Prepare for Your Strategy& Tests and Case Study Interviews

Strategy&, the result of the consulting partnership between PwC and Booz & Co., is a global business consulting firm. Although fairly new on the scene, Strategy& is establishing a name for itself and applications are pouring in.

There are various entry routes to the company, ranging from graduate roles for consultants to MBA roles as associates. Strategy& also offers internships for candidates still in school. This page focuses on the graduate jobs the company offers. Many elements of the recruitment process are provided by SHL.

If your online application is successful, you will be invited to take several online aptitude tests. SHL provides these tests, which include numerical, verbal and logical reasoning (sometimes called inductive or abstract reasoning) tests. You may also encounter an OPQ personality test.

After successfully completing the online tests, you will be invited to the next stage of the application process, which consists of two rounds of interviews as well as other assessments. Note that you are only asked to the second round if you perform well on the first round.

This first stage is made up of the following:

• A structured interview
• An unstructured case interview with a company manager
• A diagrammatic test
• A numerical test
• A written report test

The structured interview is a case study interview in which the interviewer’s questions focus on the research and work you have done on the provided case study. The second, unstructured interview can also include questions about the case study. However, you may be asked questions about your work and academic history as well.

The diagrammatic and numerical tests are similar to the online logical and numerical tests you took earlier. Following the tests, the last assessment you will encounter is a written report test.

The second round is made up of the following:

• Two case study interviews conducted by either a partner or director
• A presentation exercise
• A group exercise 

While the case studies in the first two interviews do not differ very much from what you encountered in the first round, the interview itself is at a higher level. Be prepared for more difficult questions during these meetings, such as those that require more in-depth analysis and explanation.

The presentation exercise is based on an additional case study you need to read and prepare for on the spot. The final group exercise is used to see how well you work as part of a team, as this is a large component of the work you will be doing for Strategy&.

Throughout the entire process, Strategy& is looking to see if you meet the PwC key competencies. As such, it is a good idea to keep them in mind throughout the process, as they can help you stay focused on the skills the company is looking for.

Strategy& also has its own list of competencies it is on the lookout for. Take note that the company is looking for people with intellectual ability and commercial awareness. This means having the analytical skills needed to provide great work and the flexibility to do what needs to be done.

Teamwork and confidence are essential to the company; having the integrity to state your opinions is highly valued. High motivation and ambition are a must and those who take on responsibilities early are rewarded. In everything you do, show that you are ready for a challenge and are always curious.

If you have prepared yourself well for the challenges in the testing and interview stages, Strategy& is bound to see your potential and extend the job offer you’ve been waiting for. Practice is the key to sharpening your skills, so make sure you do so with the resources laid out on this page.