Strategy& Dubai

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

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.

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

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 

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

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

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!

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

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

Best,
Antonello

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.

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.

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

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.

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)

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.

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

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

• Fit
• Business case

Best,

Daniel

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

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...

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