workplace.

To learn these concepts, you could:

  • Learn the concepts online for free
  • Take an online course

If you’re looking for something free, I’d recommend Googling & Youtube-ing those topics on my list. Tons of free material online. On Udemy you can also find some courses.

If you’re short on time, take a short business-focused online course.

I’d recommend the following business-focused course focused on mastering the 20% of functions that make up 80% of Excel work.

Best,

André

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Egor
Expert
replied on Dec 26, 2018
Collected McKinsey & BCG offers/ Ex-McKinsey consultant/Harvard/WBS/MSU

Hi A,

I agree with Guennael. If I were, I would prioritize excel and communication skills at an associate/BA-levels.

It is important to mention that you will have an induction week, during which you will practice all required skills.

What’s more, you will learn a lot on the job. Don’t afraid to ask questions, colleagues will be always happy to help you and suggest a more effective way of doing things. Once you know it, you can google it and that’s it.

All the best,

Egor

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Anonymous replied on Dec 21, 2018

And if you're not already a member: Get those frequent flyer programs :-D

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Guennael gave the best answer

Guennael

Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
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