Did you enjoy the program? If yes, how?

Yes.

• The materials are topical and current, making it fun to compare with what I had thought previously about the subject

• There is a great deal to learn and it is very exciting to open the Wistia repository for the first time and see so much material that you know will develop your skill set positively

• With my current employer, the value system feels like a box ticking exercise. There is a poor level of emphasis on them. From reviewing the Firmsconsulting materials and 1-on-1’s, I’ve recognised the importance of good values again

• Even if the engagement with Firmsconsulting does not result in an offer from a consultancy that I would like to work for, I know that the skills I will take away with me will serve me well, regardless of my profession

Did the program meet your expectations? If yes, how?

In many cases, the program exceeded expectations. I did not envisage having help with my CV, cover letter, or correspondence to recruiting firms. I expected to simply focus on my techniques for solving cases.

Even the informal emails/catch ups, just to see how things were going, are an unexpected and helpful touch.

What was the most important learning’s from the program?

At the moment: To communicate effectively.

Do you feel the program provided an advantage for you versus your own/other preparation? If so, in what way?

Yes. I believe Firmsconsulting has altered my preparation in different ways:

• Overall Skills – The training focuses on making you a good consultant, rather than a good consultant candidate

• Estimation questions – I now use a better structure I had not experienced previously

• Communication – Subconsciously, I knew it was a problem, but I had not separated it as an area for focus, instead I expected my preparation of cases to improve it

• Personal Development – I’ve been provided with awareness of what I need to develop, rather than receiving feedback specific to whether I cracked a case or not

• Reading Graphs – I’ve not practiced this yet but the 4 point Fish Diagram is a different angle to how I had learned previously and answers the question: What are consulting firms looking for when they present you with a graph?

• In general – There is a wealth of knowledge available on Wistia with many different topics covered that I have not found previously. Additionally, the experiences that Michael is able to share, offer insight into the MBB firms and what they are looking for that I have not found in the public domain previously.

• Fit Interviews – The alternative coaching available generally covers cases, I don’t believe I can recall any that assist with fit

Can you recall any memorable moments?

My first business case! I had no idea what to do: this was clearly evident to Michael …

What would you like changed in the program?

I would introduce a candidate roadmap, showing what you’d expect them to achieve over the course of the engagement. There is an excellent presentation (Mapping and understanding your preparation), which sets out ones status but a succinct one pager to show where an individual candidate is, together with references to the specific materials they should focus on as they progress through each phase, may perhaps provide candidates with a handy pocket guide.

Secondly, It may be useful to use a whiteboard (I believe such a function exists in Skype) to allow candidates to draw out the framework while conducting cases. Admittedly, this could mean cases take longer to conduct but may offer a more insightful experience.

Do you believe Michael was an effective coach?

Yes, very effective

Do you personally believe the sessions were tailored for your own development?

I have limited visibility of this due to where I am in the Program. But, with reference to Q.5, I had a novice level ability with cases, through other sources and my own study, which was vastly different to Michael’s approach.

It would have been beneficial in my case to walk through at least one case together before engaging one in interview mode. Of course, there are benefits to using the interview mode straight away but I’m not sure if it represents a more productive approach than a “what would you do here & why” type model first.

What are your thoughts on using former McKinsey/BCG worldwide practice leaders to coach clients?

I find it truly insightful and inspirational. People like Kevin represent the top of the game.

Is there anything else you would like to add? .

Thank you.

We have published the most useful client feedback. Our commitment to confidentiality prevents us from disclosing the identity of our clients and other confidential information, and we may alter details to prevent such disclosure. Some client feedback may be lightly edited for grammar, spelling or prose, though we never alter or remove any information. Clients in our consultants coaching program are forbidden from sharing sensitive client data with us.