Using Claude for extra work on a case study
Hey monkeys,
I completed a 3-hour modeling test/memo, no AI needed and think I did pretty well. That being said, I like to be a star pupil and do extra credit when I can.
I added a lot to the model and fleshed out a more fulsome deal that I wanted to send to the firm ahead of the case study discussion.
Thoughts on using Claude to just do the deck?
Is it a big deal if this is for extra credit essentially? I like the visual work it can do and I’d obviously brush everything up and do the memo writing mostly myself where needed.
Thx in advance
Using AI tools like Claude for extra work on a case study can be a double-edged sword. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key considerations:
Ethics and Firm Expectations: Many firms expect case studies and deliverables to reflect your personal skills and effort. Even if this is for "extra credit," using AI for significant portions of the work (like creating the deck) could raise questions about authenticity if discovered. Always ensure you're adhering to the firm's guidelines.
Value of Personal Touch: While AI can help with visual elements, firms often value the thought process and creativity behind your work. If you rely too heavily on AI, you might miss an opportunity to showcase your unique approach and attention to detail.
AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: If you decide to use Claude, treat it as a supplementary tool. For example:
Risk Management: If the firm asks about your process or reviews your work closely, be prepared to explain every detail. Using AI for "extra credit" might not be worth the risk if it undermines your credibility.
Balance: Adding value to your case study is great, but don't overdo it. A concise, well-thought-out deliverable often leaves a stronger impression than an overly elaborate one.
In short, if you use Claude, keep its role minimal and ensure the final product reflects your skills and effort. The goal is to enhance your work, not replace your input.
Sources: 10 Tips to Maximize Your GPA, 10 Tips to Maximize Your GPA, Citadel (Surveyor) Case Study/Modeling Test, del
This is going to become a larger issue for case study interviews that are not live. My view is that if you did all of the analysis yourself and can speak intelligently to all the important aspects of the case if asked, then I don't see an issue with using Claude to assist in putting together the PowerPoint. They aren't going to ask you how you created a specific PowerPoint graph in the interview or ask you to describe how you aligned slide 7, but they might ask you to describe a certain section of the model you created.
I don't think there is any way for them to tell if you used Claude for the PowerPoint presentation, and if they somehow could I am not sure they should care, especially if it is "extra credit". If you get the offer just make sure you brush up on PowerPoint if you aren't already experienced with it.
That being said, take my post with a grain of salt, I do not work in IB, but we are in that age of AI and I just expect everyone to be using it as this point.
Appreciate it and completely agree. I built the model entirely from scratch, I just use Claude to iterate thru the cases after i build then to record case results. I figured it’s harmless to tell Claude to put a few slides together since I did all the analysis but alas, people are touch in our industry.
I wouldn’t. Claude is easy to identify in deck outputs and they might question if you did the balance of the work on your own.
Claude outputs are also just bad IMO. I am sure it will get better, but loads of issues still
Yeah I ultimately decided just to keep it to a simple write-up, but I sent over my revised model. On your second point, I’ve been having some good experiences with it, and I work on pretty complex project finance models (i.e., renewables with tax equity).
I do all of the complex modeling work on my own, but I find it useful for figuring out the best way to model a formula that is stumping me
That is a perfect use case. I’ve seen juniors just generate an entire model in Claude, and accept it at face value. It’s almost as much work to audit it at this point
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