Hello,
I just wanted to ask what is the best way to study cases. Should we try and solve them on our own first or should we go through the solutions and learn from them?
Due to the different formats of the cases it is not always clear if we can solve them on our own by just using the description. That being said it is not always clear what steps should we make towards the solution.
Best,
Dimitrios
Hello Pedro, I am basically following my personal prep plan. So are you saying that the recommended cases are not always helpfull? I have to make a progress at some point from not being able to solve the case to being able to structure and efficiently solve it. I would avoid spending 3 hours on a case just to cover all possible scenarios and get close to the solution, but it may be necessary after all.
Yes, that is true. Not all cases are good, particularly the suggested solutions. This is not an issue, if you know what good looks like, and if you use the cases to improve how you think about structures and problem solving (i.e., please understand that a case is not about getting to the right solution, but about coming up with sound MECE approaches). You need to have someone suggest you a few cases (I'm not selling coaching here, a good peer will suffice). And you must realize that the interaction, collaboration and the surprise elements in the interview are not minor aspects in your preparation. I am not as negative on practicing alone as others, but I must underline that you need to know what good looks like, know your weak spots, how how the interaction goes... and that means that you need to practice with others as well. You MUST combine the two modes of preparation.