Strategy& Dubai

dubai First Round first round interview Interview strategy& strategy& dubai Strategy& Interview tier2
New answer on Oct 23, 2022
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Anonymous E asked on Oct 16, 2022

Hello, 
I recently received the assessment for Strategy& Dubai Office for entry level associate consultant. Did anyone take it, are there any prep material similar to it online? Would really appreciate any heads up regarding what to expect or similar tests online?

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Originally answered question:

Strategy&

Raj
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Mar 30, 2020
Strategy&| ex-interviewer | 170+ coached over career |95% success @ MBB, S&, RB, LEK, OW, Big4 [SUCCESS STORIES BELOW]

Hi, I worked with S& for 3 years in London, including 6mo with the ME office (Dubai / Riyadh / Beirut) on several engagements, so I can offer you a few insights.

The important thing to understand is the culture of S& ME has always been quite differentiated as the earliest consulting firm to enter the market, they cultivate a distinct reputation as top-tier strategists from the Booz era. Like Clara pointed it, this culture has persisted even after the PwC acquisition, as a small-ish office in the network (one can say it's been distilled even further now). I can say time with the team in KSA highlighted this in how we worked, the team makeup (clear preference for quant majors e.g. engineering from AUB), and ruthless consistency in focussing on the details.

Why does this matter to you if interviewing?

Its high likely market sizing questions will come up, but the reason why is they want to test you can think like a strategist (note not a consultant, the point here is you don't need to know the content but can approach any problem through clarity of thought)

What would make you look like a start candidate to them would be:

  • Clear ability to apply first-principles thinking
  • Logical approaches to abstract concepts or questions
  • Strong quantitative skills incl. mental maths

If I was in your shoes, my suggestion would be to spend time doing not just market sizing, but abstract estimation questions along with mental math.

Taking the above into account, really think through fit and how to demonstrate it. It is a particular brand of strategy consulting.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

R

(edited)

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Originally answered question:

Manager Interview - Strategy& Middle East

Clara
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replied on Apr 27, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Given your background, you already know a lot about this! It´s not going to be different than what you did in your previous set of interviews. 

Given that you interview for a manager position, the FIT portion of it will be focused on your managerial skills ofc, but apart form that not big differences. 

You have 2 main workstreams ahead:

1. FIT INTERVIEW

The "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

You can see plenty of reviews from candidates who purchased it already.

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

Furthermore, you can find 3 FREE Expert Articles on PreLounge, in a sreies dedicated to preparing for the different parts of FIT:

1. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/cv-interview-questions

2. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/motivational-fit-interview-questions

3. https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch

2. BUSINESS CASE

You don´t have any more time to the classics of Viktor Cheng, "Case in point" book, etc. You need to get hands on asap:

1. Practice cases with partners asap, as many as you can do.Find experienced partners who can provide a good feedback

2. Practice your math skills, both in your cases and with ad hoc exercisess, such as:

1. ​Multiplying double digit numbers (you can find videos about this in Youtube, unfortunately we cannot post the link here but they are easy to find)

2. Leveraging math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Viktor Cheng website to practice

Furthermore, you should practice as much as you can, and ensure that you cover:

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

Given you are under this much time contraint, consider working with a coach to foster speed and ensure you have a tailored plan to be very targeted. PM me interested!

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Simone on Apr 28, 2022

Hello Clara and thanks for you answer. I tried to take some time for the preparation but the firm seems quite "pressing" in the interview scheduling process. In any case I hope that the first step will be more focused on the "fit" portion so that I gain some time to prepare for cases. Even if I have 7y experience in consulting I need some time to practice, considering that I'm applying for a role in TMT but the majority of my experience is related to Financial Services. I'd expect the cases to be quite industry-specific.

Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 17, 2022
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep

Hi there,

Honestly, all of these online tests are very similar

Format? Somewhat. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Not at all.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

  • Time management (need to think quick)
  • Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
  • Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
  • Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

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Cristian
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replied on Oct 17, 2022
#1 McKinsey Coach by rating & recommendation rate

Hi there, 

With Strategy& there's usually a behavioural part and a numerical part. 

The behavioural part has questions that can be situational, trying to understand how you would react within a certain context. Whereas the numerical part is similar to the sort of test that you get at many consulting firms, testing for basic business comprehension, chart interpretation, quick maths and GMAT style questions. You can find examples on the internet for all of them. 

Best of luck with the prep!
Cristian

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Originally answered question:

Interview at Strategy& Middle East

Francesco
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replied on Jan 29, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

A 12-hour period is not enough to drive conclusions. I know cases where an offer was extended one week after the last interview.

I think you know already why they asked for the extra interview – they were not sure about your performance in the previous three given the mixed feedback. 

Unfortunately at this stage, you cannot do much more than wait. If you don’t hear from them within 1 week it is totally fine to follow up.

Good luck!

Francesco 

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Anonymous D on Jan 29, 2022

Hi Francesco, thank you for your response. Based on your experience, if a firm had to reject a candidate, how long it takes? Is it wrong to assume 'rejection would be a straightforward decision, hence can be communicated quickly'?

Francesco on Jan 29, 2022

Hi there, there is no pre-defined timeline for rejection. As mentioned, from your side what you can do is to wait one week and follow up after that with HR if there is no news. Hope this helps

Anonymous D on Feb 19, 2022

got the offer :)

Francesco on Feb 19, 2022

Well done, congratulations! Very happy to hear that :)

Ankit
Expert
replied on Oct 17, 2022
BCG I Strategy& I 13+ years of professional experience

Hello, 

Its a two part test introduced as an additional screening measure because of the large number of applications received. The first one as highlighted is a standard test (utilized by several strategy houses) measuring your problem solving/numerical reasoning as well as verbal knowledge skills. You don't necessarily need any specific preparation for this. You will be required to provide your answers in a given time interval. 

Second part is a series of multiple choice questions around your personality traits. 

Good luck and reach out if any further questions

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Originally answered question:

Manager Interview - Strategy& Middle East

Kurt
Expert
replied on Apr 28, 2022
Conducted over 100 interviews for grads, interns & experienced hires

Hi Simone, great question.

When interviewing candidates for a Manager role, a lot of the same principles of excelling in the case and fit apply, with 3 differences:
1) I expect a Manager to be really good at the case and will give less margin for error. I also expect them to solve it confidently and to take control, as they would when running a case in real life
2) I expect them to have some idea (not necessarily a firm idea yet, but at least some notions) about what is their area of specialization and how that will fit in with the firm/office they are recruiting for
3) I would expect them to have some good examples from their work experience (rather than from University etc.) for fit type questions

Hope this is useful for you!

Kind regards,
Kurt

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Simone on Apr 28, 2022

Hi Kurt, thanks for your answer. My first interview is a 30' initial video-call with a Senior Executive at the company; considering the short timing I suppose it would be more about "fit" part and previous work experience. I hope this first step will go smooth so that I will have some time to prepare before the next rounds.

Originally answered question:

Interview at Strategy& Middle East

Moritz
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 29, 2022
ex-McKinsey | Senior Interviewer & MBA Coach @ McKinsey | Personalized key-skill coaching |Blue-chip Strategy Lead

No worries regarding time!

Especially if the last interview was with a Senior Partner, HR have to get hold of them first to get appropriate feedback. Not the easiest thing based on my own experience…

Fingers crossed!

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Anonymous D on Jan 30, 2022

Thanks Moritz for the response. Any idea if the turn around time for 'in case you're rejected' and 'in case you're selected' is same or different?

Originally answered question:

Strategy& Dubai interview

Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 08, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

The interviews are pretty standard and similar to any other consulting company:

  1. Fit part
  2. Case (20-25 min)
  3. Your questions to the interviewer

Fit part usually includes the questions like "Why Consulting", "Why Company", Various stories about yourself (Leadership, Teamwork, Achievements - these are not very standardized)

Cases are a bit less demanding than MBB cases. Mostly standard cases like Market sizing, Profitability, Market Entry, Launching a new product, Acquiring a company, etc

Your questions to the interviewer - try to prepare interesting questions in advance

Best

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Antonello
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replied on Nov 30, 2019
McKinsey | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,
I recommend to write/call HR, without worrying about bothering them: they are there to help

Best,
Antonello

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Oct 23, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger |Former Head Recruiter | Market Sizing

I suggest you practice doing calculations + GMAT Quantitative Reasonsing - Problem Solving section (start with the official material) + everything you can get from other firm's tests.

This should be more than enough.

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Originally answered question:

Strategy& Dubai timeline?

Anonymous replied on Mar 25, 2019

Hi there,

S& Dubai's response time is longer than other firms. For a full time MBA graduate, the timeline was:

- Round 1, October 18

- Invite to round 2, October 26

- Round 2, November 8

- Heard back November 11. Some of my colleagues heard back as late as November 25th.

Cheers

Stephanie.

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3
Originally answered question:

Manager Interview - Strategy& Middle East

Andi
Expert
replied on Apr 30, 2022
BCG interviewer (>200 candidates) |96% coaching success rate, if 3+ sessions | Coached 80+ candidates to MBB offers

Hi there,

please reach out via PM if you'd like to learn more. I have a few people working for  S& Dubai in my close network - will be happy to connect you for an informal chat.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Andi

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Originally answered question:

Strategy&

Anonymous replied on Apr 05, 2020

Strategy& Middle East has a distinct culture and prestige within the network. I don't work for the Middle East office, but had a couple experiences working with Middle East Partner and Team members. My impression working with them are:

1. They are using a very data driven approach to the next level (even more than my previous firms)

2. They expect you to be very effiecient and can solve any problem thrown at you (So "I don't have experience in similar project" excuse will never work for them). You are expected to be able to structure whatever random problem you faced

3. Attention to detail is very important, your thinking must be clear and your slides must perfectly reflect that thinking

As such, market sizing questions might pop up as a part of a bigger case questions to test those traits.

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Anonymous F on Apr 05, 2020

Hi Iman, can you elaborate on point 3? I want to understand what you mean by attention to detail & reflecting this on decks. (I am not applying for S& ME - just want to get better advice before I start my consulting job)

Anonymous on Apr 05, 2020

So there are a couple of checklist that you wanted to tick when writing a deck in strategy consulting: 1) you wanted to make sure the Title of the slides from start to finish great story that culminating in the recommendation, 2) In each individual slide the content should support the insights in the title e.g. 70% of customer are switching to competitor - your slide should accurately describe that fact no more and no less, 3) Make sure your data presentation is accurate, proper sourcing, clean graphic, good language grammar, properly using the firm's colour scheme

(edited)

Anonymous F on Apr 05, 2020

Thanks Iman - that's really clear. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can learn that or is that typically learned as we do the job?

Anonymous on Apr 05, 2020

Don't worry, you will learn that on the job. Over time with effort and commitment you will be good at it

(edited)

Originally answered question:

Strategy&

Anonymous F updated the answer on Mar 30, 2020

Hi, cant say about Middle East office but I interviewed & received offer from S& recently.

Interview process is pretty standard, all my interviews are 1-1.5hr long, combination b/n fit & case interviews. My thoughts:

  • Large emphasis to fit - I dont know whether this is just the office I am applying to (it's quite small at ~30 people) but out of all interviews I had (MBB, other T2 firms) I think S& is the most thorough in terms of fit. They really make sure that:
    • You are excited to start in consulting (so expect why consulting and a LOT of questions why you didnt choose start-ups or whatever your background is),
    • Know what you did in your previous job/internship (in my case they really ask questions like what did you do in this role, and what does this point in your CV mean)
    • Have sufficient team/leadership/soft skills (pretty standard McK's PEI)
  • Standard interviewee-led cases: My cases were two investment cases, one cost reduction case (this was just a long brainstorming exercise - no numbers involved), and one unusual market entry case (with a market sizing wedged in it). I cant comment for Middle East offices but from my experience I dont see that they particularly are fond of market sizing questions (unlike some other firm I know). Again, no harm in preparing for market sizing qs, it typically follows the same finite patterns over and over. Once you get the hang of it, its really not hard at all.

I think that if you are ready with case interviews (think MBB-level cases), just brush up on your fit questions and I'm sure you should be fine.

Best of luck!

(edited)

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Kshitij
Expert
replied on Nov 30, 2019
15+ years in Strategy Consulting|Oliver Wyman|EY|IBM|Inverto GmBH|Monitor|Accenture

Hi

Few of my mentees have encountered the same delays with Strategy& Middle East recruitment. They heard of their status in the 3rd and 4th weeks after interviews.

Not to worry, S& ME process is a bit slow. You may follow up with the recruitment team, and do continue with your case practice. Incase you have a friend or reference in that office you may also request them to check with the HR. Wish you all the best.

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Originally answered question:

Strategy&

Luca
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 30, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

I have done myself the interview for the italian office of Strategy&. The first step was a screening test composed by 3 parts: Quantitative and logical test, Written case with multiple choices and an essay.
After that, you start with the case interviews thar have a standard structure: Fit part, case resolution (mainly interviewer-led, but it can vary) and Q&A session. Market sizing are really common as in all real interview processes.

Feel free to text me for futher information,
Luca

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Originally answered question:

Strategy&

Daniel
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 31, 2020
McKinsey / ex-Interviewer at McKinsey / I will coach you to rock those interviews

Hi! the structure of an interview is similar to MBB, which means:

  • Fit
  • Business case

Best,

Daniel

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Originally answered question:

Strategy&

Anonymous replied on Mar 30, 2020

Hey A,

I helped 2 mentees of mine to get offers at Strategy & Dubai in February/March. They will both start in Fall 2020.

I can confirm about the market sizing cases.

If you want to know further specifics, drop me a line.

Good luck!

André

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Muhammad Safir on Feb 14, 2022

Hi Andre, could I please know what cases your mentees received during their interviewing rounds? I couldn't DM you as your post was 'anonymous'. Thank you, Muhammad Safir

Originally answered question:

Strategy& Dubai timeline?

Anonymous A replied on Mar 25, 2019

Following up on Stephanie's and Hrag's answer: these timelines are for positive outcomes? Or do you also know of cases where they waited 2 weeks to communicate a negative result? Trying to understand if timings correlate with the decision...

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Originally answered question:

Strategy& Dubai timeline?

B replied on Mar 25, 2019
McKinsey cases only

depends on the timing. if it's recruiting season it should be about 2 weeks tops for the overall process and most likely you will hear from them for the next day or two after your final round. If it's not then it could take about 2-3 weeks

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Raj gave the best answer

Raj

Content Creator
Strategy&| ex-interviewer | 170+ coached over career |95% success @ MBB, S&, RB, LEK, OW, Big4 [SUCCESS STORIES BELOW]
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