“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Hello! There's quite a few books out there. If you're looking for something strictly about consulting interview preparation, Victor Cheng and Jenny Rae Le Roux's books come to mind.
Personally I don't think books are the best way to prep (I'd go more for videos, interactive content online, and of course practice with peers) but I understand everyone learns differently.
There's also books that aren't "prep" books, but that are good to read because they give you insight into the consulting world and possibly interesting topics of conversation during your interviews, for instance The Lord of Strategy which covers the history of MBB. Hope that helps!
First read case in point by Marc Cosetino, then read Case interview secrets by Victor Cheng, then read Flawless Consulting
Management consulting books for college students? (Originally Posted: 10/26/2017)
Hi everyone. I'm a third-year student in the UK and I'm planning to apply for a summer consulting internship next year in MBB firms. I'm looking for some books to gear up myself for their recruitment process, especially case interview and the market sizing type of question. Do you guys have any suggestions?. Thanks a ton.
Hey Inexperiencedbateman, I'm the WSO Monkey Bot and I am sad to say, but this thread is lonely, so thought I'd post in here to try and help out. Some potential topics that might help:
More suggestions...
I hope those threads give you a bit more insight.
I think everyone needs to start with the 3 McKinsey books as the basis to get a glimpse of what management consulting looks like. The wording and structure are also very easy to follow for beginners. "Case in Point" by Cosentino and "Case Interview Secrets" by Victor Cheng are great to jump on next, when you have interest and basic knowledge in management consulting
ola, I use to be in the same situation, I highly recommend you to check out mconsultingprepDotcom. This website will provide you all the thing you need for McKinsey test, recruitment process. In particular, they also have case interview and the market sizing question. It is worth a try.
Management Consulting Resources (Originally Posted: 12/18/2013)
To all monkeys on WSO,
I'm looking for more material to read/study for my impending MC job in NY. I'm curious if anyone knows of books/online resources etc. that would be useful for a 1st year analyst.
Appreciate it. jr. chimp
It's probably best to remove your email as your user name, use something like HuskyCyclingPres
Books: The McKinsey Way by Ethan Rasiel - Written by a former McKinsey consultant detailing different methods used by McKinsey consultants
McKinsey's Marvin Bower: Vision, Leadership, and the Creation of Management Consulting by Elizabeth Haas Edersheim - A look back at the "father" of modern management consulting and McKinsey, Marvin Bower. Good book to learn why values are one of the most critical aspects of successful companies.
Online: Victor Cheng's caseinterview homepage (I can't post the link, too few post. Just google Victor Cheng and you'll find it) - Former McKinsey consultant who offers free and paid for resources about preparing for cases and how to succeed as a management consultant
Heh, all McKinsey stuff and I don't even work there
If you're headed to McKinsey, I'd recommend The Firm. It's not a training manual, but you'll get all of the training you need when you get there. The Firm gives a nice historical perspective on McKinsey and was not as critical of the firm as media surrounding it's initial publish suggested.
For a broader view of the industry, I'd recommend the Lords of Strategy, still MBB-focused, but gives a great history of the beginnings of strategy consulting as a profession.
I'd also suggest this article from The Economist, which gives a nice update on recent trends in the industry - http://www.economist.com/news/business/21577376-world-grows-more-confus…
Say It With Charts by Gene Zelazny?
Also, Victor Cheng's resources are really great. He has an emailing list for first year analysts that you should sign up to on his website.
Enjoy your vacation and don't worry about preparing. They'll train you on hard skills and you'll learn industries through case work.
Agree with exceptionruled. Enjoy your time off. If you want to get a head start, throw away the mouse and practice shortcuts. Excel and ppt.
Thanks a bunch lads! appreciate the help.
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