I’m a creative / tech innovator applying to McKinsey and the other big four. However, I’m now concerned my limited on-the-fly math skills will automatically count me out. Seems like the interview process weighs on that. Im wondering if I need to hire a math tutor to help me get up to speed. Or, wondering if those of us who are more creative can get away with less than ideal math skills. What’s the reality?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Don’t think it’s about tutoring or creativity as much as it is practice. Download some math drill apps, do a bunch of practice peer cases and try things like rocketblocks. The math functions used themselves are simple, it’s about that combined with case comfort and being pragmatic on approach.

like

Just to clarify the big four are McKinsey, Bain, BCG and Deloitte

funnylike

…McK isn’t Big4, just to clarify that. In my experience the math portion of these interviews is more about the way you get to the answer. That said, practice addition/subtraction/multiplication/division - you’ll be surprised how quickly those skills do come back. The math isn’t more complicated than that.

like

It’s really about your problem solving thought process and confidence but you should be comfortable with basic math. Start practicing cases now and don’t doubt yourself, you’ll be fine - we have excel for math and formulas.

like

I don’t think it is. I guess it depends what job. In the interview, if they ask “how much would you charge to clean all the windows in New York”, you wouldn’t try to multiple buildings times floors times blocks….you’d say “$10 per window”

like

Cheers to all of you who replied. Super helpful.

I knew I wouldn’t do very well at any quick math. I have a PhD in life science so I would assume the expectation was that I’d be good at it. I learned what tricks I could but when it came down to it in the interview, I got most of my calculations wrong. But importantly, I aced the stuff I AM good at and took their corrections/redirections on math positively and collaboratively. They (we) want to see how you work as a teammate more than they want you to be a calculator. Good luck!

Related Posts

Hi everybody. A XIM, Bhubaneswar MBA (Finance) graduate looking to switch from Blockchain consulting to management consulting. Work ex less than 2 years. Interview tips and opportunities (if any) will be highly appreciated!!

like

Please suggest any good sources to prepare for data engineer interviews in GCP, Python, SQL, Pyspark. I have worked only in a few tools in GCP and done basic coding in pyspark and above average in SQL, but need to be prepared to handle all questions to grab some offer. YouTube has lot of resources but confused on which one to start with. I have an interview this Tuesday in another 2 days.

like

Last week I had an interview with Infosys, it didn't go well as per my expectations but i was able to answer most of the questions asked by the panel and they said I will get the feedback from HR team but it's been more than one week and I didn't get any update on this. Yesterday I also wrote an email to the HR who scheduled the interview but still no update.

Should I consider that I am not being selected?

like

Got promoted after submitting my application for R2.

Emailed the schools and some have replied saying I should update my resume and send to them.

I'm a little at a loss of what to add to my resume. As most of you know in consulting we don't get a bunch of new responsibilities the second we get promoted to the next level (at least before getting promoted to M).

I'm thinking I will add a section for Senior Consultant and add what my responsibilities reasonably would be in 3-6 months (cont)

like

I want to know how UBS (UK) reach out to you for interview purposes I mean through a phone call or over the email.

like

Why is it so difficult to make the next career move within your OWN company. I have over 7 years of experience across multiple departments and yet an external company is more willing to give an interview to select roles than your own home company for the same role internally!!

Where is the loyalty in that !!??

like

I'm currently interviewing for Director of Digital Marketing and Demand Gen roles. I have all the competencies required and can demonstrate all the skills through examples from my experience.

The issue I keep getting stuck at is my lack of people management experience. I have some people management from early roles, led project teams, agencies, and currently mentor people in the company. However the feedback is always lack of people mgmt exp.

Any tips on getting how to flip the narrative?

like

I see recruiters encouraging Women, POC, and LGBTQIA to apply. How does one show they identify as the third?

likefunny

Are there any fundamental differences between a salary negotiation during the start (applying for the job) vs. Salary negotiation during a performance review (you’ve been employed for x time and looking for a raise). I’m in the latter and wondering if there are any maneuvers that are different I should be doing.

likehelpful

Hi! I'm currently interviewing (3/6 interviews so far) for for an appeals manager role for DME. The job entails not only to bill for dme (cms 1500) but also to follow up on any denials or appeals, amongst other administrative duties. My questions are is it typical to have 1 person doing both the billing and denials within a new vertical for all ins.? How difficult is billing for dme as I only have experience in gyn onc and lactation billing? What's a fair salary? I have 8+ yoe in rcm, no certs.

Hi all currently i am working as a java developer in a MNC. In my next switch i want to get into a good product based company. What all things and concepts do i need to be strong to clear the interview and work.
Current exp 4 years.

like

Any insight on Chicago’s Jackson Lewis office? Have an interview there soon. Would appreciate any insight on salary, culture, reputation, etc. (4th year attorney)

like

I had a job interview for a role that I really want. The hiring manager scheduled me for an interview and did not show up. Emailed me an hour later stating that he got super busy and couldn’t attend, and would like to reschedule. This is a major red flag, but I can’t help but feel that I am missing out since this role pays 50% over what I currently make. Should I let the recruiter know? What’s your take on this?

like

How important is it to keep your resume to a single page? How much detail are you looking for?

Any idea, how many days IKEA will take to respond to job applications? This position I applied is for Sr. Software Engineer. IKEA

like

Does anyone else ever feel like commenting on those dumb inspirational LinkedIn posts that recruiters and HR people make? “He did have a resume...so I gave him MINE...” stfu Donna, no you didn’t.

likefunny

How many days does BNY Mellon takes to release offer letter post the interview procedure, I was confirmed by HR that I will get a mail with link to upload docs and then offer will be released but still waiting for their mail.

like

Hi,
Folks what rank does team leader comes in BOA. I have 2 years of experience and have been ask to interview for Team lead position. Does the team lead just a title, heard growth is slow ?

Any thoughts on Meta? I'm scheduling a first interview for a communications manager role.

like

Hi All,
I am currently working asa product support associate(4yrs exp) and have recently completed 1-year executive MBA. I am looking for career transition to Product Manager/owner roles, can anyone please guide me how to prepare for the interviews, shall I go for scrum master certification etc? Thanks

like

More Posts

LTI - Larsen & Toubro Infotech is hiring for multiple #DATA job profiles.👇
Interested can apply for below jobs opportunity, DM your EMAIL ID with JOBname
*Experience Required 4+ yrs Freshers do not apply*
Grab this opportunity...!!!
#LTI#PYTHON #TABLEAU#DATASCIENCE #QLIKVIEW #HADOOP #BIGDATA #SNOWFLAKE #ABINTO #INFORMATICA #HIRING #AWS #MATILION #AZURE #AWS #INFORMATICA #DATAGOVERNANCE #SCRUM

Post Photo
like

Hello Sharks,

I had my first round of technical interview in
Barclays on 9th June. I have not yet heard from the HR and the status on the portal "Interview Process". How much time do they generally take to reply back? IBM Barclays Deloitte Tata Consultancy

like
like

Hi Fishes,
I have already offer of 12 Lpa and 13 is in pipeline.
YOE -3 Year
CTC - 4 Lpa
Java stack
How much can I expect from Infosys?
Is Infosys agree for 14 Lpa??
I need to send documents application form.

Please help.

like

Hi fishes,
I need your valuable suggestions from your rich experience

I am going switch my tech into Java development. I am having around 2 yrs of experience in Database.

What are the skills you expect from 2 yoe java developer, which skills I should focus more so transition won't seem too hard.

Note: I am going to join as experienced guy only

please give me your suggestion. It will help me a lot to work and gain those skills now only before switching.

Thanks a lot.

like

Any Delta Airline status challenges for 2018?

like

To other big 4: Are you also restricted to work remotely outside the US?? If yes, why??

like

Anyone have more info?

Post Photo
like

Out of work. Turned down a job b/c it was too junior (title and pay). Would have left first chance I got. Didn't want to screw them, but feel like I just screwed myself 🤔

Well, at least they’re entertaining each other 😂😂😂😂

Post Photo
likefunny

I have students that need to make up a missing test. I want to keep the integrity and validity of a test.
Any suggestions??

likesmart

How many of you have used Math Workshop with your classes? What were some pros and cons?

like

Are there any LA brands/agencies who would consider a candidate that’s not in LA... aka work from home (same time zone though)? 🤔

like

Fish, need some help. Who do you recommend for a tailor for suits in DC area?

like

They say email should never be the channel for giving bad news. How many of you agree/disagree with this statement?

like

What is your go to watch in the office?

like

I can’t sleep, and I’m very upset about it

like

Has anyone been to Iceland recently and hiked to see the active fagradalsfjall volcano? Would you recommend doing a tour or is it pretty easy/low risk to do on your own?

likeuplifting

Anyone else in here really struggle with CD’s with art backgrounds who have no clue how to articulate what they want in a line?

likefunny
like

Additional Posts in Consulting

I have a first round interview at Uber and curious to get some perspectives from Uber 🐠. Want to get thoughts on the recent layoffs, current culture, and perceived future of the company. Anything to help set comp expectations would be helpful as well. Thanks ahead of time!

likehelpful

I know Mck is the top for strategy, but in terms of digital/design in top consulting firms which do you think is better? Mckinsey digital or deloitte digital? (Or another..?)

like

What are some ideas and ways to develop tough skin in our industry and to not let the everyday frustrations of senior colleagues and clients bring you down and hurt your own confidence?

likehelpful

How are you all coping with this? Lately I feel so down 😔 I’m starting a new project on Monday and am stressed, I feel like I can’t focus and won’t do a great job. I’ve tried hikes/walks outside, meditation, talking to friends... nothing seems to help right now.

like

Deloitte 🐠, can an applicant use a referral from the same person more than once? Had a friend refer me for a role and the recruiter said I was a great fit but they already had candidates in the interview stage. Appropriate to use the same referral for a similar role or wait it out for a while?

like

Honest question here-hw do I work better with Indians who come over frm India(on-site) to client?My patience with them is at an all time low since they jst dnt gt the methodology & hate owning anythng

What to do on this fine Saturday? ☀️

likehelpful

Is white collar drug use (like cocaine) really as prevalent as it sounds? Maybe I’m just blind to it, but I feel like people talk about how drug dependent people in places like nyc are but haven’t witnessed it myself.

likeuplifting

American or delta?

like

Which is the most laid back, good WLB big 4 and why is it not Deloitte?

likefunny

Anyone from Strategy& open to chat/provide a referral?

like

Dec end is my birthday and first anniversary. planning on a week long trip in the us. suggestions?

like

PwC whats the base pay for Manager in Workday practice ? I am already making $135k at uncle D. Based in Missouri.

like

https://iamchairbox.com/the-last-shift-office-chair

It’s called the last shift office chair.

Post Photo
funnylike

Ey declared ten days of family leave

like

HR/human capital/PAS consultant 🐠: If I have a Masters degree in HR and 2 years experience, is it worth it to get the aPHR or SHRM-CP? Or is the Masters degree enough? Should I wait for SPHR/SHRM-SCP

like

need a visual that shows level of required resources on top of a gannt and struggling how to approach. any ideas?

like

what are some types of questions you ask the manager / sm / principal before joining a project?

like

Watched Hitler - Circle of Evil on Netflix. Would recommend! Fascinating and really well done.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal