Associate

Online application: This was fairly straightforward and involved entering your grades and background information after which you're given access to an online numerical and logical reasoning test. Once you take these you need to write a 500 word essay on a client that you would like to work with and what services PwC can provide to them based on their current situation.

Telephone Interview: If you're successful at the first stage of the app you get a 30 minute telephone interview. This involves questions like why PwC, what do you expect to be doing on a day to day basis, why this particular line of service. They also ask competency based questions such as examples of times you've worked with difficult teams, had to give/receive feedback and how you went about doing it etc.

If you get through the above, the final stage is the assessment day which involves the following;

Tests: First come the numerical and logical reasoning tests. Beware that the numerical is very difficult (mostly because of the time pressure). Try your best to answer the questions associated with each topic rather than going in the order that they're given. Next was the logical test which I personally thought was easier than the online version. Just think really fast and if you can't figure out the answer immediately it's best not to waste time so just leave it. After this we had to do a written test. You basically have to go over a hefty chunk of information and advise a client on the most feasible course of action. Personally I don't think there's a right or wrong answer here so just structure it really well.

You'll then be given a few minutes break to have a quick chat before you go on to do the group exercise.

Group Exercise: Again you're given a hefty chunk of information and have to discuss the pros and cons of each strategy. The thing is that everyone is given different info so you have to share what you were all given before reaching a conclusion. Structure the exercise, build on other people's points, time check and resolve any disputes calmly.

After that you're given another break for a few minutes before your partner comes to collect you.

Partner Interview: Definitely my favourite part of the day. It was so conversational yet very informative. They really know how to assess competencies without making you feel like its a formal structured interview. We spoke about so many different aspects of my life and I feel like I really connected with him. By the end of it we got so caught up in conversation that we overran the time limit by about half an hour and so the HR lady came and told us to wrap it up because all of the other candidates were waiting for me before the final briefing could be given. I'd like to give you the questions I was asked but they'll be of no use to you because they had to do with my personal extra curricular activities and things I had spoken about in the first interview (everything from Pink Floyd to econometric modelling). So my advice would be just think of 2-3 examples for every competency that you'll be assessed on (PwC calls you before the day to give you these and help you prepare). Also make sure you ask the partner lots of questions. Show enthusiasm and try to get a feel of their experiences and really talk them through your own expectations about PwC. They're extremely smart people and you're bound to get some extremely interesting answers.

You're then told when you will hear back and you're off for an informal lunch with existing PwC graduates. This was a lot of fun and you get to meet all sorts of interesting people. You can also ask as many questions as you like so just relax and enjoy it.

Overall it was a very enjoyable experience. PwC really is a 'people' company so they will go out of their way to make you feel at home.