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MBB 101

If you're applying to consulting firms or have a case interview coming up you're in the right place. This course teaches you exactly how to solve cases used in case interviews, whether it's at MBB firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG), other consulting firms or other firms that use case interviews. Our students have a 25% acceptance rate vs the 1% industry average acceptance rate, so be sure to boost your chances with MBB 101. (checkout mbb101. com for more reviews)

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If you're applying to consulting firms or have a case interview coming up you're in the right place. This course teaches you exactly how to solve cases used in case interviews, whether it's at MBB firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG), other consulting firms or other firms that use case interviews. Our students have a 25% acceptance rate vs the 1% industry average acceptance rate, so be sure to boost your chances with MBB 101. (checkout mbb101. com for more reviews)

If you have a non-business background, the first module will take you right from step one of understanding fundamental business topics such as revenue, profit, profit margins and more. We'll also cover market dynamics that you'll be expected to understand, such as the impact of consolidated vs fragmented markets on incumbents and new entrants. Don't worry if you don't know what these words mean, you will by the end of module one.

If you're up to speed on business basics then you can skip to module two where we break down the case interview into it's key steps - from understanding the brief, asking the right questions, generating a hypothesis and structuring right the way through to solving the case and providing your recommendation.

We take a deep dive into structuring different types of cases and marketing sizing in the following modules, but it's important to remember that interviewers expect you to create frameworks tailored to the case, rather than memorising them. So these modules teach the logic and thought process behind structuring these cases, so you can apply them to even the most unconventional cases.

The course also covers key technical topics such as graph interpretations and company valuations to take your business knowledge and skills to the next level.

We can't forget about personal fit though - nailing the case interview is a big part of the interview but they need to be sure you'll fit into the company culture. We cover the basics of what the interviewer is looking for and how to tailor your background no matter what it is.

To save you time we have easily digestible study notes for key topics - take them with you as you start practising case interviews, in case you need to brush up on your knowledge.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 1. fundamental business knowledge if you have a non-business background
  • 2. exactly how to solve a case - from structuring to analysing to providing a great recommendation
  • 3. game-changing methods for creating your own structures instead of memorising
  • 4. how to impress your interviewer in your personal fit interview

Syllabus

Understand and apply key business concepts from basics (e.g., profitability) to core economic principles (e.g., market dynamics)
Business judgement - what is it and how do you show it?
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches methods for creating tailored frameworks, which is essential since interviewers expect candidates to avoid memorized approaches and demonstrate original thought
Covers personal fit, which is critical because consulting firms prioritize candidates who align with their company culture and values beyond just case-solving abilities
Includes study notes for key topics, which can save time and help learners quickly review essential concepts while practicing case interviews
Starts with fundamental business knowledge, which is helpful for learners who need to build a solid foundation before tackling complex case studies
Requires learners to understand and apply key business concepts, which may necessitate additional study for those lacking a formal business education
Includes advanced topics like graph interpretation and company valuation, which may require learners to have a solid foundation in mathematics and finance

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Reviews summary

Mastering mbb case interviews

According to learners, this course is a highly effective resource for preparing for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG case interviews. Many students found the structured approach and step-by-step breakdown of cases particularly helpful. The course provides a solid foundation in business concepts, making it suitable even for those without a business background. While some found the math section challenging, the personal fit advice and real-life examples were frequently praised. Overall, reviews suggest it significantly boosts confidence and chances for landing consulting offers.
Includes practical examples to reinforce learning.
"The real-life case examples and advanced candidate demos were highly insightful and practical."
"Watching how the concepts were applied in actual cases solidified my understanding."
"It was useful to see different case types worked through from start to finish."
Advice helps tailor background for interviews.
"The personal fit section was surprisingly helpful; it gave me concrete strategies for tailoring my unique background."
"I felt much more prepared for the fit portion of interviews after going through this module."
"Learned how interviewers assess candidates and practiced answering common behavioral questions effectively."
Excellent for non-business backgrounds needing basics.
"As someone without a business background, the initial modules on profitability, market dynamics etc. were invaluable."
"The course did a great job explaining fundamental business concepts necessary for cases."
"I finally understood key terms like revenue, profit margins, and market structures after taking this course."
Breaks down case interviews into manageable steps.
"The course breaks down the case interview into really manageable steps, which is super helpful when you're just starting out."
"I appreciated the step-by-step guide on how to approach different case types, from clarifying questions to recommendations."
"It provided a clear framework that I could adapt to various cases during my practice sessions."
Some find the math challenging; requires practice.
"The math section felt a bit fast-paced for me, requiring significant external practice."
"I struggled a bit with the mental math hacks initially, needed to review those lessons multiple times."
"While the formulas are covered, mastering the speed needed for interviews takes extra effort outside the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in MBB 101 - Nail McKinsey, Bain and BCG case interviews with these activities:
Review Fundamental Business Concepts
Solidify your understanding of core business principles before diving into case studies. This will provide a strong foundation for analyzing case scenarios.
Browse courses on Profitability
Show steps
  • Review definitions of key terms.
  • Work through practice problems.
  • Summarize key concepts in your own words.
Read 'Case Interview Secrets'
Gain insights into the case interview process and learn proven strategies for success. This book complements the course material by providing real-world examples and practical tips.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Take notes on key concepts and frameworks.
  • Practice applying the techniques to sample cases.
Practice Mental Math Calculations
Improve your speed and accuracy in performing mental calculations. This is crucial for quickly analyzing data and solving quantitative problems during case interviews.
Show steps
  • Use online mental math training tools.
  • Practice calculations daily.
  • Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in Mock Case Interviews
Simulate the real case interview experience and receive feedback on your performance. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and refine your approach.
Show steps
  • Find a partner for mock interviews.
  • Take turns playing the interviewer and candidate.
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Develop a Personal Case Interview Framework
Synthesize the concepts learned in the course and create your own structured approach to solving case interviews. This will demonstrate your understanding of the material and your ability to apply it in a practical setting.
Show steps
  • Review different case frameworks.
  • Identify the key elements of a successful framework.
  • Create a framework that suits your style.
  • Test your framework on practice cases.
Read 'The McKinsey Way'
Understand the consulting mindset and learn how top firms approach problem-solving. This book provides valuable context for the case interview process and helps you think like a consultant.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to case interviews.
  • Discuss the book with other students.
Analyze a Real-World Company Case
Apply your case interview skills to analyze a real-world company and develop strategic recommendations. This will demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge in a practical setting and further deepen your understanding of business concepts.
Show steps
  • Choose a company to analyze.
  • Gather information about the company's industry, market position, and financial performance.
  • Identify the company's key challenges and opportunities.
  • Develop strategic recommendations to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.
  • Present your analysis and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete MBB 101 - Nail McKinsey, Bain and BCG case interviews will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Management Consultant
As a management consultant, you help organizations improve performance by analyzing problems and developing solutions. You might advise on strategy, structure, management, and operations. The MBB 101 course helps build a strong foundation for breaking down complex business problems, a core skill for any successful management consultant. The course focuses on solving cases step by step, structuring frameworks, interpreting data, and presenting recommendations, all vital in a consulting setting. The module on personal fit will be invaluable, showing you how to tailor your background, whatever it may be, to consulting. The modules on advanced topics such as graph interpretation further prepares you for the quantitative aspects of the role.
Strategy Consultant
A strategy consultant specializes in helping companies develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve their goals. This often involves market analysis, competitive assessment, and identifying growth opportunities. The MBB 101 course teaches how to develop frameworks tailored to the case. This is a valuable skill in the field of strategy consulting. The course content on market dynamics, inorganic growth, and M&A is directly relevant to the kinds of strategic decisions a strategy consultant helps advise on. Understanding how to impress your interviewer in your personal fit interview is also crucial in landing this job.
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify business needs and determine solutions to business problems. They often analyze data, create reports, and recommend improvements to processes and systems. The MBB 101 may be useful as it provides a foundation in business concepts and problem-solving methodologies. Learning how to solve cases from structuring to analyzing to providing recommendations is what business analysis is all about. The course's focus on market sizing and graph interpretation would especially support data-driven decision-making, a key function of a business analyst.
Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or product line. They need to understand market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to make informed decisions. The MBB 101 course covers fundamental business knowledge, market dynamics, and competitive analysis, all valuable aspects to consider in product decisions. The framework of solving cases taught in this course can be applied to approaching product challenges. Gaining an understanding of market entry, pricing, and M&A may be relevant to make strategic product decisions.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate financial data, prepare reports, and make recommendations to guide investment decisions. They often work in areas such as investment management, corporate finance, or equity research. The MBB 101 course covers company valuation methods and M&A synergies. This knowledge will be valuable in analyzing financial performance and evaluating investment opportunities. The course's focus on consulting math and key formulas may be helpful in the quantitative aspects of financial analysis.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers advise companies on raising capital through the issuance of stocks and bonds, as well as mergers and acquisitions. A career as an investment banker is demanding, requiring excellent analytical skills and business judgement. The MBB 101 course may be useful as it covers M&A, company valuation methods, and market dynamics. This knowledge can be valuable in understanding the factors that drive deal-making and valuation. Although it does not focus specifically on finance, the course provides a framework for approaching complex business problems, which is crucial in investment banking. The course can help build a foundation for further learning.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. The MBB 101 course may be useful as it focuses on market sizing, which is a critical skill. Additionally, the course touches on market dynamics, enabling you to understand how consolidated versus fragmented markets impact incumbents and new entrants. While the course is not specifically focused on market research, it will provide a foundation for framing and analyzing market-related problems.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses, taking on the risks and rewards of creating something new. They need to be strategic, resourceful, and adaptable. The MBB 101 course covers fundamental business knowledge and provides a framework for solving complex business problems. Entrepreneurs can apply these skills to develop business plans, analyze market opportunities, and make strategic decisions. The course also covers topics like market entry and pricing, which are directly relevant to starting and growing a business.
Program Manager
Program managers oversee multiple related projects, coordinating efforts to achieve strategic goals. They work across different teams and departments to ensure that projects are aligned and delivered successfully. The MBB 101 course may be useful because it focuses on structuring frameworks and solving problems step-by-step. These skills can be applied to manage complex programs, breaking them down into manageable components and ensuring that they are aligned with overall strategic objectives. The course's focus on communication and presentation skills can also be a valuable asset for a Program Manager.
Chief Executive Officer
The chief executive officer is the highest-ranking executive in a company, responsible for making strategic decisions that steer the company's direction. The MBB 101 course may be helpful in growing capabilities in business judgment. Furthermore, it will allow learners to master topics such as company valuation methods, market entry strategy, and pricing approaches. The course may be useful as it serves as a refresher in these topics.
Chief Financial Officer
The chief financial officer is responsible for managing a company's financial risks and opportunities. The MBB 101 course may be useful because it helps create understanding of market dynamics and market sizing. In addition, there are lessons on M&A and valuation. While not specifically geared for a chief financial officer, this may be useful as a refresher on some core topics.
Actuary
Actuaries analyze risk and use mathematical models to forecast future events. They are often employed by insurance companies and pension funds. The MBB 101 course has limited relevance, but graph interpretations and communication may be helpful.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret numerical data to identify trends and relationships. While the MBB 101 course is not directly related, the graph interpretation lessons may be helpful.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of resources, analyzing economic trends and developing forecasts. The MBB 101 course places emphasis on case interviews, yet the fundamental business knowledge section may be relevant to the work this professional does.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records. They ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. The MBB 101 course has limited bearing on this profession.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in MBB 101 - Nail McKinsey, Bain and BCG case interviews.
Provides a comprehensive guide to case interviews, covering everything from understanding the case to delivering a compelling recommendation. It offers practical advice and frameworks for structuring and solving cases, mirroring the course's focus on developing tailored approaches. It is particularly useful for those new to case interviews and seeking a structured approach.
Provides insights into the problem-solving methodologies and consulting practices used at McKinsey & Company. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how consultants approach complex business challenges. While not directly focused on case interviews, it provides valuable context and a deeper understanding of the consulting mindset. This book is more valuable as additional reading to provide context.

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