If you are interested in the field of consulting, as many young entrants into the work force are, then indulge in this consulting smorgasbord I have put together for you. I’ve included links to over 15 case study examples and explanations straight from the websites of some of the world’s top consultancies. In addition, there are some great links to delve more into what a consultant actually does and what the companies themselves look for. To view the referenced information, just click on the highlighted names or phrases which I’ve linked to the websites.
1) Let’s start with what you are probably most interested in—details about the dreaded case study interview. I have complied a list of practice case studies (over 15 in total) and other interview preparation tips from some of the biggest names in consulting:
- Oliver Wyman offers a fantastic, comprehensive interview preparation website with case method overviews, tips, strategies, a breakdown of different types of cases and 2 interactive full length practice cases.
- Bain and Company offers 3 sample cases and a helpful set of “Crack the Case” interview tips.
- One of the perennial rivals to industry leader McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) offers 4 practices cases as well as 1 interactive case.
- Shrouded in secrecy, but purportedly able to fetch over $10,000 a day for a small team of consultants, McKinsey is the employer of choice for major MBA programs like the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and Wharton’s famed business program at the University of Pennsylvania. Their website is filled with case study information including two online cases, a case preparation video, and a downloadable tip sheet.
- Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, better known simply as Deloitte Consulting, offers 3 practices cases for entry-level Analyst positions as well as 2 in-depth case examples for MBA hires.
2) Ace The Case offers three representative cases with sample responses including basic accounting calculations when requested by the interviewer. A large volume of sample cases is available for a fee (Boo!! We like free stuff!).
3) Graduate Tutor has two resources for those interested in case interviews, an overview of the case interview process and a Top 10 Tips page.
4) Business week offers a great day-in-the-life series which includes several employees at consulting firms. To view each person’s day-in-the-life, simply click on their name.
- James FitzGerald is a government consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton.
- Adam Watson founded his own consulting company Sequitur.
- Courtney Anne Cochran is founder and principal at Your Personal Sommelier, a wine-consulting company.
- Punam Ghosh is a strategy manager with Accenture, one of the largest consulting firms in the world.
- Kelsey Leigh Kitsch is a Senior Consultant with Ivey Business Consulting Group, a small 12-person firm based out of Toronto.
- David Grrison is a senior associate at Katzenbach Partners, a management-strategy consulting firm.
5) MBA Podcaster offers terrific programing for those thinking about going back to get an MBA. In particular, they recently released a special consulting podcast featuring a panel of three top industry insiders:
- Rich Schneider, Director of the MBA campus recruiting program at Deloitte Consulting.
- Peter Sullivan, U.S. Director of people services at Booz Allen Hamilton.
- Richard Wallen, Human Resources Manager at Watson Wyatt Worldwide.
Click here to listen to the special consulting podcast.
6) If you are willing to shell out some cash (why does everything cost money!??!), Vault offers some great information online as well as providing hard copies in stores. They specialize in compiling industry data and conducting surveys. I have a couple of their books at home and find them generally helpful, especially if you are interested in finding out what current and past employees have thought of a particular firm, or if you are interested in reading advice and interviews from industry professionals. Click here to view their online consulting page and view the limited amount of info available for free.
Job Advice for New College Grads 