logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2023
6m 39s

583: Estimation = Brainstorming = Struct...

StrategyTraining.com & FirmsConsulting.com
About this episode

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we speak about the three core technical concepts around cases.

We always teach clients estimation technique first, followed by brainstorming technique and finally full case technique. There is a simple reason for this, which is explained in this podcast. Estimations tend to be, but not always, a brainstorm with very few or just one branch. A brainstorm is therefore an estimation equation with multiple branches. A full case structure is a very large brainstorm with mini-brainstorms at each new branch. We want candidates to see this evolution so they can understand how crucial brainstorming is to the entire case interview approach.

Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Up next
Yesterday
809: What types of cases can you expect in a consulting interview? (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)
For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we talk about the different kinds of cases you may face in an interview and the techniques you can use to solve them. We also discuss the meaning of market sizing and deregulation cases, and th ... Show More
12m 37s
Aug 20
808: Advice for deeply experienced candidates (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)
For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we look at the profile of an older MBA candidate who has extensive oil and gas expertise. We offer some counter-intuitive advice to this candidate for their career and planning. While we use an ... Show More
10m 43s
Aug 18
807: Never start training with McKinsey cases (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)
This is a mistake common to most case interview candidates. They start with the McKinsey approach. This is a very, very bad idea. McKinsey cases are those were the interviewer leads the case. If you are only trained to do cases in this format, you will never learn how to lead a c ... Show More
14m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2022
248: What is a conceptual thinker? (Strategy Skills classics)
For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we explain what it means to be a conceptual thinker and how to demonstrate this skill. If you work at any major consulting firm – and especially if you want to be promoted – you must prove you are a conceptual thinke ... Show More
10m 59s
Jun 2024
You can't untie market sizings and 80/20 thinking (and you can't be a consultant without 80/20 thinking)
This clip is an excerpt from episode 07. Why we taught estimations first, where we explain why our coaching method involved (and our current teaching method also involves) teaching estimations before anything else, the skills estimations allow you to learn in isolation, and the f ... Show More
7m 45s
Jul 2023
362: What is a conceptual thinker? (Strategy Skills classics)
For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we explain what it means to be a conceptual thinker and how to demonstrate this skill. If you work at any major consulting firm – and especially if you want to be promoted – you must prove you are a conceptual thinke ... Show More
10m 57s
Jul 2022
257: Professional values on studies (Strategy Skills classics)
For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we will talk about general professional values or etiquette that consultants should apply during an engagement. We specifically discuss things that consultants sometimes do on studies that may alienate the client. An ... Show More
16m 2s
Nov 2022
297: What is the big picture thinking? (Strategy Skills classics)
For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we discuss what big picture thinking is. At least once in your life, you would have received feedback to be a more big picture thinker. The problem is that everyone will have a different definition of big picture thi ... Show More
11m 58s
Apr 2023
03. Two amazing practice methods our most resourceful clients created
In this episode, we talk about 2 unique ways to practice for cases that two case interview coaching clients created, and how you can add them to your practice. We also talk about being resourceful and how that can help you in your case prep and in your job as a consultant. After ... Show More
37m 24s
Apr 2023
07. Why we taught estimations first
In this episode, we explain exactly why we taught estimations first when we did 1-on-1, long-term case interview coaching, why this matters to you, and why we wouldn't move on to other, more advanced things, if the candidate wasn't estimating well yet (no matter how fru ... Show More
40m 44s
Nov 2023
Why senior partners ask dumb questions (and you should too)
This clip is an excerpt from episode 04. The Consultant's Turing Test, where Bruno explains what the Consultant's Turing Test is and how to be prepared for it in your interviews. If you like it, I highly recommend you check out the full episode for more insights. ------ ... Show More
8m 25s
Jun 2024
S14E9: The 5 most common case interview questions you need to know
Send us a textGetting a grasp on the most common case interview questions is fundamental to setting yourself up for success in the interview process, whether you’re interviewing at McKinsey, Capital One, or Amazon. Today, we’ll cover the 5 most common questions you should be prep ... Show More
10m 29s
Mar 2024
S13E16: Navigating a Bain Case Interview (with an Ex-Consultant)
Send us a textJuliane Hoss spent 3 years in Bain & Company's Johannesburg, South Africa office working in the Private Equity Group and on large transformation projects. Today, she joins us to provide an insider look at how Bain conducts case interviews.  Throughout the case, ... Show More
45m 39s