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?
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:
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.
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
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,
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
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
Hello!
Nothing to worry at all, 12h is really no time.
The people who interviewed you need to get together and deliberate, and agendas can be a nightmare!
I would only reach out after 2-3 days
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi Simone,
I helped several candidates to get offers from S& ME. Some common questions they ask are related to:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For general case prep, I would recommend the following:
▶ https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/only-one-month-for-my-first-interview-at-mbb-14567
Compared to a junior role, the process for senior roles usually includes:
In case you need help please feel free to PM me, I know 30+ real case questions asked there.
Best,
Francesco
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
Hi there,
Congrats on getting the interview!
So, you need to be prepared for case, fit, and potentially market sizing. Now, for the higher level hires, you should expect the interview to be a bit more “fluid”. While there may still be cases, you are also more likely to have a series of brainstorming questions. Discussion is likely to be more conversational and dive more into your industry expertise (i.e. “how would you think about this”, or “what do you think are the key factors for this”).
Now, quite honestly there isn't much time and it's a tall order to get ready in just a week on your own. “Tips” are only going to get you so far and I do highly recommend you get a coach to increase your odds - ultimately your call!
Case Advice: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
Fit Advice: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
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,
I recommend to write/call HR, without worrying about bothering them: they are there to help
Best,
Antonello
Hi,
The interviews are pretty standard and similar to any other consulting company:
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 there,
It has been 12 hours! Please relax…there is nothing to read into yet :)
Of course, it will all depends on how well you did in that last interview. That said, be patience. Wait at least a week or two before you reach out.
Good luck!
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 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.
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
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!
Nothing special, traditional MBB structure: (1) FIT, (2) Business Case and (3) some minutes for your question for the interviwer.
Regarding what´s special with the office for it´s location, mainly the kind of projects -more Public Sector than in other offices- and big clients in an "early" stage (maning that they are not historical clients that have been always working with consultants, that you find everywhere in the old european/american offices)
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
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
Hello,
Strategy& follow a standard format for the interviews. You will have :
Feel free to contact me for any further information, I had the interviews with the italian office of Strategy& and with another Dubai office.
Best,
Luca
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
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...
Hi,
the interview will be structured in 3 parts:
- Personal Experience Interview: fit and CV questions to assess your personal impact, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Case Interview: typical business case to evaluate your structure in approaching problems, problem-solving skills, and business sense
- Your final questions to the interviewers
Hope it helps,
Antonello
Hey A,
First of all, my congratulations to your interview invite!
I already helped several mentees of mine to get into Strategy &. Actually One of them has also got an offer for Dubai office just this Monday.
I can tell you all the details about the process, structure and cases over phone, just drop me a PM.
Looking towards helping you to get an offer from them,
André
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