Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

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When I am structuring the case, I struggled and get lost.

Case structure and frameworks Case Structuring case types Cases Framework insights MBB Practice cases solution structuring
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 10, 2023) is from:
Lorenzo
Expert
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Lorenzo
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 10, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed or forget frameworks when faced with a case interview, especially when the pressure is on. Here are some strategies to help you overcome this challenge: Practice Regularly: Regular ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
519
Views
130
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2023 on Dec 31, 2023
Last Activity

How to structure this weird case?

Case Structuring caseinterview Structure structuring
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 29, 2023) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 29, 2023
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! A very clear approach would be: Step 1: Verify the objective (e.g., generating money from the land) Step 2: Identify High Level Options how the land can be used, e.g., Selling it Renting it out Putting it to product ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
387
Views
61
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Generating Industry-Specific Insights

Case Interview Case Structuring frameworks
Most recent answer on Sep 22, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 18, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 18, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi Alice, I lack industry knowledge in a million industries…but I can brainstorm for any of them :) How? Learn commonalities/patterns Pull from your daily reading Pull from you general knowledge/observations Use framewo ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
290
Views
64
Total Upvotes
on Sep 22, 2023 on Sep 22, 2023
Last Activity

Issue Tree vs. Buckets

Case Structuring
Most recent answer on Nov 03, 2022
Anonymous gave the best answer on Nov 03, 2022
Hey there - Maikol is correct, that you will always be driving the problem using the drivers (option B).  Even if you want to make buckets. you would be tackling it with the drivers for eg.  Market dynamics  Market grow ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
507
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Nov 03, 2022 on Nov 03, 2022
Last Activity

New Feature on PrepLounge.com: Structuring Drills

case interview preparation Case Prep Case preparation case structure Case Structuring Structure structuring
Most recent answer on Apr 02, 2022
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2022) is from:
Andi
Expert
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Andi
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2022
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Definitely a long-awaited feature - this is a game-changer for aspiring candidates! Congrats team, great work as usual. Regards, Andi 
2
Answers
1.9 k
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Apr 02, 2022 on Apr 02, 2022
Last Activity

Case Progression

Case Structuring
Most recent answer on Nov 07, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 04, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 04, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hmmm quite honestly this is going to be hard to fix just via a Q&A. I do highly recommend a coaching session or two (you need to see how it's done, talk through it, try it yourself and get feedback). That said, the ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
813
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Nov 07, 2021 on Nov 07, 2021
Last Activity

Structuring good frameworks is my weakness, what steps can I take to tackle that?

Case Structuring Exercise Framework Structure structuring
Most recent answer on Aug 06, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 05, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 05, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Rocketblocks is great for math/charts/exhibits, but horrible for structuring/frameworking. Please stop using it for frameworks! In terms of how to improve, I genuinely recommend coaching. Frameworking/structur ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.4 k
Views
76
Total Upvotes
on Aug 06, 2021 on Aug 06, 2021
Last Activity

Time to structure vague/creative cases MBB

Case Structuring
Most recent answer on Jul 17, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 17, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 17, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, The 'creativity' or out-of-the-box level of the case has no impact on the timing to structure or communicate. It should still be done within the same time frame as any other business question. There is on ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
2.0 k
Views
116
Total Upvotes
on Jul 17, 2021 on Jul 17, 2021
Last Activity

How would you structure this Baby formula case?

Baby formula case structure Case Structuring Structure
Most recent answer on Jun 30, 2021
Anonymous A asked on Jun 22, 2021
Hello everyone! I would like to know everyone opinion on this case structuring, based on the case Baby Formula, which says: Problem Definition Our client is a producer & distributor of baby formula. They sell ... (read entire question)
2
Answers
992
Views
0
Total Upvotes
on Jun 30, 2021 on Jun 30, 2021
Last Activity

Do you structure the case in buckets or in 'questions'?

Case Structuring Final Round MBB
Most recent answer on Apr 02, 2021
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2021) is from:
Franco
Expert
Ex BCG Principal | INSEAD | 10 yrs in consulting | Interviewed >200 Career Switchers, MBAs, Undergrads in Europe and USA
Franco
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2021
Ex BCG Principal | INSEAD | 10 yrs in consulting | Interviewed >200 Career Switchers, MBAs, Undergrads in Europe and USA
First of all congrats on passing the first rounds on more than one MBB! I guess this doesn't happen by chance so I would suggest keeping on doing what you have done so far, including the way you structure your cases. ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.9 k
Views
47
Total Upvotes
on Apr 02, 2021 on Apr 02, 2021
Last Activity

Building industry knowledge to solve cases

approaching a case case structure Case structure and frameworks Case Structuring industries industry dynamics Structure
Most recent answer on Feb 22, 2021
The best answer (on Dec 30, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 30, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, You're 100% right...this knowledge seriously helps with taking your casing to the next level.. I have a template, so feel free to reach out if interested! Some key tips: List all the major indust ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.7 k
Views
92
Total Upvotes
on Feb 22, 2021 on Feb 22, 2021
Last Activity

Time allowed to draft initial structure & scoring by interviewers

Case Structuring
Most recent answer on Nov 29, 2020
The best answer (on Feb 26, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 26, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
3-4 minutes is definitely too long. Ideally, you don't need to write down the 3-4 levels deep. Better, be able to talk to (and think about) the deeper level when/where needed. The essence of a case is being able to ta ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.2 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Nov 29, 2020 on Nov 29, 2020
Last Activity

Feeling stuck at Case Practice

case math case math' Case Maths case structure Case structure and frameworks Case Structuring Consutingmath fast math GMAT MathSkills IB Structure
Most recent answer on Oct 26, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 20, 2020) is from:
Adi
Expert
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Adi
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 20, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
Hi there, Two tips : 1. Practice, practice, and just dont give up. Give yourself time & celebrate little successes. Take a break for couple of days here and there and do something fun/creative to unclock the tra ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.5 k
Views
30
Total Upvotes
on Oct 26, 2020 on Oct 26, 2020
Last Activity

Case Structuring: Broad (All Angles) vs Specific (Targeted)

case structure Case structure and frameworks Case Structuring Structure
Most recent answer on Jun 03, 2020
The best answer (on Jun 02, 2020) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 02, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi Anonymous! I believe the first structure is a better starting point. However, it still needs significant improvement. Structuring a case does not primarily mean to explain the interviewer WHAT you want to look i ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.2 k
Views
27
Total Upvotes
on Jun 03, 2020 on Jun 03, 2020
Last Activity

Which framework for a risk management case?

Case structure and frameworks Case Structuring Financial risk management Framework Insurance risk management Risk Management
Most recent answer on May 27, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 24, 2020
Hi, I have worked for 5 years in the financial services management consulting(incl. risk management). I would suggest the standard risk management framework: EAD x PD x LGD = Expected Loss EAD is the predicted a ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
5.1 k
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on May 27, 2020 on May 27, 2020
Last Activity

I am preparing for an interview at McKinsey

BCG McKinsey and Bain business situation Case Case Interview Case Structuring Consulting interview MBB McKinsey
Most recent answer on May 04, 2020
Anonymous gave the best answer on May 04, 2020
Hi, This is a very typical case, which could be solved via table structure. Let’s say you know, that your client sells 1000 cups of coffee for takeaway at the price of 1 GBP each. And there are 4 market segments (by ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.7 k
Views
39
Total Upvotes
on May 04, 2020 on May 04, 2020
Last Activity

Confused on Structuring a Case

BCG Case Structuring issue trees Victor Cheng
Most recent answer on Mar 01, 2020
The best answer (on Feb 12, 2020) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 12, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi, I believe it is a very common misconception among candidates that they need to explicitly state a hypothesis before laying out their structure. But a much better advice is the following: Delay the explicit state ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.7 k
Views
3
Total Upvotes
on Mar 01, 2020 on Mar 01, 2020
Last Activity

Issue Tree Structuring

Case Structuring hypothesis issue tree structuring
Most recent answer on Nov 17, 2019
Anonymous A gave the best answer on Nov 14, 2019
I would structure the issue tree more as a logic/criteria that has to be met for the decision to make sense, rather than buckets of data to look into. IE: decision is sensible if 1) economics are viable, 2) capapbily ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.5 k
Views
1
Total Upvotes
on Nov 17, 2019 on Nov 17, 2019
Last Activity

How about starting the case structuring with key questions before structuring the key buckets areas to look at?

Case Structuring Framework Structure
Most recent answer on Aug 12, 2019
The best answer (on Aug 12, 2019) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 12, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi, I believe you have a problem in your thinking. It starts with understanding the purpose of a structure: structuring a case does NOT mean to tell the interviewer what you're going to look at! This is not a structur ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
1.9 k
Views
9
Total Upvotes
on Aug 12, 2019 on Aug 12, 2019
Last Activity

How to layout visually the entire initial structure to a case

Case Structuring
Recent activity on Mar 26, 2019
The best answer (on Mar 26, 2019) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 26, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
You need to oncentrate on the LOGIC, not on the qualitative bullet points that sit below the branches. So make sure to include: The core Question The criterion to answer the question (most likely an equation or ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
1.9 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Mar 26, 2019 on Mar 26, 2019
Last Activity
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