What are the fundamental skills for management consulting?

If you want to enter the consulting field, you probably already know how selective the industry is and that it only chooses the best and most outstanding candidates. Therefore, the application process is quite intensive and demanding. Case interviews are significantly different from traditional job interviews due to their complexity and specific requirements, as they simulate real business scenarios.To succeed in case interviews, certain skills are essential. These need to be improved and refreshed before the interview to ensure optimal performance. Below, we provide a brief summary of the essential skills you should master to excel in case interviews and differentiate yourself from the competition.

As an aspiring consultant, you will quickly realize that a company's success is closely linked to its ability to differentiate itself from the competition. Here, just like the business model, the Unique Value Proposition (UVP) plays a crucial role. Understanding and applying the UVP in various contexts, especially in case interviews, can give you a significant advantage in grasping problem situations.  What is the Unique Value Proposition?The Unique Value Proposition is a clear statement that describes why a product or service is unique and valuable to customers. It answers the question, "Why should a customer choose this product over a competitor's?" A strong UVP communicates specific benefits and explains how these benefits will meet the needs and desires of the target customers. Why is the UVP important for you?As a consultant, you must be able to quickly grasp and assess the core aspects of a business model. The UVP helps you identify a company's unique selling point. This is especially important in case interviews, where you are often asked to analyze problems and propose solutions. A well-defined UVP allows you to accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of a company compared to its competitors.How does the product-market fit look? Do potential customers and the product match, or is something off? Similarly, you can see early signs of pricing and the market size of the case at hand. Only when all these factors are considered can long-term growth be ensured. Application of the UVP in Case InterviewsIn case interviews, you can use the UVP to structure your analysis. For example, a case might involve developing a strategy for a company operating in a saturated market. Here, you could use the UVP to propose innovative approaches that distinguish the company from the competition. You could also use the UVP to assess whether a proposed strategy has the potential to improve the company's perception among customers. Practical ExamplesImagine you are analyzing a startup that has developed a new app (e.g.: market entry). Your task could be to formulate a UVP that highlights the unique features and benefits of the app. Or you could be working on a project for a retail company that wants to stand out from large online retailers. Here, you could develop a UVP focused on personalized customer service or a unique shopping experience. The Goal of the Unique Value PropositionThe ability to develop and communicate a compelling and differentiated UVP is invaluable for you as an aspiring consultant. It enables you to understand and convey the true value of a company, whether in a case interview or in your future consulting activities. By mastering the art of the UVP, you equip yourself with a powerful tool that helps you succeed in business consulting.