Mistake made during case study

Hi guys, had a quick question, had a cast study for a banking lateral program yesterday and I was walking through the case, the MD I was interviewing with pointed out that I did not properly input my calculations for CAPEX, it was a formula/mathematical error essentially.

The MD said it was not a big deal but i think he was being polite and wanted to move on as it was just me and him in the group.

Been freaking out about this since then and I wanted to find out for anyone that has been on the other side and if this is an automatic ding or if there is still a chance assuming that I aced the other stages of interviews with VPs and Directors, as i was essentially fast tracked because I interviewed with them so well.

What do you guys think? let me know if you have any questions

 

Hey there, don't let this hiccup get you down! We all make mistakes, especially under pressure. It's how we handle them that matters.

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that a single mistake in a case study, especially a mathematical one, is not necessarily a deal-breaker. It's important to remember that the interviewers are looking at your overall performance, not just one specific area.

In the PE case study thread, it was mentioned that significant mistakes like a 3-statement model not working could be an immediate ding. However, a minor error in CAPEX calculations might not be as critical, especially if you've demonstrated strong skills in other areas.

In the Q&A - 1Y at Bain thread, the interviewee made a small mistake in a market sizing calculation but still received an offer because they caught and corrected the error.

So, don't lose hope! If you've performed well in other stages and made a positive impression, this one mistake might not be as detrimental as you fear. Keep your chin up and fingers crossed!

Sources: Q&A - 1Y at Bain, PE case study mistakes, Mistakes in pitches / models - who is responsible, Interview Failures

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

We know virtually nothing about the case study, error, firm, competition, or your other interviews. Your perception of how things went isn't very useful. Candidates often suck at judging how their interviews went (myself included)

This thread is a product of your anxiety, right? I get it, but it makes no sense to worry about stuff you can't change. Someone's anonymous feedback won't impact the outcome and shouldn't affect your mood.

Channel that nervous energy into other processes and your modeling skills.

 

VP in IB-M&A:

We know virtually nothing about the case study, error, firm, competition, or your other interviews. Your perception of how things went isn't very useful. Candidates often suck at judging how their interviews went (myself included)



This thread is a product of your anxiety, right? I get it, but it makes no sense to worry about stuff you can't change. Someone's anonymous feedback won't impact the outcome and shouldn't affect your mood.



Channel that nervous energy into other processes and your modeling skills.


nothing to add here but just wanted to say great response

 

Dolorem totam itaque deserunt esse quod. Illo consequatur voluptates atque aliquid. Quisquam sit consequuntur numquam cupiditate et odit modi quis. Velit ducimus porro vel iste numquam.

Et quis est et ut aliquid saepe. Dolor sit voluptates molestiae consequuntur quia molestiae doloremque. Pariatur veniam accusantium sequi adipisci officia eum quod. Ducimus amet ea qui et libero molestiae eveniet.

Error voluptas nam laboriosam officia et. Perferendis sapiente aut aliquam hic quis consequatur exercitationem.

Qui ratione laudantium neque aut. Tenetur velit porro doloribus maiores consequatur. Sunt id tenetur temporibus id facere.

 

Asperiores repellendus consequatur aliquid et. Voluptas vitae error perferendis eos aperiam. Quia labore dolore et voluptatem dolore non necessitatibus.

Impedit id eos quo expedita eius modi aspernatur. Dolor eveniet aperiam enim velit quos numquam laudantium. Odit nesciunt fuga vel perferendis. Placeat fugit non laboriosam sed cum exercitationem aut alias. Id commodi aperiam quia accusamus eum voluptas repellendus. Ea voluptas et iusto non sit expedita rerum.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”