PwC Strategy& Assessment Centre - UK

Hi there Hazel, 

Sure, happy to give you some guidance.

Strategy& / PwC assessment centres usually mix some of these:

• 1–2 case interviews (often candidate-led, very similar to other strategy firms)
• A group case/discussion
• Possibly a written case / presentation
• A behavioural (“fit”) interview
• Sometimes a short numerical / logical test on the day

Typically, your invitation email should narrow this down a little bit, so check if you have any additional info there on exactly what your assessment will contain. If your invitation email does not narrow this down at all, I would recommend reaching out to PwC recruiting to get a bit more guidance on what to expect.

That said, the two elements that are almost guaranteed to be included in their assessment is 1) Behavioural/Fit assessment & 2) Case abilities assessment.

Of course working with a coach on these 2 elements typically gets you much faster on the right track, but if you'd like to prepare without a coach, I would recommend:

1) Behavioural: Make sure you prepare 2–3 short stories from your experience (study, work, extra-curriculars) that demonstrate:

• Taking initiative / leading (whole leadership)
• Understanding a business or organisation, or improving something (business acumen)
• Using analysis, data, or technical skills (technical & digital)
• Working across cultures, new environments, or adapting quickly (global & inclusive)
• Building good relationships / teamwork / resolving conflict (relationships)

PwC / Strategy& also tend to ask more pointed "fit" questions, so it would not hurt to be prepared for those - e.g.,:

• “Tell me about a time you led a team / influenced without authority.”
• “A time you handled a conflict in a team.”
• “A time you had to work with limited information.”
• “Why Strategy& / PwC, and why this office / practice?”

Finally, make sure you practice your stories & answers to these "fit questions" out loud until it sounds conversational, not memorised - this is best done with a coach or at least a friend :)

2) Case portion:

Instead of writing an essay about how to prepare for cases, I'd recommend that you check some of the resources provided on the PrepLounge platform - there is plenty.

Of course the best way to prepare here would be to practice cases with someone who can guide you and give you feedback (maybe a friend you know at a consulting firm). 

In addition, these assessment centers tend to do cases in groups, so it could also be helpful to find a group of people to do a case together with - to practice collaborating on cases.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely, 
Thor

Hi there,

The format differs a bit from role to role and office to office. 

The best thing you can do is to reach out to the recruiter to ask for the specific format that applies in your case. Then you can be more tailored with your prep. And you can reach back here with this information so we can give you some more specific suggestions as well. 

Best,
Cristian

hey Hazel :)

For PwC Strategy& Assessment Centre in the UK, expect a mix of group exercises, a case study, and sometimes a short presentation. They look at problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and commercial awareness. Prep by practicing timed mini-cases, reviewing your CV for examples of impact, and reading up on recent industry or business news to show awareness. Group exercises are about contribution and collaboration, not just talking the most.

best, Alessa :)