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SCM MS Student Amanda Miller’s Thoughts on Applied Learning Class Hosted by Patrick Van Hull of Kinaxis

By Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management

March 11, 2021

Amanda Miller
Amanda Miller (MS ’21)

Patrick gave some great perspectives into both sides of the case interviewing process, and this discussion provided insight into what I saw in my case interview experience with Deloitte this past fall. Reflecting on that experience, I now see that the case interviewing process is about your performance on the aggregate level – Patrick used the words “your portfolio” – encompassing your logistical approach, math skills, verbal/presentation skills, and your overall likability to the interviewer. He described that this was weighed with a rubric and, what they’re looking for is someone who has a mix of these skills. This insight helped shed some light on why I think I still passed my first case interview. For example, I bombed the math on my first case, but I still talked through my approach to what the calculations would be, showing my logical approach to the question at hand.

Patrick also provided some context into what a good candidate might say for recommendations, and he said even if you don’t know, never say that you don’t know what is going on with the project or problem – because it is your job to know. He also gave a structure that can be applied to case interviews and more generally, status reports that a consultant would have to give to their boss. For example, a three point structure is recommended to support your recommendation (i.e. Point A because 1, 2, 3, Point B …, Point C …). I think that this is a great approach to supply chain case interview questions because there are usually a few alternatives from which to pick and with your supply chain knowledge, you should be able to come up with reasons to support them.

Overall, Patrick was a great speaker to bring to the class, and I think all students facing case interviews should take to heart his perspective.


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