How do PE folks react to revised case studies, especially when running out of time.
Ran out of time on a consulting-like case study for PE and didn’t submit what I felt was satisfactory. I took the next day to dig through the data in an untimed setting and pulled together something pretty defensible.
Thanks in advance
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Private equity professionals generally value thoroughness and accuracy, but timing and deadlines are equally critical. If you ran out of time and submitted a less-than-satisfactory case study, sending an updated version later can be a double-edged sword. Here's how PE folks might react:
Positive Reaction: If the updated case study demonstrates significant improvement, deeper insights, or a more defensible investment thesis, it could reflect well on your commitment to quality and your ability to refine your work under pressure. This is especially true if the firm values attention to detail and intellectual rigor.
Negative Reaction: On the flip side, missing the original deadline might raise concerns about your time management skills, which are crucial in high-pressure PE environments. Submitting a revised version could also be seen as second-guessing your initial work, which might not sit well with some evaluators.
Tips for Handling This Situation:
Ultimately, the decision to send an updated case study depends on the firm's culture and the specific circumstances. If you're unsure, it might be worth reaching out to a mentor or someone familiar with the firm's expectations for advice.
Sources: My Private Equity Recruiting Process, My Private Equity Recruiting Process, How would you approach a 4 hour case study?, Q&A: Big4 Consulting to Private Equity, now M7 MBA, Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know
bump ^^
Dude it’s not that deep—
There’s no downside really. You should, however, be fully prepared that they won’t look at the revised one / expect you to discuss (assuming there’s a debrief) based on the original one.
But yes actually if there isn’t a debrief you’re probably wasting your time in that they’ve already made their decision , but again, don’t think it can hurt
zooming out, would put your energy into other processes
Much better look to ask for an extension than do this kind of thing, even if it gets shot down. Extensions tend to be pretty lax for multi-day case studies, especially if you have a day job and if the debrief session time doesn't change because of it.
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