EY Vienna - Case Study Digital Transformation

I would prepare for this as a business case with a digital-transformation angle, rather than as a pure strategy case or a technical IT interview.

EY Vienna’s current Technology Strategy & Transformation roles focus on topics such as digitalisation strategy, target operating models, process optimisation, digital business models and transformation roadmaps.

So I would expect questions around areas such as:

• which processes should be digitised or automated first,
• how to prioritise digital initiatives,
• how to build the business case,
• what the implementation roadmap should look like,
• and what risks could block adoption or execution.

You should still keep the usual case fundamentals sharp — structure, profitability logic, prioritisation, maths and synthesis — because the digital topic will normally sit on top of a business problem.

On language, I would be ready for both German and English. EY Vienna works with national and international clients, and current transformation roles are clearly positioned at that interface. I would still confirm the exact interview language with the recruiter.

If German is not your strongest language, practise explaining your structure, calculations and recommendation out loud in German beforehand.

If you want, feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to share how I would structure the preparation specifically for a Digital Transformation case.

I'd expect a business problem with a digital angle rather than a pure IT quiz, but confirm the format with your recruiter, because case styles vary by team.

EY's current Vienna job ads for transformation roles describe work on digitalisation strategies, target operating models and transformation roadmaps. So I would prepare cases where the client's goal is commercial, such as cost, growth or customer experience, and digital is the lever. Practise deciding which processes to automate first, how to sequence a system change, what the business case looks like, and what could block adoption. Keep your profitability and market-entry logic sharp as well, since you'll need it to put numbers on that business case.

On language, the same ads ask for C1 German and English. Be ready to run the case in either, and ask the recruiter directly which one they plan to use. If German is your weaker language, practise doing the math out loud in German, since that's where it tends to feel hardest.

Hi there!

Actually, only the recruiter will be able to give you an accurate answer to those questions. 

My expectation is that since the role is within digital transformation (and not a purely generalist role), the cases will also be from that area. I would also expect the cases to be delivered in German. But I wouldn't take this as a given and would check instead with the recruiter. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Try not to overcomplicate this! HEre's what you need to do.

1) Check with the recruiter/HR. Specifically ask them what you can expect.

2) Be ready for “anything”. That is, learn how to solve problems in an objective-driven way, no matter the case type, industry, or interview style.

Read this for casing: How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case

This for your fit/behavioral: Tell Me About Yourself

And this for your general prep: The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation

For digital/tech practice, I'd work through:

• BCG: YodaPhone
• BCG Platinion / McK Digital / Monitor: Roma Solutions
• McKinsey Digital / BCG Platinion: Oil & Gas

For the full preparation process, take a look at my Full Interview Mastery Bundle.

Hi! Interviews in Vienna are mostly conducted in German, although some cases or parts of the discussion may be in English.

As for the case itself, it can vary depending on the interviewer. Given the role, I’d prepare for both classic business cases and digital transformation topics, particularly IT strategy, process optimization, and technology implementation.

Good luck! :)

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from EY!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, contrary to the guesses of other coaches, both the type of case study and the interview language are something only the EY recruiting team in Vienna can tell you for certain. I would strongly advise you to simply ask your recruiter, since this is a completely normal question before an interview.
• Moreover, until you have the answer, I would advise you to prepare for both, and to practice to a level where the exact topic of the case study does not matter anymore.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming EY interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen