Preparing for Case interview non-MBB

Hello there,

Yes, you can approach your PA Consulting case interview similarly to MBB preparation. However, given the Digital Strategy Associate role, it's beneficial to emphasise:​

• Digital Transformation Frameworks: It would be useful to familiarise yourself with general digital strategy and transformation concepts (e.g., cloud adoption, data-driven decision-making, technology implementation).
• Industry Trends: Stay updated on emerging trends in digital transformation, such as AI adoption, automation, and cybersecurity challenges, as these may be relevant in your case discussion.
• Implementation Thinking: PA Consulting is known for its technical and implementation-focused work, so be ready to think beyond strategy and discuss how digital initiatives are executed, adopted, and scaled within an organisation.

Regarding case format, prep for McKinsey-style (interviewer-led) or candidate-led interviews is quite similar. McKinsey just tests specific, targeted skills in a structured way, while a candidate-led format assesses the entire skillset at once. Regardless of format, the goal of the employer is the same—to evaluate whether you are a good fit for the role. So, in the end, every case interview will test problem-solving, structuring, and communication—just in different ways.

In summary, continue your traditional case prep, but integrate digital strategy knowledge, implementation thinking, and adaptability to different case formats. 

Best wishes,
Johannes

I don't have personal experience with PA Consulting, but the responses I’ve seen from ChatGPT (using deep search) and Perplexity seem reasonable based on general knowledge. While I can't personally validate them, I’d recommend trying those resources if you find them helpful!

As a case coach, I can tell you that most case interviews assess similar core skills: problem-solving, analytical thinking, numerical proficiency, communication, business acumen, and tolerance for ambiguity. Many of the coachees I’ve worked with eventually found that case interview practice gave them valuable skills that were transferable to roles like product management or strategy, which require similar abilities.

I’d suggest continuing to prepare for generic case interviews, focusing on the foundational skills, but also researching the specific frameworks or analysis methods that PA Consulting might prefer (such as SWOT analysis or digital transformation frameworks) and incorporating those into your prep.

Best of luck with your interview!

Han

Hi there, 

I have friends at PA consulting, so happy to help!

Your approach using MBB case prep resources is definitely a strong foundation, but PA Consulting’s case interviews can have some nuances worth considering.
    1.    Case Format: PA Consulting tends to lean towards a more candidate-led case format, similar to BCG/Bain rather than McKinsey’s strict interviewer-led approach. That means structuring your approach well and proactively driving the discussion will be key.
    2.    Digital Strategy Focus: Given the role’s emphasis on digital strategy, you may want to incorporate elements like:
    •    Digital transformation frameworks (e.g., key enablers like technology, people, and process)
    •    Trends in digital strategy (e.g., cloud adoption, AI, automation, data-driven decision-making)
    •    Implementation considerations (e.g., change management, scalability, integration challenges)
    3.    Industry-Specific Insights: If you know the industries PA Consulting focuses on for digital strategy, brushing up on relevant case examples or recent projects in those areas could be helpful.
    4.    Numerical & Conceptual Thinking: PA’s cases often involve both qualitative problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, so practicing mental math and structured communication will be useful.

Since your interview is virtual, also ensure you’re comfortable structuring and communicating your thoughts clearly without relying on physical whiteboarding.

Feel free to reach out if you need guidance with any aspect - happy to help! 

Best,

Evelina 

Check glassdoor to see if you find any details on the interview formal / questions.

My advice would be to be as well prepared for a more technical / scenario based interview (i.e. "what would you do in this situation")

For PA Consulting's Digital Strategy case interview, your MBB prep provides a good foundation, but with a few adjustments:

While the core approach remains similar (structure, hypothesis-driven thinking, quantitative analysis), PA cases tend to be more practically oriented than pure strategy. Their Digital Strategy interviews typically include:

1. More implementation considerations - they're interested in execution feasibility
2. Technology elements integrated into business problems
3. A somewhat more flexible approach than McKinsey's structured format

PA Consulting uses a mixed format - usually starting interviewer-led but allowing you more freedom as you progress through the case.

For your specific prep:

• Review digital transformation frameworks alongside traditional business frameworks
• Be prepared to discuss relevant technologies and their business applications
• Consider change management aspects within digital transformations

Their hour-long format typically involves 45 minutes on the case and 15 minutes for questions, so pace yourself accordingly.

Hello there!

I’m wondering:

Can I approach this case interview the same way I would for MBB

Yes, the logic here is that you must be able to structure a problem in a MECE way and tackle math in a efficient and insightful manner. No need to reinvent the wheel :-)

Are there specific areas I should tweak or emphasize more? For example, should I incorporate any digital transformation frameworks, implementation thinking, or specific industry trends?

You don’t need to, but reading about transformation real business cases (such as those in PA site as well as in MBB / the Economist) will defined help you get business sense that can be useful for structuring, brainstorming and having a more interesting conversation with your interviewer.
 

Does anyone know if PA Consulting’s case format is closer to McKinsey’s interviewer-led style or if it allows for more candidate-driven problem-solving?

Don’t worry about it, tackle every case as if it was interviewee led, meaning you will always end each session by proactively saying what you would do next. Thats how real engagements work and it conveys business sense.

Happy to support you in your preparation, feel free to DM if an alignment call of 20 min would be helpful to determine the best approach for your upcoming interview!

Best,

Mari