Did you enjoy the program? If yes, how?

Yes,  I enjoyed the program.  There are two main reasons for this:

a)  It helped me greatly improve my case interviewing (more than expected at the outset of the program).  This was the reason I joined the program.

b)  It taught me valuable lessons which I can and will apply to my daily life (both professionally and outside of work).  I was not expecting to learn these “lessons” from a case interviewing program.  But I was pleasantly surprised when I did.

By “lessons” I mean a range of things.  For example, the importance of communication both within the workplace and outside of the workplace.  How to applying brainstorming in everyday life.  A re-emphasis on  the importance of values – it is admirable how the program (and Michael) live and breathe values.

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

Yes.  The program met and exceeded my expectations.  The program teaches a very structured and easy to learn method for market sizing questions.  It teaches communication, both within a case interview format and generally in an interview.  Finally, the coaching sessions were targeted to my individual circumstances and I received direct feedback.

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

There were many valuable lessons from the program so it is difficult to say one learning was far more important than any other.  However, if I had to point my finger at only one I would say it was learning how to brainstorm properly!

Yes, it sounds simple.  Yes, I thought I was brainstorming correctly, but I learned that throwing random thoughts around is not brainstorming!  To brainstorm properly and effectively it must be done in a very structured manner.  This was a key learning.  Once I learned how to brainstorm properly, I never had to worry about how I would solve a problem, what framework to use etc as I approached each problem with a “blank canvas” and relied on brainstorming to develop my own solution to each case interview problem.

The best part of learning how to brainstorm properly is that you can apply it in everyday life to any issues you are facing!

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

Yes.  The three main advantages were:

One, the program greatly improved my structure, brainstorming and communication.  The training videos were very useful and were well combined with the coaching sessions.

Two, the program effectively teaches how to answer certain types of cases and as a result of learning how to brainstorm I am now confident of facing any case, no matter what type of case it is; and

Three, I could ask Michael any question and I knew that I would receive a well thought out and insightful response.

Can you recall any memorable moments?

Yes, Michael’s direct feedback!  Michael is brilliant at directly telling you what you need to improve!! Michael forced me to reflect on how I was learning and practicing cases, and ultimately I fundamentally changed the way I do cases.

What would you like changed in the program?

This is a real tough question.  The breadth and depth of the program is amazing!  It is incredibly well thought out and I did not feel like it was lacking in any way.  There are no major changes I would suggest to the program.

Do you believe Michael was an effective coach?

Yes.  Michael (my coach) was an extremely effective.  In short, because of Michael’s coaching my performance in cases has improved dramatically.  The four main reasons why I believe Michael was an effective coach are:

One, he gave me very specific and direct feedback.

Two, he is extremely knowledgeable.

Three, he identified my strengths and weaknesses, made me aware of these, and helped me to focus on improving my weaknesses; and

Four, he gave great advise on many issues and answered any questions I had .

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

Yes.  The sessions were personally tailored to my own development and this became more true as I progressed through the coaching sessions.  The first few sessions were more general and I got the sense Michael was using these to gauge my level and identify my strengths and weaknesses.  The later sessions were very tailored to my specific development needs.  I believe this approach worked very well.

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

In short, excellent!  It is another factor which sets FC apart from any other coaching program.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There is nothing for the coaching program!  I would only re-emphasize that I believe it is an amazing program which will greatly benefit any candidate!

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.