Oct 20, 2015

What do I expect in a McKinsey Case Coaching Session?

Are there any do's and don'ts?
Any other insights?

737 WSO Academy Consulting Session Reviews: 4.85/5

Royal Holloway, University of London

Class of '26 Oct 2026 Cohort

4.85/5

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“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

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“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.”

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5 Comments

OptimusPrimate

10y

Is this coaching session with a BA?

Nothing in the coaching session is considered as part of your application. Get the most out of it by asking for tips etc

Do's - Try to mimic an actual interview environment without actually saying so

Don'ts - Don't try to be sneaky and ask for shit you wouldn't in an actual interview

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saresnaps

10y

If your coaching session is by phone, resist the urge to use a calculator - simple but important.

At the end of the call, ask for a follow up call or to be referred to other analysts to continue practicing live cases.

If you haven't already do the 4 cases on McKinsey's website. Those cases show the structure of McKinsey live cases which is to solve an overall issue while answering a subset of more focused questions.

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BigPicture

10y

Best Response

What's the title of the person giving you a case?

I'm at MBB and some the post-undergrad consultants on my team do this on occasion. It's a mixed bag. On one hand, you'll get feedback from an actual consultant, rather than a clueless case partner you go to school with who has no idea just like you. On the other hand, the McKinsey analysts giving you the case don't actually do interviews themselves, and thus they don't specifically know what the firm is looking for.

In short, I'd take all the feedback with a grain of salt. If their feedback doesn't make sense in your own head, ignore it. Take what is useful.

Finally, one piece of advice: ask them for advice relative to other candidates. People have a tendency to sugar coat in these things. For example, they might say, "you did great on the quant". That could mean most candidates do SUPER great on the quant, and thus you were below average, or it could mean that most candidates do OK and you really were great. To figure out which it is, ask the candidate questions like, "On analytics, how were my responses RELATIVE TO ALL OF THE OTHER CANDIDATES YOU HAVE GIVEN CASES TO" or something like that.

hope it helps.

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

bbky18

10y

My perspective is that of an APD candidate. Apart from the IWIA, I was given case coaching sessions in two settings: in a group of four over the phone with an assessment-trained EM, and one-on-one over the phone with associates.

In terms of how well these sessions prepare you for the actual interview, if you are preparing as you should, then their effect is negligible. Three reasons: 1.) The over-the-phone setting differs from actual interviews because the intensity is lower, you cannot share your notes, and they cannot see your math. The time it takes to explain your thinking is thus longer, and thus the time constraints of the coaching interview differ from those of an actual interview. 2.) They will give you cases you can find via Google. If you are hitting cases as hard as you should be, you will probably have seen the one they give you. For me, every case I was given in a coaching session I had already encountered before. 3.) Their advice will vary from person to person, and will in general not be specific enough to be actionable in the short term. For instance, advice would be "try to be more creative" as opposed to "the profit side of your structure is not MECE because ..." I would focus on in-person practice cases with fellow candidates or people who have gotten offers.

In terms of how you should treat these coaching sessions, I would treat them as real interviews despite their "non-evaluative" nature. This means feel free to chit chat, but remain professional in your chit chat. You will very easily see that they are doing the same. As in a real interview, try to appear "natural" and do not discuss whatever study materials you are using. And, of course, don't completely bomb the case. These sessions probably have no effect on your outcome, but they might a little, so don't risk it.

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Colin Ashton

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Authored by: Certified Consulting Professional - Engagement ManagerCertified Consulting Pro

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What do I expect in a McKinsey Case Coaching Session?

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