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In the debut episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff and Japheth Mast break down the real story of “Sophomore Sally” – a strong candidate at a fringe target school who’s panicking about junior-year recruiting and ready to apply everywhere (the “spaghetti at the wall” trap).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why applying to everything hurts your chances
• How to build a focused 6–8 firm target list (with clear criteria)
• How to network in a way that earns real advocates + referrals
• What “commitment” actually looks like (and why recruiting started yesterday)

Want help like Sally is getting?

The January Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, January 13 (limited spots). Learn more and join.

Additional Resources:

• Use the Firm Directory to create your target firms list
• Join January Black Belt
• Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best path

Connect With Management Consulted

• Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team.
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube!
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights!
• Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more.
• Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

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The 2026 Consulting Salary Report is coming later this month — and this episode is your first look at what to expect.

Japheth shares why this year’s report matters more than ever, how it’s built using real offer data from 100+ firms, and what candidates need to understand about consulting compensation heading into 2026.

Join the waitlist to get early access to the report and register for a seat at the live January 23 walkthrough.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Connect With Management Consulted

• Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team.
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube!
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights!
• Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more.
• Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

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This is our most-listened-to episode of 2025 — and for good reason.

In this replay, you’ll hear a live McKinsey-style M&A case interview where a candidate evaluates whether a global bubble tea chain should acquire a fast-growing coffee brand.

Led by former McKinsey consultant and Management Consulted case coach Divya, the case walks through how to structure an acquisition decision, assess synergies and cannibalization risk, and pressure-test profitability — followed by concise interviewer feedback on what to refine.

The candidate went on to land an MBB offer shortly after this case, making this a must-listen for anyone prepping for consulting interviews in 2026.

Additional Resources:

• Purchase the Black Belt case prep program for 1:1 coaching with our expert MBB team
• More McKinsey case examples

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Connect With Management Consulted

• Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team.
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube!
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights!
• Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more.
• Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.