So I got a call to setup a phone interview with Accenture for their management consulting program. I applied to that program for kicks a few months ago but sure enough got a call back today. Unfortunately for me I've never worked or interned for one of the Big 4 (and didnt really plan on doing so). I've done consulting work but that was in the context of political campaigns. (and is very different from business consulting) As a result I also never bothered to go to those case interview practices during Undergrad. Any suggestions or places to go to get a feel for this? They gave some small info describing how case interviews work but I'm sure there's plenty of more specific information out there.
Good luck. I did this type of work out of college. As I recall there were a few brands of books that our career services office recommended, one is called "Vault" and one is called "Wet Feet" (foot?) and I think I'm forgetting another. Basically the idea is that they'll describe a question and you work through it. Basically there aren't really any right answers. I gave 100+ case interviews during my consulting days, usually here's how they're graded: 1. There are a few insights that each case is trying to get you to come up with. So if you mention the magic words, boom. Points. 2. State your assumptions and lead your interviewer through your reasoning. I never cared if the number at the end was right, or even if the interviewee went halfway and then tried to correct themselves. As long as you talk it through in a logical manner, that's what people are looking for. 3. If you've never done a case interview before, I would read up on some frameworks. You never get docked points for using frameworks.
If you have time for a read, Case in Point by Marc Consentino is a good book to prepare for case interviews. However, if you visit other company sites, such as McKinsey or Deloitte, you'll be able to find a couple of practice case studies. The case study interview is all about practice, and really being able to construct a couple of recommendations based on the scenario provided (while also remaining composed).
There is a preparation book(let) called Ace Your Case. I think I skimmed through it before I had my interviews with BCG. I got an offer (and took it and spent a couple of years there). It should help you prepare. Good luck!
Dunno about case interviews, but glassdoor has some insights on their process. http://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/Accenture-Interview-Questions-E4138.htm
This one would be useful. Just attended a session on cracking consulting interviews and you post this thread http://mba.gatech.edu/clubs/mgt_consult/files/Case book Tuck.pdf
