Accenture Case Interview: Formats, Question Types & Tips
Accenture is one of the largest consulting firms in the world, with more than 500,000 employees serving clients in 120 countries. If we could pick a consulting firm to win the aggressive campus recruiting award, it would probably be Accenture.
Accenture case interviews are a bit heavier on market-sizing, with a mix of candidate- and interview-led, and may include a special interview called Potentia.
Table of Contents
What is Accenture case interview?
Accenture case interviews are the final test to become an accenture consultant.
The Accenture case interview is the screening interview of Accenture, where candidates must solve business problems (or cases). The interview evaluates whether candidates possess the capabilities and qualities to become an Accenture consultant.
Accenture case interviews are both interviewer-led and candidate-led. The former has multiple separate questions presented by the interviewer, while the latter is one big case where you lead every step of the process, from structuring the issue, developing frameworks, requesting data, synthesizing findings, and providing solutions.
Before getting to the case interview, you must pass the initial screening rounds, which include resume screening and on-campus behavioral test.
In the resume round, you’ll of course need a consulting resume, just like what you’d need for McKinsey, and a cover letter, then submit it on Accenture’s website.
The behavioral interview will test whether you are fit to work for Accenture and the position you are applying to. This should take around 30-45 minutes.
Accenture also has a special case interview called the Potentia, testing candidate’s judgment and creative thinking ability. We’ll touch on this a bit later.
You don’t need tech background to solve Accenture cases
Accenture is a tech support powerhouse , but you don’t need to know about tech for consulting positions (it’s BUSINESS, but knowing wouldn’t hurt either).
Some may have tech-related topics, like on Uber or Facebook but you can solve the case, content-wise, just like normal case interviews.
So brighten up if you don’t have any exposure in IT or computer science, you’ll be working in business at core. But tech bros are also welcome! (Well, they indeed can join tech for (arguably) higher pay up front versus consulting, but I’d say consulting is better in the long-run, so get at it!).
And in case you didn’t know, Accenture literally became the biggest consulting firm in the world thanks to tech.
Big corps nowadays are more than willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year to keep their tech humming, and Accenture enjoys quite a fair share of that. It is basically synonymous with tech consulting/advisory.
Also, before the tech giant it is today, Accenture actually hailed from a former Big Five firm (now Big Four)! It was first known as Andersen Consulting, the business & tech consulting department of Arthur Andersen, but later split in the late 1990s due to internal conflict and became Accenture!
Accenture looks for those with achieving & analytical mindset
Just like all management consulting firms, Accenture looks for those who want to make an impact. The main value Accenture will look for are:
Outstanding academic achievement: Usually, your GPA (obviously) and school prestige. Your best bet? 4.0 at Harvard! But jokes aside, a 3.6 GPA should be good. Below that? Try to make focus points in other parts of your resume. This article might help!
Analytical ability: The ability to create a thorough, data-driven, insightful analysis and define the root cause and solutions to difficult problems
Demonstrated leadership : The ability to inspire and motivate others. Consultants won’t simply look for “leaders” who just tell their subordinates what to do, but a guiding beacon, even for their superiors (very much telling your boss what to do, but, think of it as inspiring ideas to them).
Collaborative approach : The ability to exchange facts and insights and effectively interact with people from various backgrounds and cultures
Intellectual curiosity : The ability to actively and continuously seek and expand knowledge
Accenture case interview format
Accenture interviews are heavy on market-sizing.
This was based on our research. Also, most cases were divided into very specific and realistic questions, and they had no connections, whatsoever. The case as a whole sounds like a casual business discussion on some pressing issues.
So, you can expect these questions to be typical of consulting interviews. Market-sizing and guesstimate questions are popular and it’s no exception here. But keep this in mind: Market-sizing is not about getting the correct number, but estimating in a structured and logical way . The process is the important part .
Accenture cases are not heavier on math
Accenture cases are just about as math-y as what you’d see in most consulting firms. Yes, math is the foundation of consulting work, but what interviewers will look for is structured problem-solving, which brings us to MECE, root cause, and actionable solutions, the core of all cases.
Accenture case interview questions
There are three types of questions in Accenture cases, known as the “ Great Unknown ”, the “ Parade of Facts ” and the “ Back of the Envelope ,” each targeting very specific aspects of a candidate’s problem-solving ability.
The two most common will be the “Great Unknown” and the “Parade of Facts”. Still, no matter the question type you’re dealing with, don’t jump right in cracking the case before understanding the facts and knowing exactly what is being asked of you.
The Great Unknown focuses on ability to probe information
The Great Unknown questions basically give you the barebone, with truly nothing to build a case. They will test your ability to uncover necessary facts - to ask the right questions.
Here’s an example:
A leading manufacturer of plant-based meat has experienced a decline in profits despite an increase in market share. The senior executive team would like you to help them understand why and what they can do to reverse this trend.
And here’s how you should approach the case:
Okay, first, “market share” here is a rough percentage of the company on the market, not an absolute number. So, “an increase in market share” can be either by chewing out the competition, or competition dying.
Also, the market might be shrinking, but our sales are falling less than competitors.
After clarifying what “an increase in market share” means, you can ask something like:
Has the company experienced any significant increase in cost in the last couple of years related to any additional fixed or variable cost?
On the revenue side, has there been an increase in the volume of output?
What about the competition? Has the competitive structure of the industry changed? Mergers and Acquisitions? New Entrants?
Are there any new products or new technologies that are gaining market share?
How is the company currently positioned (low cost, high quality, etc)? What is its competitive advantage?
The Parade of Facts focuses on the ability to distill key issues
The “Parade of Facts” presents you with an abundance of information, so now, it’s your job to navigate through massive loads of facts. It will put your ability to grasp the crux of the problem and find relevant information to the test.
For this type of question, pause for a moment and consider the central problem . It’s key to ask questions about facts that appear relevant.
Here’s an example:
Client is a leading ice-cream company that wants to sell vegan ice-cream. They want to know the market size, the feasibility of the business and how they can set up barriers to entry. Some additional information is given:
Trend among consumers is toward production transparency, e.g. they want to know their products were not made at the cost of animal suffering, labor exploitation, and environmental repercussions.
Trend among consumers is to avoid artificial preservatives or colorings.
Consumers are currently purchasing $45 billion ice-cream cups per year.
There are five flavors – matcha, coconut, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Ice-cream is packaged in 18 oz cups.
Product is currently in limited consumer testing at $4 to $5.50 per cup
Here’s what you can do:
The key problem here is to find out the market size and profitability of the business. So, consider asking something like:
What prices are consumers responding to?
What is the competitive structure of this market currently?
What are the components of the company’s cost structure?
What is the break-even point for the firm?
What is the required market share to break-even?
The Back of the Envelope focuses more on math
This takes us back to the basics of market-sizing and guesstimate, so, things like estimate the number of phones in New York, or how many shots of espresso are consumed each year in Italy.
But let’s try a real case, shall we?
Estimate the total number of taxi drivers in Montreal.
Now, we’ll focus on assumptions.
First, estimate the market size by segmenting the population.
Assume Montreal’s population consists of 30% adult men, 30% adult women and 40% children
Assume children don’t use taxis and only 30% of adults use taxis
Estimate the average number of taxi rides each man and woman takes a week. For this case, assume one takes 10 rides a week, as the average works 5 days a week, and will take one to get to work and another back home
So, the market size (per week) is: 1.2 million people (60% of males & females) x 30% (percentage of adults using taxis) x 10 taxis rides = 3.6 million rides
Next, estimate the number of rides a driver can complete per week
Assume the average taxi driver completes 3-4 rides per hour
If the average driver works 10 hours/day, 6 days/week, he’d typically complete 180-240 rides (3-4 rides x 10 x 6)
Divide the total number of rides per week, we get the answer (about 15000-20000)
These are just some questions you may encounter in Accenture case interviews. If you want to familiarize yourself with the interview format, improve your performance, and develop techniques for each question type. The only proven way is to PRACTICE!
Having trouble on where to start? Check out our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program. We have everything covered for you to get ready for your case.
After practicing mock cases, try out MConsultingPrep’s coaching service. You’ll have the opportunity to receive detailed feedback on your performance from former consultants, and a personalized study plan to ace every case!
Accenture Potentia interview
Accenture Potentia Interview is a special type of case interview designed to test sound judgment and creative thinking of candidates applying for Strategy roles at Accenture. So not all candidates will take the Potentia, only the Strategy guys.
Potentia is also a case interview, just for Strategy candidates
The Potentia is a one-hour case interview. There are no clear guidelines for these cases, so whatever case you get depends on the interviewer. Regarding case type, some 60% chance you’ll get market-sizing, and nearly 40% chance you get profitability. On the format:
First, the interviewer will hand you a topic with a problem. The topics can be anything, even unrelated to work, like blood diamonds in Africa, or treatment of homosexuals in Muslim countries
You’ll have 5 minutes to read through the problem statement and prepare
After that, you’ll present your thoughts and the interviewer will ask follow-up questions. This conversation lasts around 45 to 60 minutes
Potentia is more on creativity rather than structure
Potentia focuses slightly more on creativity than structure. It mostly tests your ability to think outside the box, and come up with something fresh. So do expect it to be more casual than MBB cases (still, it’s a job interview, expect some level of seriousness).
But if you meet someone hailing from the MBB, they may get more demanding (it’s MBB, what do you expect?) and the interview will get serious real quick.
Still, Potentia will be more conversational and not go too much on getting the right answer.
Tips for Potentia
Tip #1: Construct your answers using frameworks:
You are still being evaluated on how structured and organized the answers are ( it’s a case interview at core , remember?). So, use frameworks to capture ideas.
Tip #2: Practice brainstorming ideas:
Coming up with a lot of good ideas in a short period of time takes practice. Try to generate ideas in different areas of your framework for a start.
Tip #3: Welcome ambitious ideas:
Remember, your creativity and innovation is also being assessed. Don’t be afraid to speak up ambitious ideas, because they might turn out to be very good. Still, it’s best to keep both practicality and ambition, for flexibility.
Tip #4: Don’t focus too much on getting the right answer:
Potentia problems are usually complex and don’t have absolute answers. Focus on giving sound judgements, creativity, innovation and you’re good!
Tip #5: Bring in ideas from prior work experience:
A good way to showcase creativity is to draw relevant ideas from one industry and match them with another. Besides, it’s a good opportunity to leverage your previous work experiences.
Tip #6: Listen carefully to feedbacks:
Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to your interviewer’s comments. It’s more of a conversation, not a one man show. Besides, listening is respecting, and a good impression goes a long way. Do apply feedback from previous questions to improve your performance in later questions. It shows that you are paying attention.
How to prepare for Accenture case interview
Careful preparation is a must to ace Accenture’s case. You can tackle each aspect of the interview step by step.
Start from getting used to both interviewer-led candidate-led cases, then further out with business intuition, consulting math, fundamentals & frameworks of case interview, then finally conduct mock interviews.
Step 1: Get used to the candidate-led case interview, and written case interview
Examine examples of interviewer-led and candidate-led case interviews to familiarize yourself with the case flow and how to interact with the interviewer.
You can also get familiar with more case interview samples and all instantly-effective tricks for case interviews with our Case Interview E2E Secret Program. Also, here’s our free video of a case interview example with an explanation and expert comments.
Step 2: Develop business intuition
Having business intuition significantly improves your performance in case interviews. Working on intuition is a gradual process that takes practice every day. You can improve your business intuition in two ways:
Written sources: Read business papers daily (Bloomberg is recommended). You can also find articles on McKinsey, Bain, and BCG’s websites. But be careful! The important thing is not your page count, but what you absorbed from them
First-hand experience and observations: Don't just do things like a machine; find out what the seniors are doing, why they did what they did, and how it has affected the organization. Everything is a learning process, and it’s up to you to squeeze out every bit of knowledge and experience
Step 3: Practice consulting math
Consultants work with quantitative data in just about every minute. It simply takes too long to whip out a calculator every time they need to calculate something, and you’re definitely not impressing clients with that. That’s why interviewers place such high emphasis on mental math skills of interviewees. To improve your math, you can:
Train your head : Apply mental calculations on any daily occasion unless an EXACT answer is required
Start small : Use a piece of scratch paper, give yourself some margins of error (5% is a good start); once you get used to it, remove the paper and narrow down the margin of error.
Establish a routine : Spare time for daily practice and get better each day, just like exercise. You’ll never notice the little changes, but they stack up HARD, and when you realize it, you’re probably doing math thrice as fast
Step 4: Learn the fundamentals and frameworks of case interview
Accenture case interviews (or any other case interview) are based on the fundamentals - using hypotheses and issue trees, the MECE principle, and the frameworks. So, knowing them is extremely important and you should practice the fundamentals until you are comfortable.
A common mistake candidates make during their case interviews is to go straight for the frameworks. Frameworks require extensive adaptation to match actual cases. To customize appropriately, you must understand the fundamental knowledge first.
To know more about case interviews, here’s a dedicated article .
Step 5: Conduct mock case interview
Mock interviews are a great way to simulate the actual case interview session. You should examine your cases in great depth during the mock case interview. Record your session, replay, note the comments, and look for ways to improve.
Find a former consultant to help you with your practice - they are the ideal people; they've been there, they’ll know what a candidate must be. Through their feedback, you can improve on what needs to be improved and boost your chance of getting an offer.
We can also help you connect with consulting coaches (all former consultants!) for a more personalized feedback. Book your mock case interview session with us now !
Accenture Tech or Accenture Consulting?
But Kim, you may ask, I have tech background, do I go for Accenture Tech or Accenture Management Consulting?
Good question! Both are great careers but I’d say even if you are amazing at tech, if you can, go for management consulting. Yes I might be biased, but let’s focus on the aspect of each: one leans more on one aspect of business, and other on the entire business.
With tech, you can make six figures fresh out of college
Tech guys can easily make six figures right after graduation, because, well, it’s tech! So you want to make 150, 200 just fresh out of school? Go tech!
With consulting, you have the potential to make millions in the long run
But I’ll ask you this, what does a company, say even a tech company do to make money? BUSINESS . Everything it does serves one purpose, to sell a product or service and make money from that. No matter what type of company, BUSINESS is always the core.
What management consulting will teach you is to look at the big picture, how the entire business works to make a profit, how to improve on what’s already there, how to solve upper-level problems, not just narrowing down to a simple cog of a whole machine.
Let’s say you go with the tech path, you make big bucks right out of school, but that’s probably it. Tech’s all you know, but you’re quite good at it. As time goes by, your development, and your money seem to plateau, because you can’t quite get higher up. You’re limited to just one aspect of the entire business.
But now, you go with the consulting path, you make less than tech guys at first (still good money), but with what you’ve learnt in business and management, you hop to upper-level management levels for another firm (COO, CTO, even CEO isn’t out of the question), or, you build your own tech firm. You become the boss of the tech kids.
I’d say the money from tech vs consulting looks something like this. Tech gives you the boost right from the start, but consulting gives you the momentum later in your career.
You can say some tech guys like Bill Gates or Zuck made billions, but as I said, their core was BUSINESS. You won’t make billions simply by writing some codes or making some phones. There’s a lot more to it, and that’s exactly what consulting will teach you.
And hey, you know that guy from Google? Sundar Pichai? Yeah, he began in engineering, but transitioned to consulting. From McKinsey to Google CEO. That’s a real brag. I’d doubt he’d get anywhere as big just staying in engineering.
So your choice, go big now, or go real big later.
Scoring in the McKinsey PSG/Digital Assessment
The scoring mechanism in the McKinsey Digital Assessment
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Case interview is the last round of ZS Associates hiring process with 3 stages: online application, aptitude tests + video interview & 2 parts of case interview
A case interview is where candidates is asked to solve a business problem. They are used by consulting firms to evaluate problem-solving skill & soft skills
Hacking the Case Interview
If you’re interviewing with technology consulting firms, such as Accenture or Cognizant , you will almost definitely be given a few technology case interviews during the interview process. To successfully land a technology consulting job offer, you’ll have to nail each and every case interview.
While technology case interviews may seem intimidating and challenging, they can be consistently solved with the right strategies and practice. In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is a technology case interview?
- The 6 steps to solve any technology case
- Technology case interview frameworks
- 7 technology case interview examples to practice
- Recommended technology case interview resources
If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.
What is a Technology Consulting Case Interview?
Technology consulting is a specialized type of consulting that focuses on helping companies use technology better to be more productive and profitable. Just as with any consulting firm, technology consulting firms use case interviews to identify candidates that have the potential to become great consultants.
As you would expect, technology consulting case interviews focus on business problems that center around a company’s use of technology. Technology cases place you in a hypothetical business situation in which you will work with the interviewer to develop a recommendation or solution to a technology problem.
Types of business situations that you could expect to see in technology consulting cases include:
- Deciding whether a company should buy or build a particular technology solution
- Deciding which vendor a company should partner with for their technology solution
- Deciding whether a company should develop technology in-house or outsource development elsewhere
- Determining whether outsourcing of technology should be done onshore or offshore
Technology consulting firms use case interviews because they assess a variety of different qualities and traits in just a 20- to 30-minute exercise. There are five major qualities that technology case interviews assess:
Logical, structured thinking : Can you structure complex problems in a clear, simple way? Can you use logic and reason to make appropriate conclusions?
Analytical problem solving : Can you read and interpret data well? Can you conduct the right analyses to draw the right conclusions?
Business acumen : Do you have a basic understanding of fundamental business and technology concepts? Do your recommendations make sense from a feasibility perspective?
Communication skills : Can you communicate in a clear, concise way? Are you articulate in what you are saying?
Personality and cultural fit : Are you coachable and easy to work with? Are you pleasant to be around?
The 6 Steps to Solve Any Technology Case Interview
The approach to solving technology consulting cases is generally the same as traditional case interviews. Generally, you’ll want to follow these six steps.
1. Understand the case
Your technology case interview will begin with the interviewer giving you the case background information. While the interviewer is speaking, make sure that you are taking meticulous notes on the most important pieces of information. Focus on understanding the context of the situation and the objective of the case.
Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you do not understand something. You may want to summarize the case background information back to the interviewer to confirm your understanding of the case.
The most important part of this step is to verify the objective of the case. Not answering the right business question is the quickest way to fail a case interview.
2. Structure the problem
The next step is to develop a framework to help you solve the case. A framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. Another way to think about frameworks is brainstorming different ideas and organizing them into different categories.
Before you start developing your framework, it is completely acceptable to ask the interviewer for a few minutes so that you can collect your thoughts and think about the problem.
Once you have identified the major issues or areas that you need to explore, walk the interviewer through your framework. They may ask a few questions or provide some feedback.
For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .
3. Kick off the case
Once you have finished presenting your framework, you’ll start diving into different areas of your framework to begin solving the case. How this process will start depends on whether the case interview is candidate-led or interviewer-led .
If the case interview is a candidate-led case, you’ll be expected to propose what area of your framework to start investigating. So, propose an area and provide a reason for why you want to start with that area. There is generally no right or wrong area of your framework to pick first.
If the case interview is interviewer-led, the interviewer will tell you what area of the framework to start in or directly give you a question to answer.
4. Solve quantitative problems
Technology cases typically have some quantitative aspect to them. For example, you may be asked to calculate a certain profitability or financial metric.
The key to solving quantitative problems is to lay out a structure or approach upfront with the interviewer before doing any math calculations. If you lay out and present your structure to solve the quantitative problem and the interviewer approves of it, the rest of the problem is simple execution of math.
5. Answer qualitative questions
Technology case interviews will also typically have qualitative aspects to them. You may be asked to brainstorm a list of potential ideas. You could also be asked to provide your opinion on a particular business issue or situation.
The key to answering qualitative questions is to structure your answer. When brainstorming a list of ideas, develop a structure to help you neatly categorize all of your ideas. When giving your opinion on a business issue or situation, provide a summary of your stance or position and then enumerate the reasons that support it.
6. Deliver a recommendation
In the last step of the tech case interview, you’ll present your recommendation and provide the major reasons that support it. You do not need to recap everything that you have done in the case, so focus on only summarizing the facts that are most important.
It is also good practice to include potential next steps that you would take if you had more time or data. These can be areas of your framework that you did not have time to explore or lingering questions that you do not have great answers for.
Technology Case Interview Frameworks
While the approach to solving technology case interviews is typically the same as traditional case interviews, there are some frameworks you should be familiar with that are specific to technology issues.
Some of these frameworks are more technical than others.
Generally, if you have a strong IT or technology background and are interviewing for a more senior role, you should expect your technology case interviews to be more technical. However, if you are interviewing for an entry level technology consulting role, you’ll likely not need to know many of these frameworks.
PPT Framework
The PPT framework stands for people, process, and technology. These are the three components that are necessary for organizational transformation and management. To achieve organizational efficiency, a company needs to have all three of these components streamlined.
People : Do employees have the right skills, experience, and attitude for the job? Do they have clear roles and responsibilities? Does the project have buy-in from the right people?
Process : Are the right processes in place? Are these processes run smoothly and efficiently? Are there potential bottlenecks or roadblocks?
Technology : Are the right technologies being used? Are these technologies being used to their maximum potential?
Factors to Evaluate Technology Framework
Often, you’ll need to use a framework to evaluate different pieces of technology or different potential technology vendors to work with. One of the most common ways of doing this is by assessing each option on the basis of the following three factors.
Ability to meet requirements : Does the technology or vendor satisfy all of the requirements?
Cost of project : What is the fully-loaded cost of the project? Do the costs meet the designated budget?
Time to launch : How long will it take to launch and implement the solution? Does this timeline satisfy goals and expectations?
ITIL Framework
ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It is the first of our more technical frameworks for technology case interviews.
The ITIL framework is one of the most widely used approaches for managing IT services. IT services use the ITIL framework to ensure that their services are delivered in a customer-focused, high-quality, and economical way.
There are five stages in the lifecycle of information technology.
Service Strategy : Decide on a strategy to serve customers by starting with an assessment of customer needs and the market place. Determine which services the IT organization should offer and what capabilities need to be developed.
Service Design : Design new IT services, which includes making changes and improvements to existing services.
Service Transition : Build and deploy IT services. Ensure that changes to services are carried out in a coordinated way.
Service Operation : Ensure that IT services are delivered effectively and efficiently. This includes fulfilling user requests, resolving service failures, fixing problems, and carrying out routine operational tasks.
Continual Service Improvement : Learn from past successes and failures to continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IT processes and services.
TOGAF Framework
TOGAF stands for The Open Group Architecture Framework. It provides an approach for designing, planning, implementing, and governing an enterprise information technology architecture.
TOGAF is based on four areas of specialization called architecture domains:
Business architecture : The business strategy, governance, organization, and key business processes of the organization
Data architecture : The structure of an organization’s logical and physical data assets and the associated data management resources
Applications architecture : The blueprint for the individual systems to be deployed, the interactions between application systems, and their relationships to the core business processes of the organization
Technical architecture : The hardware, software, and network infrastructure needed to support the deployment of core and mission-critical applications
CMMI Framework
CMMI stands for Capability Maturity Model Integration and is used to guide process improvement across a project, division, or entire organization. CMMI defines five maturity levels for processes.
Level 1: Initial : Processes are unpredictable, poorly controlled, and reactive.
Level 2: Managed : Processes are characterized for projects and are often reactive.
Level 3: Defined : Processes are characterized for the organization and are proactive.
Level 4: Quantitatively Managed : Processes are measured and controlled.
Level 5: Optimizing : Processes are not only measured and controlled, but also focused on process improvement.
Technology Case Interview Examples
There are much fewer technology practice cases available online compared to traditional case interview cases. However, Deloitte’s case interview website offers two technology consulting cases that you can work through on your own.
- MedX: The Smart Pill Bottle (business technology case)
- Architecture Strategy: Federal Finance Agency (business technology case)
For more practice, check out our article on 23 MBA consulting casebooks with 700+ free practice cases .
Land Your Dream Consulting Job
Here are the resources we recommend to land your dream consulting job:
For help landing consulting interviews
- Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews
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- Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
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- Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
- The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.
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Technical Consulting Case Interviews
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Many companies that recruit here at Bauer, including the IT consulting firms, have a case interview that is a crucial part of the interview process. Learning how to ace a case interview takes time and you should start preparing as soon as possible. The resources below will help you get more familiar with the case interview process and provide practice cases to work through.
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What is a case interview?
According to Accenture, “A case interview is a type of job interview, used most frequently by consulting firms, that allows an applicant to demonstrate his/her ability to solve a given business problem. During a case interview, an interviewer presents a situation or case and then asks the applicant to explore the underlying causes of the problem and suggest recommendations to remedy the problem.” The interviewer is not necessarily looking for the correct answer, rather they are looking at how you define and analyze the problem and communicate with the interviewer. For positions in IT, the case will usually be related to technology.
Vault Case Interview Guides
Vault is a free resource for Bauer students that can be found on Gateway under the External Links section on the Gateway home page. It provides multiple guides to help you prepare for your case interview and research careers in consulting.
The following guides can be found under the “Vault Guides” tab in the consulting section.
Vault Guide to the Case Interview
This guide is full of information to help you prepare for a case interview. It goes over what to expect, the different types of questions, frameworks, and has more than 50 sample cases.
Vault Case Interview Practice Guide
This guide has 27 case interview questions long with a step-by-step analysis of each case. There are 2 IT specific cases that you will want to check out.
Other guides to check out:
Vault Career Guide to Consulting
Vault Guide to the Top 10 Technology Consulting Firms, 2013 Edition
Accenture has a guide to help guide you through the case interview.
https://www.accenture.com/t20180913t100614z__w__/us-en/_acnmedia/careers/pdf-14/accenture-fy19-case-workbook-one-accenture-technology.pdf
Deloitte also provides an interactive case prep tool on their website.
http://caseinterviewprep.deloitte.com/
Want to see more cases?
Over 1000 practice cases can be found at https://www.consultingcase101.com/ .
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How to Prepare for Accenture Management Consulting Case Interviews?
Learn how to ace your Accenture management consulting case interviews with our comprehensive guide.
Posted August 17, 2023
Featuring Nick V.
Management Consulting Office Hours
Starting thursday, september 12.
6:30 PM UTC · 30 minutes
Table of Contents
If you’re looking to land a job as a management consultant at Accenture, one of the most important parts of the interview process is the case interview. These are designed to test your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills and will give your interviewer an idea of how you approach complex problems. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prepare for an Accenture management consulting case interview.
Overview of Accenture Management Consulting Case Interviews
The Accenture management consulting case interview will consist of a hypothetical problem or scenario that you’ll need to solve in a limited amount of time. The interviewer will present you with a specific business challenge and ask you to explain the steps you would take to address the issue. Your goal is to demonstrate your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge of business principles to real-world situations.
It is important to note that the Accenture management consulting case interview is not just about finding the right answer, but also about showcasing your problem-solving process and communication skills. The interviewer will be evaluating your ability to structure your thoughts, ask relevant questions, and present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Therefore, it is recommended to practice with sample case studies and to prepare for potential follow-up questions that may arise during the interview.
Understanding the Interview Process
Before you start, it’s important to understand the timeline of the interview process and what to expect on the day of the interview. You’ll typically meet with multiple interviewers, each of whom will assess a different aspect of your skills and knowledge. There may be several rounds of interviews, including phone screenings, in-person interviews, and panel interviews.
It’s also important to research the company and the position you’re interviewing for. This will help you understand the company culture, values, and goals, and allow you to tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions. Additionally, you should prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the position, as this shows your interest and engagement in the opportunity.
During the interview, it’s important to make a good first impression by dressing professionally, arriving on time, and being polite and respectful to everyone you meet. You should also be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in detail, and provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated your skills in previous roles. Finally, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
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Types of Case Interviews and How to Approach Them
There are several types of case interviews that you might encounter during the interview process. These include strategy cases, profitability cases, market entry cases, and others. It’s important to understand the differences between each type and to prepare accordingly. One way to prepare is by practicing with sample case interviews, which you can find online or through case interview preparation services.
Strategy cases typically involve analyzing a company’s overall business strategy and making recommendations for improvement. These cases often require a deep understanding of the industry and market trends. Profitability cases, on the other hand, focus on identifying ways to increase a company’s profits. This may involve analyzing cost structures, pricing strategies, and revenue streams.
Market entry cases are common for companies looking to expand into new markets. These cases require an understanding of the target market, competition, and potential barriers to entry. Other types of cases may include mergers and acquisitions, operational efficiency, and product development.
Regardless of the type of case, it’s important to approach each one with a structured and analytical mindset. This involves breaking down the problem into smaller components, gathering relevant data, and developing a clear and concise recommendation. It’s also important to communicate effectively with the interviewer, asking clarifying questions and presenting your findings in a logical and organized manner.
By understanding the different types of case interviews and how to approach them, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process and demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically.
Preparing for the Interview: Tips and Strategies
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to start preparing. Here are some tips and strategies to help you get ready for your Accenture management consulting case interview:
- Brush up on your accounting, statistics, and financial analysis skills
- Practice your mental math skills
- Read case study books and articles to get an idea of how to approach case interviews
- Research Accenture and the consulting industry as a whole to understand the company’s culture and values
- Practice active listening and communication skills
- Develop a framework for approaching case interviews to help you stay organized
- Know how to answer "Why Accenture?"
Additionally, it’s important to dress appropriately for the interview. Accenture is a professional consulting firm, so you should dress in business attire. This means wearing a suit or dress pants and a blazer, and avoiding anything too flashy or casual. Remember, first impressions are important, and dressing professionally can help you make a good one.
Developing Your Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
The key to acing the Accenture management consulting case interview is being able to think critically and analyze complex data. Here are some strategies for developing your analytical and problem-solving skills:
- Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts
- Learn how to prioritize and allocate resources effectively
- Practice brainstorming and generating creative solutions to problems
- Practice structuring your thoughts and ideas to make them easier to communicate
Another strategy for developing your analytical and problem-solving skills is to seek out opportunities to work on real-world problems. This could involve volunteering for a non-profit organization, participating in case competitions, or taking on challenging projects at work or in school.
Additionally, it can be helpful to seek out feedback from others on your problem-solving approach. This could involve working with a mentor or coach, or simply asking for feedback from colleagues or classmates. By incorporating feedback into your approach, you can continue to refine your skills and become a more effective problem solver.
Practicing with Mock Case Interviews
One of the best ways to prepare for your Accenture management consulting case interview is by practicing with mock case interviews. You can find sample cases online or through case interview preparation services. The more practice you get, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be on the day of the interview.
Mock case interviews can also help you identify areas where you need to improve. By practicing with different cases, you can identify patterns in your thinking and approach, and work on addressing any weaknesses. Additionally, practicing with others can help you learn from their approaches and strategies, and incorporate them into your own.
It’s important to remember that mock case interviews are not just about getting the right answer. They are also about demonstrating your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and ability to work under pressure. Make sure to practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, and to stay calm and focused throughout the interview.
Handling Behavioral Questions During the Interview
In addition to the case interview, you may also encounter behavioral or situational questions during the interview process. These are designed to assess your personal qualities, such as teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Be prepared to answer questions that ask you to describe a time when you demonstrated these qualities in the past.
When answering behavioral questions, it's important to provide specific examples and details. Use the STAR method to structure your answers: describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will help you provide a clear and concise response that showcases your skills and experience.
It's also important to be honest and authentic in your responses. Don't try to give the answer you think the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, focus on providing a genuine example that demonstrates your strengths and abilities. This will help you build a strong rapport with the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Interview
There are a few common mistakes that candidates make during the Accenture management consulting case interview. Be sure to avoid these by:
- Avoiding jumping to conclusions before you fully understand the problem
- Not making assumptions without first confirming them with the interviewer
- Not being afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t fully understand the question
- Communicating your thought process clearly and concisely
- Avoiding giving generic or surface-level answers
Another common mistake to avoid during the Accenture management consulting case interview is not taking the time to organize your thoughts before answering the question. It's important to take a few moments to gather your ideas and structure your response in a logical and coherent manner.
Additionally, it's important to remember that the interviewer is not just evaluating your problem-solving skills, but also your ability to work well with others. Avoid being overly aggressive or dismissive of the interviewer's input, and instead, demonstrate your ability to collaborate and consider different perspectives.
Final Tips and Advice for Acing Your Accenture Management Consulting Case Interview
Here are a few final tips and pieces of advice to help you succeed:
- Stay calm and composed throughout the interview
- Be respectful and engaging with your interviewer
- Remember that the interview is a two-way street – both you and the interviewer should be assessing whether or not you’re a good fit for the company
- Be confident in your abilities and in your approach to problem-solving
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to seek feedback after the interview
By preparing effectively and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to acing your Accenture management consulting case interview. Remember to stay focused, stay calm, and be confident in your abilities, and you’ll be sure to impress your interviewer.
Additionally, it’s important to research the company and the industry beforehand. This will not only show your interest and dedication to the job, but it will also help you understand the types of problems and challenges the company may face. This knowledge can be invaluable during the case interview, as it can help you come up with more relevant and insightful solutions.
For expert tips on how to prepare for interviews at other top-tier consulting firms, check out these resources:
- How to prepare for Boston Consulting Group management consulting case interviews?
- How to prepare for Deloitte management consulting case interviews?
- How to prepare for PwC management consulting case interviews?
- How to prepare for EY management consulting case interviews?
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“Why Accenture?” How to Answer This Common Interview Question
- Last Updated August, 2024
Rachael Troughton
Former Accenture Consultant
If you apply for a management consulting position with Accenture, you’re sure to be asked the “Why Accenture?” question somewhere along the way.
Accenture wants to be sure you have a strong reason for wanting to work for the firm. Having a good answer to this question shows:
- You’ve researched the firm and thought about what the job entails, and
- You’re likely to accept an offer if you receive one.
But what is a good answer to “Why Accenture?”
In this article, we’ll tell you!
We’ll discuss:
- Accenture’s history and corporate culture,
- The type of people who succeed at Accenture,
- How Accenture differs from the MBB firms,
- How to answer the “Why Accenture?” question, and
- Thoughts from an ex-Accenture consultant on the “Why Accenture?” question.
Let’s get started!
Accenture’s History and Corporate Culture
Arthur Andersen LLP was one of the “Big Five” accounting firms providing auditing, tax, and consulting services. In 2000, its consulting practice separated from the accounting practice and became fully independent from Andersen Worldwide.
It rebranded and launched as Accenture on January 1st, 2001.
Accenture has a strong history in technology implementation and partnerships, only moving relatively recently to launch Accenture Strategy (2014) and Accenture Consulting (2015).
With over half a million employees across 51 countries, its corporate culture is built around six core values:
- Client Value Creation
- One Global Network
- Respect for the Individual
- Best People
- Stewardship
Not surprisingly, like all the major consulting firms, Accenture talks about wanting to attract the best people to deliver value for their clients. However, the emphasis on stewardship, integrity, and corporate responsibility is a real differentiator.
Accenture takes these responsibilities seriously. Some work Accenture has done include:
- Partnering with an NGO to leverage mobile phone technology to train community health workers in Africa ,
- Hosting the summer immersion programs for the non-profit ‘Girls Who Code’ to advance girls in STEM subjects ,
- Holding international ‘LGBT Leaders Learning’ sessions in partnership with NGOs as part of a suite of key community engagement activities, and
- Helping working parents during the COVID-19 pandemic by tripling its dependent-care hours and offering caregivers reimbursement for in-home care.
In 2008, it was included in the Ethisphere Institute’s “World’s Most Ethical Companies” list and joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. In 2019, Accenture ranked no. 1 in Barron’s “Most Sustainable International Companies.”
Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.
Accenture’s People
Accenture’s “One Global Network” and emphasis on cultural diversity as an enabler of high organizational performance means you get to interact with people from many different backgrounds and countries. This can help broaden your perspective and contribute to your skills as a consultant.
This diversity is seen across all levels. Accenture has a female CEO and is committed to a 50:50 male to female ratio by 2025. If having successful female role-models is important to you, this might be worth considering.
Entrance to MBB firms is exceedingly competitive given their status as prestigious tier-1 consultancy firms. Ambitious new hires will thrive in the “best-of-the-best” environment, but others may find it daunting. Accenture’s strong belief in its “culture of cultures” that creates and celebrates diversity may feel more inclusive, offering a sense of belonging to those who don’t feel the culture of the MBB firms is right for them.
Because of its commitment to creating value for the client, there is no easy ride at Accenture. Analysts are interacting with clients and expected to contribute from day one. You’ll need to thrive in a dynamic environment and be confident articulating your own opinion.
Accenture is also a very social firm with many networking opportunities. New analysts are actively encouraged to attend events as this builds the skills required to work effectively with clients.
These events included Friday night dinners or drinks with office colleagues, wine tasting, and even playing polo! Playing polo was a great team-building event. It provided the opportunity to see colleagues who had little experience riding horses try to hit a small ball while riding (amusing). It also taught us resilience as we attempted to learn this difficult skill in a social setting.
How Accenture Differs from the MBB Firms
The key difference between Accenture and the MBB firms is in the type of work they traditionally do for clients. As Arthur Andersen, Accenture used to be part of the ‘Big 5’ consultancy firms offering a range of professional services including management consultancy. However, when it became independent, Accenture focused its expertise on technology implementation.
This differs from the MBB firms which are known mostly for their strategy consulting work (though, in reality, their work is a broad mix of strategy, marketing and branding, organization, operations, and technology projects.)
In strategy consulting, it could take years before you see the impact of a study. The benefits can also be hard to break out from other changes in the client organization and its market.
For instance, if an MBB firm’s M&A study recommends acquiring another company, the timeframe for buying the company, merging the two organizations, and the results hitting the bottom line can take years. Or, if there’s a bidding war for the company and the client can’t make the acquisition, the initiative could die.
With a technology implementation project, the impact in terms of improved process, quality, and/or cost is easier to assess. If you’re the type of person who likes to see a tangible outcome for the effort you’ve put in, Accenture might be the firm for you.
You’ll also get significant exposure to and develop real expertise in managing change. Accenture consultants grapple with stakeholder resistance and problematic integration challenges!
For example, you might encounter client frustration with system incompatibility or with changes to current organizational processes. No one likes change. But managing change is critical to ensuring that the result of a project is improved business processes, not a PowerPoint presentation that sits on a self, unimplemented.
Accenture does do strategy projects as well, particularly in the U.K. market where they have a strong reputation. And, having created dedicated Strategy and Consulting arms, this area is likely to continue to grow.
How to Answer the “Why Accenture?” Question
The “Why Accenture?” question is asked to help the recruiting team determine your ‘fit’ to the firm. In crafting an answer to the “Why Accenture?” question there are three key elements to articulate:
1. Know what Accenture is and what it isn’t. Accenture’s value-proposition has traditionally been different from the strategy focus of the MBB firms. Therefore you need to articulate why technology implementation is a better fit for you. If you do want to be a strategy consultant (in the Accenture Consulting or Accenture Strategy arm) then you need to answer why Accenture and not another firm.
2. Share what elements of Accenture’s culture or ways of working appeal to you and why . Are you on a Diversity committee and attracted to the fact that in 2018 Thomson Reuters Diversity & Inclusion Index rated Accenture no.1? Say so. Do you value being part of a team and socializing as well as working with your colleagues? Say so. Recruiters want to understand what it is about Accenture specifically that attracts you and why. Make it personal.
3. Understand how your strengths match Accenture’s project work . Recruiting teams look for applicants who are self-aware enough to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what the job entails and how your strengths fit to deliver value is a good indicator that you will have both the aptitude and motivation for the role.
Thoughts from an Ex-Accenture Consultant on the “Why Accenture?” Question
“I joined Accenture in 2002 having completed an internship with KMPG the previous year. Accenture felt more innovative and less formal than other firms. I felt that the result we achieved for the client was infinitely more important than the approach we took.
The process of implementation can be challenging and involves significant stakeholder management. I found it satisfying to utilize my strong relationship-building skills to help land the change with senior stakeholders.
It was also important to me to feel confident that senior leaders valued diversity of thinking as well as the cultural diversity Accenture prided itself on. I wanted to feel confident I could share my ideas from a place of authenticity rather than in any particular mold of a ‘management consultant.’
I remember, during orientation, we were challenged to discover the middle name of one of the executive leadership team. While others began scouring the internet, I simply emailed the person in question to ask.
She responded immediately and said that in all the years of doing that challenge no one had thought to email her directly. I think the course leaders were slightly horrified but having evidence that a senior leader welcomed innovative thinking proved to me that I had joined the right firm.”
————-
In this article, we’ve covered:
- The type of people it attracts,
Still have questions?
If you have more questions about the “Why Accenture?” question, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.
Other people researching “Why work at Accenture?” found the following pages helpful:
- Case Study Prep
- How to Ace the Accenture Case Interview: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Accenture Elevate to Innovate Diversity Externship
- Consulting Behavioral Interviews
- Our page with links to tons of resources on applying to consulting firms
Help with Consulting Interview Prep
Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on answering the question “Why work at Accenture?” My Consulting Offer has helped almost 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Hannah was able to get her offer from Accenture.
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3 Top Strategies to Master the Case Interview in Under a Week
We are sharing our powerful strategies to pass the case interview even if you have no business background, zero casing experience, or only have a week to prepare.
No thanks, I don't want free strategies to get into consulting.
We are excited to invite you to the online event., where should we send you the calendar invite and login information.
47 case interview examples (from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)
One of the best ways to prepare for case interviews at firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, is by studying case interview examples.
There are a lot of free sample cases out there, but it's really hard to know where to start. So in this article, we have listed all the best free case examples available, in one place.
The below list of resources includes interactive case interview samples provided by consulting firms, video case interview demonstrations, case books, and materials developed by the team here at IGotAnOffer. Let's continue to the list.
- McKinsey examples
- BCG examples
- Bain examples
- Deloitte examples
- Other firms' examples
- Case books from consulting clubs
- Case interview preparation
Click here to practise 1-on-1 with MBB ex-interviewers
1. mckinsey case interview examples.
- Beautify case interview (McKinsey website)
- Diconsa case interview (McKinsey website)
- Electro-light case interview (McKinsey website)
- GlobaPharm case interview (McKinsey website)
- National Education case interview (McKinsey website)
- Talbot Trucks case interview (McKinsey website)
- Shops Corporation case interview (McKinsey website)
- Conservation Forever case interview (McKinsey website)
- McKinsey case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
- Profitability case with ex-McKinsey manager (by IGotAnOffer)
- McKinsey live case interview extract (by IGotAnOffer) - See below
2. BCG case interview examples
- Foods Inc and GenCo case samples (BCG website)
- Chateau Boomerang written case interview (BCG website)
- BCG case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
- Written cases guide (by IGotAnOffer)
- BCG live case interview with notes (by IGotAnOffer)
- BCG mock case interview with ex-BCG associate director - Public sector case (by IGotAnOffer)
- BCG mock case interview: Revenue problem case (by IGotAnOffer) - See below
3. Bain case interview examples
- CoffeeCo practice case (Bain website)
- FashionCo practice case (Bain website)
- Associate Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
- Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
- Written case interview tips (Bain website)
- Bain case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
- Digital transformation case with ex-Bain consultant
- Bain case mock interview with ex-Bain manager (below)
4. Deloitte case interview examples
- Engagement Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
- Recreation Unlimited practice case (Deloitte website)
- Strategic Vision practice case (Deloitte website)
- Retail Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
- Finance Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
- Talent Management practice case (Deloitte website)
- Enterprise Resource Management practice case (Deloitte website)
- Footloose written case (by Deloitte)
- Deloitte case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
5. Accenture case interview examples
- Case interview workbook (by Accenture)
- Accenture case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
6. OC&C case interview examples
- Leisure Club case example (by OC&C)
- Imported Spirits case example (by OC&C)
7. Oliver Wyman case interview examples
- Wumbleworld case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
- Aqualine case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
- Oliver Wyman case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
8. A.T. Kearney case interview examples
- Promotion planning case question (A.T. Kearney website)
- Consulting case book and examples (by A.T. Kearney)
- AT Kearney case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
9. Strategy& / PWC case interview examples
- Presentation overview with sample questions (by Strategy& / PWC)
- Strategy& / PWC case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
10. L.E.K. Consulting case interview examples
- Case interview example video walkthrough (L.E.K. website)
- Market sizing case example video walkthrough (L.E.K. website)
11. Roland Berger case interview examples
- Transit oriented development case webinar part 1 (Roland Berger website)
- Transit oriented development case webinar part 2 (Roland Berger website)
- 3D printed hip implants case webinar part 1 (Roland Berger website)
- 3D printed hip implants case webinar part 2 (Roland Berger website)
- Roland Berger case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
12. Capital One case interview examples
- Case interview example video walkthrough (Capital One website)
- Capital One case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
12. EY Parthenon case interview examples
- Candidate-led case example with feedback (by IGotAnOffer)
14. Consulting clubs case interview examples
- Berkeley case book (2006)
- Columbia case book (2006)
- Darden case book (2012)
- Darden case book (2018)
- Duke case book (2010)
- Duke case book (2014)
- ESADE case book (2011)
- Goizueta case book (2006)
- Illinois case book (2015)
- LBS case book (2006)
- MIT case book (2001)
- Notre Dame case book (2017)
- Ross case book (2010)
- Wharton case book (2010)
Practice with experts
Using case interview examples is a key part of your interview preparation, but it isn’t enough.
At some point you’ll want to practise with friends or family who can give some useful feedback. However, if you really want the best possible preparation for your case interview, you'll also want to work with ex-consultants who have experience running interviews at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, etc.
If you know anyone who fits that description, fantastic! But for most of us, it's tough to find the right connections to make this happen. And it might also be difficult to practice multiple hours with that person unless you know them really well.
Here's the good news. We've already made the connections for you. We’ve created a coaching service where you can do mock case interviews 1-on-1 with ex-interviewers from MBB firms . Start scheduling sessions today!
Related articles:
Secrets to a successful case-study interview
January 9, 2023
Prepping for (and maybe fretting) the case-study interview?
While this kind of interview may appear intimidating, consider this: The interviewer really wants you to do well.
So, shake off the nerves, relax and have fun.
Tips for standing out in the case-study interview:
- Take your time; don't rush it. Talk through the problem. If you can't make sense of it, take a moment and allow yourself some time to process what you've been missing. If you get stuck, get creative. Don't let yourself get bogged down; rely on your ingenuity.
- Ask questions. You can always ask your interviewer to define an acronym or to repeat or confirm details. If the interviewer asks, “How do we achieve success?”, don’t be afraid to ask, “What does ‘success’ mean to you? Is it turning a profit? Raising the company’s profile?” When you work on a client project, you need to ask questions to figure out what the problems might be, and the same applies here. The interviewer is your biggest asset in the room. They have the information you need to “solve the case” successfully. Use them wisely!
- Be flexible. The focus of a case-study interview may vary. So, be prepared to participate in whatever discussion the interviewer has in mind. They may spend the first half of the interview asking about your previous experience, or they may dive right into the case study at the start. The bottom line: Be flexible, and be ready to discuss the work you do and how you do it.
- Use visual aids. Don’t be afraid to use pen and paper, sketch out your thoughts, and talk through the problem at hand if it helps you get your ideas across. What matters most is demonstrating that you can solve problems.
- Focus on impact. Inventory the information you have, and then dive in where you can have the most impact. Don’t forget to discuss your thought process and explain your assumptions.
- Tell a story. Your experience has helped you progress in your career and education; use that experience. For example, in a business case study, you could bring your experience as a traveler to a case about a hypothetical airline. Your individuality is important. Your unique insights will serve you well when you’re interviewing.
- Pay attention to cues. If the interviewer says something, it probably means something. Don’t dismiss seemingly extraneous details. For example, the interviewer might say, “The case is about a retailer who wants to increase the value of a company it purchased, and the owner loved the brand when growing up.” The purpose of that detail is to indicate that turning around and selling the asset is not an option for making it profitable, because the owner is attached to it.
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Accenture: Case Interview Prep
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Understand the case situation and what is being asked. Analyze the case issues and potential solutions in a structured manner. Make certain your thought processes are transparent to the interviewer. Be creative, yet practical—use your business judgment and give specifics. Take notes.
Use them wisely! Be flexible. The focus of a case-study interview may vary. So, be prepared to participate in whatever discussion the interviewer has in mind. They may spend the first half of the interview asking about your previous experience, or they may dive right into the case study at the start. The bottom line: Be flexible, and be ready ...
4. Practice 5-10 cases with a partner. The next step in preparing for Accenture case interviews is to case with a partner. Casing with a partner is the best way to simulate a real case interview. There are many aspects of case interviews that you won't be able to improve on unless you practice live with a partner.
In an Accenture case interview, you will be expected to create a MECE framework, develop hypotheses on root causes driving the problem statement, test the hypotheses in a structured way, and communicate your ideas clearly. The Accenture interview is similar to case interviews at other management consulting firms. However, unlike at a firm like BCG, topics in an Accenture case interview are a ...
Accenture is one of the largest consulting firms in the world, with more than 500,000 employees serving clients in 120 countries. If we could pick a consulting firm to win the aggressive campus recruiting award, it would probably be Accenture.. Accenture case interviews are a bit heavier on market-sizing, with a mix of candidate- and interview-led, and may include a special interview called ...
Generally, you'll want to follow these six steps. 1. Understand the case. Your technology case interview will begin with the interviewer giving you the case background information. While the interviewer is speaking, make sure that you are taking meticulous notes on the most important pieces of information.
MCO's 5 tips on acing the Accenture case interview, and; The Accenture Consulting fit/behavioral interview. Let's get started! ... how it supports advances in technology, ... there will be both group and individual elements including leadership activities, case study discussions, and 1:1 interviews. The 1:1 interviews will include both a ...
The exact Accenture interview process will depend on which of the management consulting areas you're applying for, but generally there are three of four stages: Resume and cover letter screening. First round of interviews. Second round of interviews. Accenture Potentia (Strategy roles only)
The case interview and application process for technology consulting jobs is comparable to that of more general management consulting. You can expect to submit a resume, cover letter, and transcript (if necessary) and then wait to be notified about an interview slot. The interview process generally consists of a screening call, one to two ...
Technology Consulting Consultant Interview. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Accenture in 7/1/2010. I was given a case study around a telecom company trying to make inroads with their Broadband offerings even as continental competitors will soon be entering the UK market pushing their ADSL offerings.
According to Accenture, "A case interview is a type of job interview, used most frequently by consulting firms, that allows an applicant to demonstrate his/her ability to solve a given business problem. During a case interview, an interviewer presents a situation or case and then asks the applicant to explore the underlying causes of the ...
949 Accenture COnsultant interview questions and 932 interview reviews. Free interview details posted anonymously by Accenture interview candidates. ... Technology consulting analyst (130) Sap consultant (122) Systems integration consultant (122) ... It is possible you have also a case study, depending on the BU. Interview questions [1 ...
This part two of a highly requested series on technology consulting case interviews! I will go over frameworks, approaches, and some tips to PASS the technol...
I interviewed at Accenture. Interview. Three interviews: 1. Fit interview, 2. Case interview and 3. Interview with unit lead. Fit interview was on my background and motivations. Case interview included standard problem-solving/market sizing types of questions.
Here are some tips and strategies to help you get ready for your Accenture management consulting case interview: Brush up on your accounting, statistics, and financial analysis skills. Practice your mental math skills. Read case study books and articles to get an idea of how to approach case interviews.
Accenture has a strong history in technology implementation and partnerships, only moving relatively recently to launch Accenture Strategy (2014) and Accenture Consulting (2015). With over half a million employees across 51 countries, its corporate culture is built around six core values: Client Value Creation. One Global Network.
12. Capital One case interview examples. Case interview example video walkthrough (Capital One website) Capital One case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer) 12. EY Parthenon case interview examples. Candidate-led case example with feedback (by IGotAnOffer) 14. Consulting clubs case interview examples. Berkeley case book (2006) Columbia case book ...
Our stories and case studies reveal the human ingenuity behind everything from emerging technologies to global marketplaces. Discover how Accenture's people are making a world of difference for clients and communities. Accenture highlights business, consulting, and technology case studies, showing how we help clients overcome challenges ...
This is a highly requested video on what exactly is a technology consulting case interview, how can you prepare for it, and how to succeed! Towards the end o...
Get tips from Accenture recruiter on how to succeed in the case-study interview—an important step in the interview process. ... Cloud Cybersecurity Data & Artificial Intelligence Digital Engineering & Manufacturing Emerging Technology Enterprise Platforms Finance & Risk Management Learning Marketing & Experience Metaverse Private Equity Sales ...
Are you considering a career in management consulting? Tawfik Jarjour (Rice '12, Rice Alumni Advisory Board) leads this seminar, focused on preparing for cas...
Accenture: Case Interview Prep. Published on August 18, 2020. Career & Internship Center | University of Washington. Connect with us: Contact us: 9a-5p, M-F | 134 Mary Gates Hall | Seattle, WA 98195 | (206) 543-0535 tel | [email protected]. The Division of Student Life acknowledges the Coast Salish people of this land, the land which touches the ...
I just had two case interviews over the phone with them last week for their Management Consulting side. u/bathmlaster is right; it's important to be familiar with the overall style. I had never done one before, but watching youtube videos of case interviews and reading everything I could on the internet gave me a decent idea of what to expect.