What type of cases can I expect in the 1st round of interviews at BCG (German office)?

The BCG Online Case has now been rolled out globally and has replaced the BCG Potential Test in all but a few offices. So if you're applying to BCG, you'll probably have to take the new BCG Online Case. In the BCG Online Case (also called the Chatbot Interview), a chatbot named Casey presents you with a real case, similar to the one you might receive from human interviewers.However, because it's a chatbot interview, the case is not guided by an interviewer, which means you have little to no control over the process.The case contains 8 to 10 questions that are asked through an instant messenger-like interface and must be solved in 25 to 30 minutes. These questions take 2 forms:Multiple-choice questions where candidates must select what data they need to move forward, what analysis they want to do next, or what their findings/conclusions areOpen-ended questions where candidates must explain their answers to the previous multiple-choice questions or answer a math or creative questionAfter this procedure, there is a one-page video interview question at the end where you are asked to make a recommendation. You have 1 minute to prepare and another minute to present your conclusion to the client. Because there are open-ended explainer questions, your score is not as easy as other, more traditional screening tests like the McKinsey Imbellus and the BCG Potential Test. Instead of a standardized score (i.e., how many questions a candidate answered correctly), you will likely be evaluated holistically on the key consulting competencies mentioned earlier, and your performance will be compared to that of other candidates.You will receive your results within 2 weeks. In some cases, the test is given as part of the first round interviews. Your performance in the test will be evaluated together with your performance in the case interview. You will then be notified of the results accordingly.You only have one chance to pass the new test - if you don't pass, you can't try again for another 1 to 2 years. Therefore, it is important that you prepare yourself very well to master the case.The differences from the BCG Potential Test are as follows:Calculators are allowedOnly 25-30 minutes to solve the case instead of 45 minutes8-10 questions instead of 23Open-ended questions instead of multiple-choice questionsIt ends with a video summary*box-open* In our shop you will find everything you need to prepare for your case interview at BCG! Among other things, you can get the helpful BCG Online Case Combo and the BCG Online Case Secrets. *box-close*The skills that will be assessed are math skills, structuring, interpreting graphs, business acumen, and synthesisBCG's basic hypothesis in introducing this test is that if you do well in these areas, you should also do well in a real case interview and in live situations with the client.You should master the following key skills:Structured Thinking: You must be able to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces and develop a clear structure for solving the problem.Analytical Skills: You must be able to quickly analyze and interpret data to gain insight and make informed decisions.Creativity: you must be able to develop creative solutions and find alternative approaches to solve complex problems.Communication: You must be able to communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely, and explain complex concepts in an understandable way.Time Management: You must be able to plan and prioritize effectively to make efficient use of the time available.Collaboration: you must be able to work with others and foster effective teamwork to develop collaborative solutions.If you master these key skills and prepare specifically for the BCG Online Case interview, your chances of a successful interview are good.

The GROW model, an acronym for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will, was developed in the late 1980s by Sir John Whitmore and his colleagues Graham Alexander and Alan Fine. It emerged from the realization that traditional training methods often failed to achieve sustainable performance improvements. Whitmore, a former racing driver and a pioneer in the field of executive coaching, played a significant role in popularizing the model and establishing it as a method for performance enhancement in the business world.The model is rooted in the principles of performance-oriented coaching and is heavily influenced by humanistic psychology, particularly the work of Timothy Gallwey, who developed the "Inner Game" concept. This concept emphasizes the importance of internal attitude for external performance and forms the basis for the GROW model.The four phases of the model are designed to help users move from abstract goals to concrete plans:Goal: This phase focuses on defining clear, measurable, and achievable goals. It's about creating a vision that motivates and provides direction.Reality: Here, the current situation is analyzed. It's an inventory that helps to understand the environment and identify obstacles as well as resources.Options: In this creative phase, all possible courses of action are considered. It's about brainstorming ways that could lead to the goal, without prematurely limiting oneself.Will: The final phase is about implementation. Here, decisions are made about the steps to be taken to achieve the goals, and an action plan is created. Since its inception, the GROW model has spread worldwide and is now used in many areas, from personal coaching to sports and corporate leadership. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a valuable tool for anyone who wants to achieve their goals – including those preparing for case interviews.Since its creation, the GROW model has spread around the world and is now used in many areas, from personal coaching to sport and business management. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a valuable tool for anyone who wants to achieve their goals - including those preparing for case interviews.M&A TransactionsGoal: Determine the objective of the M&A transaction. Is it to achieve growth, market access, or synergy effects?Reality: Analyze the current market position and financial health of the involved companies. What cultural and operational challenges could arise during integration?Options: Develop strategies for integration, identify potential synergies, and assess risks. How can resistance be minimized and the employees of both companies be involved?Will: Decide which integration approach should be pursued and create a detailed plan for the first 100 days after the merger.Market Entry StrategiesGoal: Define the objective of the market entry. Is it about tapping into new customer segments or expanding into new geographical markets?Reality: Examine market conditions, competitive landscape, and customer needs. What regulatory hurdles exist?Options: Work out different market entry strategies such as joint ventures, franchising, or establishing own subsidiaries. Which strategy promises the most success considering the company's resources?Will: Choose the appropriate market entry strategy and plan the implementation steps, including timeline and budgeting.PricingGoal: Formulate the pricing objective. Is it to increase market share, maximize profitability, or introduce a new product?Reality: Evaluate the cost structure, customer willingness to pay, and the competition's pricing. How does the product position itself compared to alternatives?Options: Develop pricing models based on value-based, cost-plus, or competitive pricing. Which pricing strategy fits the company's image and customer requirements?Will: Decide on a pricing strategy and plan the implementation, including communication measures and monitoring market reactions.By applying the GROW model, you can demonstrate in case interviews that you are capable of structured and goal-oriented thinking, while considering all relevant aspects of a business problem.Structuring Questions and AnswersA clear structure is essential in case interviews. The GROW model helps you organize your answers:GoalQuestion: What is the primary objective that the company wants to achieve with this initiative? Answer Introduction: "The primary objective of the company is to ..."Question: What long-term effects are intended with this decision? Answer Introduction: "In the long term, the company aims to ..."Question: How does this objective fit into the overall strategy of the company? Answer Introduction: "This objective supports the overall strategy of the company by ..."Question: What financial or market-related objectives are associated with this measure? Answer Introduction: "Financially, the company aims to ..."Question: What qualitative objectives, such as customer satisfaction or brand strengthening, is the company pursuing? Answer Introduction: "Qualitatively, the company seeks to achieve ..."Reality (Reality)Question: What internal and external factors are currently influencing the company's situation? Answer Introduction: "Currently, the company faces the following internal and external factors ..."Question: How do you assess the company's competitive position compared to its main competitors? Answer Introduction: "Compared to the main competitors, the company stands ..."Question: What strengths and weaknesses does the company have concerning the defined objective? Answer Introduction: "Regarding the defined objective, the company has the following strengths and weaknesses ..."Question: How has the market developed in recent years, and what does that mean for the company? Answer Introduction: "The market development in recent years indicates that the company ..."Question: What legal or technological changes could affect the situation? Answer Introduction: "Legal and technological changes could influence as follows ..."OptionsQuestion: What strategic alternatives are available to the company? Answer Introduction: "The company could strategically consider A, B, or C, where ..."Question: How could different solution approaches affect the company's objectives? Answer Introduction: "Solution approach A could affect the company's objective by ..."Question: What risks and opportunities are associated with each option? Answer Introduction: "Option A entails the following risks and opportunities ..."Question: How would stakeholders react to the different options? Answer Introduction: "The stakeholders' reaction to option A could be ..."Question: What short- and long-term effects would the different options have?Answer Introduction: "In the short term, option A would cause the following, while in the long term ..."WillQuestion: How could the company effectively implement the preferred solution? Answer Introduction: "To effectively implement option B, the company could ..."Question: What resources are required for the implementation of the chosen option? Answer Introduction: "For the implementation of option B, the company needs the following resources ..."Question: How can the company ensure that the chosen option leads to sustainable success? Answer Introduction: "To ensure the sustainability of option B, the company should ..."Question: What measures are necessary to prepare the employees for the implementation of the option? Answer Introduction: "To prepare the employees for option B, the following measures are necessary ..."Question: How will the success of the implementation be measured and evaluated? Answer Introduction: "The success of option B will be measured and evaluated based on the following criteria ..."Developing Solution StrategiesThe GROW model is your navigator through the jungle of solution possibilities. It helps you systematically think through all options and evaluate them in terms of their feasibility, potential, and impact on the company's objective.Ask yourself for each option: "How realistic is the implementation, and how much does it contribute to achieving the goal?" Compare the options with each other and decide not only for the feasible but for the most effective strategy that advances the company.Improving Self-Reflection and Self-PresentationThe GROW model acts like a mirror for your thoughts and actions. It promotes self-reflection by encouraging you to think about your personal strengths and weaknesses in the context of case resolution. This self-knowledge is crucial to sharpen your self-presentation in the interview. You learn to present your arguments confidently while being open to feedback. This not only shows your professional competence but also your personal maturity and adaptability.Practical ExercisesTheory is one thing, practice another. To master the application of the GROW model, you should regularly practice it in training scenarios. Use real or constructed cases to train the application of the model. Whether alone with self-reflection or in a group with peer feedback – each practice makes you more confident in using the model. This way, you sharpen your argumentation and become a master of structured problem-solving.By integrating the GROW model into your preparation strategy, you will not only shine in case interviews but also develop valuable skills for your future career as a consultant. It is a tool that helps you master complex challenges and shows that you are ready to think and act at a high level.Conclusion on the GROW ModelWith its clear structuring into the phases of goal setting, reality check, options evaluation, and will formation, the GROW model provides a foundation for systematically tackling and solving complex business problems.For aspiring consultants, the GROW model is interesting for several reasons:Structured Thinking: It forces you to think in structured ways and promotes a clear, logical approach to problems – a skill that is invaluable in the consulting industry.Effective Communication: The model trains you to articulate thoughts precisely and present them convincingly. This is crucial not only for passing case interviews but also for later work with clients.Self-Reflection: It encourages self-reflection, which helps to better understand and communicate one's strengths and weaknesses – a key competency for personal development and leadership tasks.Decision-Making: The GROW model supports the development and evaluation of action options and promotes informed decision-making.Adaptability: By applying the model, aspiring consultants learn to react flexibly to different situations and adjust their approach accordingly.Practical Application: It is directly applicable in practice and can be used both in real projects and in simulated case interview situations.In short, the GROW model helps you master the challenges of case interviews and prepares you for a successful career in consulting. It sharpens the skills necessary for the consultant's daily routine and supports you in positioning yourself as a competent and reflective candidate.