The case study is the best opportunity to demonstrate your analytical, organizational and presentation skills in the interview process. It is critical that you prepare effectively, and the first step is understanding what makes a successful case study.
There are three kinds of case studies:
- In-house case studies. At the company office, you receive materials to prepare in a limited period of time and then present your findings during the same visit.
- Short-duration, at- home case studies. The company provides materials at a predetermined time, usually over a weekend, to evaluate and prepare a presentation with a set time and day to return it. An in-person presentation may follow.
- Long-duration, at-home case studies. The company provides a prompt for analysis, and at the end of 1-2 weeks, you submit a fully developed document. Presentation scheduling may depend on the quality of the work.
Regardless of case study type, start by reading the materials thoroughly to make sure you understand the deliverables. Note any questions posed in the materials. What kind of thesis do you have to develop? Case studies are a test of your ability to follow directions as well as your skills. Pay attention to what is being asked.
The time allotted for the case study will determine the depth of your analysis. Always provide an overview of the industry and company. Be sure to review, understand and consider the key issues. Beyond that, tailor your analysis to the time given.
An in-house study should include a basic model, a thesis based on it, and answers to any questions, but there won’t be time to do more. The output still needs to be well-organized. With most in-house case studies, a presentation follows. Be ready to respond to key questions about your assumptions and model, and what a change might mean for your thesis. There are higher expectations for a one or two-week case study.
Short-duration at-home case studies are the most challenging. A dedicated work period is important because time is limited and expectations for performance are outsized to the time allotted. It can be challenging to do the case properly if work heats up, so if you cannot clear the weekend, say so promptly. If you agree to a date and then work interferes, tell the company or the recruiter and postpone it. Showing up ill-prepared for a short-duration at-home case will rapidly shut down your candidacy. It is also critically important to submit the case at the appointed time to demonstrate you can meet deadlines. A late submission can likewise end a candidacy.
Clear your weekends for longer-term case studies too. Clearing a week to do a case is not viable with work schedules. However, when given one to two weeks, the expectations for the case study are high. Set aside sufficient time to work intensively on the case. If the role is a top priority, take 1-2 vacation days so you can submit your best work.
In addition to the quality of the analysis, the final case must look organized and professional. Be prepared to answer questions about your assumptions, thesis and reasoning. You may need to address how changes to certain inputs or assumptions would change your model or thesis. As a result, it is important that you do the presentation yourself without input from friends, colleagues or AI. As part of your presentation, point out the potential risks to your analysis and address what other information would be helpful to further develop the case. A thorough risk analysis is a critical component of any case and can likewise make or break a candidacy.
In the event that a question stumps you during the presentation, admit to not having the answer and then explain how you would find the answer if you worked there.
If you are working with a recruiter, they can provide further insight into the case study process at a given firm. Preparation and professional presentation are always key.
