Sep 27, 2012

Case in point versus Consulting Bible

deleted deleted deleted deleted deleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleteddeleted

737 WSO Academy Consulting Session Reviews: 4.85/5

Royal Holloway, University of London

Class of '26 Oct 2026 Cohort

4.85/5

Management Consulting Career Roadmap (optional)

“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.”

Class of '27 Apr 2026 Cohort

4.78/5

Management Consulting Mock Interview

“Ashley’s industry expertise and depth of knowledge in product strategy are immediately clear. In every session, she breaks down complex management frameworks into easily digestible insights. Her communication style is direct, clear, and empathetic. Rather than giving vague or generic career advice, she provides highly actionable takeaways—including specific templates for stakeholder communications, prioritization frameworks, and real-world examples from her own leadership background that I was able to implement directly into my team's workflow the very next day. Furthermore, her kind, patient, and approachable demeanor made it extremely comfortable to discuss tough workplace scenarios and honest skill gaps without fear of judgment.”

See All 11,101 WSO Academy Reviews

9 Comments

Ampharos

14y

CIP is just the opening to learning about cases. Personally, I've never recommend anyone purchase or read it because I find its framework approach to be unnecessarily complex and their example cases to be artificially difficult. Read it to get an idea of what cases are like, what are some possible directions they can go, and then move on to practicing with real people.

I found Consulting Bible to be more helpful personally. I paid money for both, not endorsed by either, and find it to be more succinct and simplistic, with a healthy emphasis on fit interview things as well. I'd actually instead recommend Victor Cheng's free videos and frameworks from caseinterview.com as well.

Quote

Report

Other

marc-patrick

14y

tramyorliHi everyone, I am very new to studying case interviews. I literally just started on last Saturday night and I have an upcoming case interview. I was studying Case in Point but I find it to be very hard to follow in terms of the cases. How do you study with the cases provided in the book? Should you just read along? It is also hard to do cases in CIP with a partner too since there is enough information. So my question is: How do you guys best put CIP in good use?
Furthermore, I am thinking of purchasing Consulting Bible. Is it worth it?

All the input will be much appreciated. Thanks,

Quote

Report

Other

marc-patrick

14y

Best Response

There are two types of cases in Case in Point. The first type are dialogue cases for you to read and follow the the process. Read the case and layout your structure. don't expect to answer them in the same way they are answered in the book because there is more info added during the case that you wouldn't know before reading the case. The second type start of page 159, there are 12 "partner cases" which your friends can give you. All the information is provided. If you are looking for 4 frameworks to learn the key ones are profit and loss, entering a new market, pricing and growth. The other "scenarios" will help you think about the problem and the questions you should be thinking about. They are all based on common sense and business sense. A couple of years ago BCG bought 1000 copies of CIP to hand out to MBAs. Don't get taken in by simplistic books, they only take you so far. CIP is the best selling case book worldwide by a large margin and there are many good reason why.

tramyorliHi everyone, I am very new to studying case interviews. I literally just started on last Saturday night and I have an upcoming case interview. I was studying Case in Point but I find it to be very hard to follow in terms of the cases. How do you study with the cases provided in the book? Should you just read along? It is also hard to do cases in CIP with a partner too since there is enough information. So my question is: How do you guys best put CIP in good use?
Furthermore, I am thinking of purchasing Consulting Bible. Is it worth it?

All the input will be much appreciated. Thanks,

Quote

Report

Other

tramyorli

14y

Hi, thank you for your input. However, I just looked into my CIP again and see no partner cases? Are you referring to a different version or edition of the book?

Quote

Report

Other

Financial Distress Discounting Analysis

JackDevlin

14y

CIP got me through my cases and ultimately landed me an offer. I would agree that some of the framework explanations and sample cases are atypicaly confusing but I am a proponent of familiarizing yourself with material that will over prepare you. The most useful feature of CIP was the matrix explaining each type of possible case. Memorizing this two page matrix will allow you to apply each respective strategy to any case you come across. Articulating your approach and recommendations to a partner is crucial. Even if that person is zoned out, hearing how you sound is a must. Crush it.

Quote

Report

Other

Matthias

14y

Wharton casebook

https://community.bus.emory.edu/club/GCA/Shared%20Documents/Wharton%20C…

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Consulting Professional - 1st Year AnalystCertified Consulting Pro

Santini

14y

For me "CIP" is not at all structured enough, I would not have had a chance with that system in MBB interviews.

What worked for me in terms of landing three offers was to: - Read Victor Chengs book "caseinterview secrets" and NOT "case in point", which is not at all structured enough. - Use VCs frameworks and the frameworks in the Wharton casebook 2010. - Practice 50+ cases with partners from: http://www.consultingcase101.com/case-interview-partner-2012-2013/case-… - Favorite casebook: Kellogg 2011

Best of luck

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Consulting Professional - 1st Year AssociateCertified Consulting Pro

petergibbons

14y

Don't know whether this Victor Cheng shit works, but it looked way overpriced (at least a few years ago when I was interviewing). For an undergrad, CIP will do it. Got me my offers. The MBA school casebooks are good too.

Quote

Report

Other

Life, liberty and the pursuit of Starwood Points

FinalRoundPrep

14y

Reprehenderit sint aut nisi doloribus quos ut. Ut est harum aspernatur et.

Iusto dolorum consequatur non impedit. Vel in repellendus illum omnis cum. Neque est exercitationem ipsam praesentium consequatur et quia. A quasi harum ut et veritatis.

Debitis aspernatur numquam reprehenderit praesentium dolorum. Autem ut tempora voluptates nisi. Excepturi ut iusto voluptatem consequatur ipsam. Est voluptas temporibus aliquid. Dolor aut accusamus enim. Ad commodi aut voluptatum perspiciatis possimus.

Quote

Report

Other

Career Resources

1	redever	99.2
2	BankonBanking	99.0
3	kanon	99.0
4	Secyh62	99.0
5	Betsy Massar	98.9
6	CompBanker	98.9
7	GameTheory	98.9
8	dosk17	98.9
9	DrApeman	98.9
10	Mimbs	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Case in point versus Consulting Bible

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Case in point versus Consulting Bible

See All Comments - 100% Free

Trending Content - Management Consulting Forum