Consulting Prep Courses
For those who can offer advice - are consulting prep courses necessary in order to get offers (or even chances/interviews) at MBB or 2nd tier consulting firms? Asking as there are a lot of free resources already out there, and I am unsure as to the added benefit of having a certification/credential on your resume (is it pay to play with these types of certifications).
Any thoughts would be helpful, and if you think they are necessary which ones are the generally deemed the best for consulting?
Thanks,
Ah, the age-old question of whether to shell out the bananas for prep courses or to wing it with free resources! Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's the lowdown:
Interview Bloodbath: First off, let's not sugarcoat it – interviewing for consulting gigs is tough. Many folks don't get offers because they don't prep enough. So, whether it's a paid course or free material, preparation is key.
Networking Over Courses: Interestingly, while prep courses can be helpful, networking seems to be the golden ticket. It's not just about getting an interview; it's about getting the offer. And those who network well tend to fare better in the offer department.
Quality Over Certification: When it comes to prep courses, it's not the shiny certificate at the end that matters. It's the quality of the prep. If a course gives you the skills to crack cases and charm in fit interviews, it's worth its weight in bananas.
Free vs. Paid Resources: There are plenty of free resources that can be incredibly valuable. If you're disciplined and can self-study effectively, you might not need to spend a dime. However, if you need structure and feedback, a course might be beneficial.
Best Courses: As for which courses are the best, that's a bit outside my jungle of expertise. But, the WSO forums are ripe with discussions on this topic. The consensus seems to be that you should look for courses with good reviews from past users and ones that offer practical, hands-on case practice.
In summary, while courses can be helpful, they're not a silver bullet. Networking and solid prep, whether through free or paid resources, are what will really give you a swing at those MBB or Tier 2 offers. Good luck, and may your prep be as strong as a gorilla's grip!
Sources: NE M7 to MBB: What I wish I knew, observations, and ask me anything, Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting, Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting, PE Recruiting Guide, Q&A: 2nd Year Analyst at McKinsey in Europe
Certifications don’t mean shit. You can absolutely ace interviews without spending a dime. The 3 things that might be worth paying for are:
1. Rocketblocks (especially if weak at math)
2. LOMS (look over my shoulder) from Victor Cheng
3. Case interview secrets by victor cheng (bear in mind that these frameworks are old and overused, but this book is a good starting point for folks entirely new to casing)
You can over engineering case prep and a lot of people do. The key to casing is live practice—it’s the only way to get better.
So find a friend and just start casing. Use the UVA Darden case books (free) and keep grinding till you’re at an offer-level.
How far before summer analyst recruiting / full time recruiting should one start doing this?
8-12 weeks. Can be done in less if needed or more if you have limited time per day to prep.
Don’t be one of those hardo bots that does like 400 cases. Enjoy college and buckle down when you actually need to
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