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Should I practice case in local language?

Case Interview
New answer on Apr 30, 2020
8 Answers
1.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 22, 2020

I have always been practising cases in English. However, in my recent interviews with MBB, most were conducted in the local language. Although it is my mother tongue, I was actually much more confident and comfortable to discuss the case in English. Discussing the case in local language makes me lose the sense of driving the case and thinking about the case information.

I'm wondering around what percentage of the case I practice should be practised in the local language to solve this problem?

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Anonymous replied on Feb 23, 2020

Hi there,

I think you should defintely practice in both languages. You can use English to learn the rope and get comfortable of solving a case. But do remember to spend time practice in local language, which can help to make sure you probe the info and convey your message in the most effective and concise way.

I've seen candidate who performed well in one language but stumbled when the language is stiwched. It is a pity because it wasn't really because he/she cannot solve the problem, but the communication is not there yet. It is fixable issue, so fix it before going in to interviews. :)

Best,

Emily

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Anonymous replied on Apr 30, 2020

practice in both languages and be ready to easely switch between the languages during the case.

Good luck!

André

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Luca
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 26, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

The percentage strongly depends on the office you are applying for (if English language is widely used by clients and if there are many international people). Most of the cases, anyway, will be in the local language.

Best,
Luca

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 24, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

The thumb rule to know which languages you should prep is the following question: how many of the local clients speak and work in English? If the answer is not "all", then most liketly a part of your interviews will be conducted in local language.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 29, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Yes, I recommend doing it. Most of the interviews will be conducted in local language.

Best,
Antonello

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 23, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

The % changes on personal preference. But, ultimately it sounds like you should practice in English until you feel comfortable driving the case AND practice in your local language until you feel confident that you're using like-for-like vocabularly correctly.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Feb 22, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You should expect both. If you fail even with one case, the actual % split does not matter

Best

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 22, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

it is difficult to provide a specific answer as this is personal. When I interviewed I practiced in English and personally didn’t have problems switching to my local language for the actual cases.

I would suggest to start practicing in your local language from now onwards at least part of your cases until you feel comfortable – you will understand when that's the case. Once reached that level, just keep occasional practice to avoid to lose fluency.

Best,

Francesco

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