| Topic Name: |
Failure ... to ace the cases ... |
| Message Name: |
Just wondering |
| Date Posted: |
01/04/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi,
I'm an applied math PhD with a msc in physics and I am trying to land a strat consulting job (I am aware of the terrible odds). So far I have been fortunate in getting interviews for every application that I've send. I.e., I'v had interviews at BCG, Booz Allen and OC&C, a European firm.
Unfortunately these interviews all led to direct eliminations in the first round. The feedback I get seems sincere and implies that I do not apply enough structure and fail to present practical recomendations. After I've been 'handed' a structure, I do show sufficient analytical skills, the interviewers say.
Obviously, I'm trying to improve on the structure and practical side of the case approach. Especially since I still have to apply with McK and Bain and hope to get another change with them. I would really like to hear your comments on my situation. |
| Message: |
I've got a BS and MS in engineering and am also looking to get into strat consulting. I've heard a lot about the case interview and some basics about what it entails. At first I thought, being an engineering consultant, that my innate problem solving skills would be enough for me to work a case problem well. However, I've been hearing more and more, from seemingly intelligent people, that the case interview is a killer.
Having taken tons of math classes myself, it surprises me that someone with a PhD in applied math lacked structure in their solutions. It surprises me but I've been hearing about more and more difficulties that people are having with the case.
In my industry, there is a very well accepted design practice called Performance-Based Design where we essentially throw out all "accepted" practices, all conventional rhetoric and all prescriptive regulations. We start with a clean slate and just apply sound engineering principles and common sense in order to meet the client's goal. I figured my experience with this design practice would give me all the structure and analytical tools necessary to do well in a case interview. I'm beginning to think that I've overestimated myself.
Shot_down, I don't suppose you could give me an example of the problems that you were presented with in some of your case interviews? If this is inappropriate of me to ask then I apologize. If you'd prefer you could email me at wayman28@hotmail.com
Thanks.
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