This UoB entrepreneur helps graduates get into consultancy - Eaad Fara

After graduating with a degree in Mathematics in 2020, Eaad Fara started a business called CaseCrackers - a coaching service which helps graduates break into the consultancy industry with case study preparation and CV support. The start-up also supports social mobility offering a free service to under-privileged students.

Eaad connected with us to reflect on his passion for entrepreneurship and his experiences meeting tech founders during a sponsored trip to San Francisco in 2019.

Eaad: Applying for a job in the consulting world, it was clear to me that it is a very competitive industry. Once I started working, I began receiving requests from many people on LinkedIn asking for help preparing for the Case Study interview which is so commonplace with consultancy. Upon further research, I found that a few businesses were set up in the USA offering this kind of support for a fee. While this seemed like a successful model in the states, it hadn't been replicated here in the UK. Given the nature of the business (low risk, low capital), I figured I would give it a go.

While most of what we currently do is directed at paying customers, we hope to expand into a more social-mobility-focused mission offering services free at the point of use for underprivileged students.

I had support from B-Enterprising which started with the opportunity to go out to San Francisco with a few other students. Here we were able to visit some huge tech companies (Salesforce, Uber etc) as well as meet some very successful University of Birmingham alumni. It was a trip that was hugely eye-opening for me, I was able to break down a few self-imposed barriers in my own head as a result. My decision to eventually try and start something of my own stems from that trip.

B-Enterprising has also helped me directly with CaseCrackers through the Start-up Fund. My initial start-up costs and ongoing material and domain costs have been covered as a result. It is this kind of security that has made it easier to take the leap and launch a business of my own.

What are the best and worst aspects of running a business?

The best aspect is seeing something you have worked on grow and evolve. Setting goals and seeing them come to fruition is a tremendous feeling, especially for something as personal as your own business. The hardest part is probably when things don't go as expected. You have to be ready to face tribulations and moments of low morale. The only thing keeping the train running is your own ambition, so you have to make sure you are ready to ride the lows as well as the highs.

One thing I wish I knew before starting out

Prior to setting the business up, I was apprehensive because I thought it would all go to waste if I failed. One thing my experience has taught me is, that whatever happens- the experience is worth it. I have learnt a lot in the process, whether that's about setting up websites, graphic design or about myself personally. 

Thanks to the support from the Start-up fund, the only risk I have taken is with my time, and whatever happens in the future I am sure the investment will pay off.

In short, I wish that I knew that the risk of failure is a lot scarier when you're looking from the outside. 

Your biggest takeaway so far?

How much you can learn just by trying something new. That is why I would encourage anyone to just go for it- you learn about so many different things for many different reasons. Find out more about the business by visiting the CaseCrackers website. University of Birmingham students looking for start-up support can find the latest opportunities on the B-Enterprising website.

With thanks to Eaad Fara

Added by Bob Lee