“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Hey, sorry that I did not get to this post earlier. However for future reference of anyone who has an interview with ZS. My first round was a 2 part phone interview. The first part was all behavioral questions. The second part was a case question. I did not prepare at all for either and I got a call about an hour after finishing and was asked to come to Evanston for the final rounds. Therefore if you have done some behavioral prep/ case interview prep, you should be good on the first round. For the final round, I had 2 case questions and 1 behavioral portion. Again I did not prepare for either and I did not recieve the offer. For the final round, I believe that extensive prep for the case interview is required (focusing on marketing and sales questions). If you do this and again get your answers down to common behavioral prep I don't see why you couldn't go all the way. I hope everything went well for you and again, I apologize for being late to the party.
Hey bballchamp,
I have a final round interview with ZS next week. I was wondering if you could possibly give me some tips for the final round and how it might differ from the first. I'm interested to know how the 2 cases are structures and if they're the same as the one in the first round. My case was a few exhibits with 2-3 quantitative and qualitative questions per exhibit. Are the final round cases this structured or is it more open ended like a typical case interview? If you can help answer any of these questions or give me any tips in general it would be a huge help. You can PM me if you prefer.
Thanks
ZS Associates Interview Help Needed! (Originally Posted: 02/08/2010)
Hey all,
Has anyone been through first round/second round ZS Associates interviews? If so, what sort of cases do they have and do you have any tips?
Thanks in advance!
depends on position, generally a case in both rounds and one or two behavioral
tip: nothing you can do to prepare, just seem like an awkward wierdo interested in life sciences. they have a very strange and paranoid culture.
oh yeah it's like a mix of case and fit. just be weird and don't flinch when the guy mentions that he was rejected by BCG yada yada yada
This was my post from an earlier forum and I believe it is applicable to this scenario:
Hey, sorry that I did not get to this post earlier. However for future reference of anyone who has an interview with ZS. My first round was a 2 part phone interview. The first part was all behavioral questions. The second part was a case question. I did not prepare at all for either and I got a call about an hour after finishing and was asked to come to Evanston for the final rounds. Therefore if you have done some behavioral prep/ case interview prep, you should be good on the first round. For the final round, I had 2 case questions and 1 behavioral portion. Again I did not prepare for either and I did not recieve the offer. For the final round, I believe that extensive prep for the case interview is required (focusing on marketing and sales questions). If you do this and again get your answers down to common behavioral prep I don't see why you couldn't go all the way. I hope everything went well for you and again, I apologize for being late to the party.
As far as people at ZS being weird, this is not true in the slightest. Everyone I met and talked to were VERY nice including the people who interviewed me.
Hey bballchamp (or anyone else),
I have a final round interview with ZS next week. I was wondering if you could possibly give me some tips for the final round and how it might differ from the first. I'm interested to know how the 2 cases are structures and if they're the same as the one in the first round. My case was a few exhibits with 2-3 quantitative and qualitative questions per exhibit. Are the final round cases this structured or is it more open ended like a typical case interview? If you can help answer any of these questions or give me any tips in general it would be a huge help. You can PM me if you prefer.
Thanks
I had a final round with ZS a few years ago, so the details are kinda foggy, but here's what I remember:
There were about 5 different "interviews" that we rotated among. One was a 2-part case in which you had maybe ~30 minutes to look over the documents and answer the questions. Then an analyst would come and you would walk them through the questions on the case document and some additional ones as well. The other case was similar in structure to the first-round one in which an associate would go through a case with you, going through a list of questions. There was also a purely behavioral interview with a senior team member, an interview/walkthrough of the firm's business with a first-year analyst, and maybe something else I forgot.
ZS Associates (Originally Posted: 01/12/2008)
Hey Guys,
Any intel on the firm above would be most helpful. I'm interviewing with their London office so if you can help me out I would much appreciate it. Thanks in advance...:)
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