Big 4 Strategy · Strategy& (PwC)
Strategy& case interview prep: what they test and how to train
TL;DR
Strategy& is the strategy practice of PwC, originally formed from the acquisition of Booz & Company. The interview format is candidate-led, MBB-style, with a noticeable emphasis on industry knowledge and the ability to apply it. Strategy& assigns by industry vertical early in the recruiting process, so your case may lean toward your target industry.
Last updated: May 16, 2026. Written by the CaseXcel team.
What the Strategy& case interview tests
Strategy& cases test structured analysis with applied industry context. You may be asked an operational, growth, or M&A case set within the industry you applied for. Quantitative bar is moderate; the differentiator is whether your structure is adapted to the case (not a generic framework) and whether your recommendations sound like they came from someone who understands the industry, not someone reciting a template.
Why strong candidates still fail
- Generic structures that ignore the industry context.
- Recommendations that ignore obvious industry constraints (regulation, capital intensity, supply chain).
- Underpreparation for the industry vertical you applied to.
Prep tactics that move the needle
Learn one industry deeply
If you applied to consumer goods, read 10-Ks of two consumer companies and the headline trends. The same applies to healthcare, industrials, TMT.
Practice tailoring frameworks
Take a case and rebuild your structure to fit it specifically rather than dropping in 4Ps or 3Cs.
Drill the math you will likely see
Industry-specific math (unit economics for consumer, capacity utilization for industrials, deal economics for M&A).
Train the skills Strategy& actually tests
Mental math, case math, market sizing, MECE structuring, and framework recall, drilled in a single 5-to-10-minute daily session. No accounts, no onboarding, no fluff. The same practice that gets Strategy& candidates ready for the case.
FAQ
Does Strategy& specialize by industry from day one?
Yes. Many Strategy& offices align analysts to an industry practice early, and your case may reflect that. Recruiting questions often probe industry interest seriously.
How does Strategy& compare to MBB?
Case format is similar. Brand and compensation differ. The interview rigor is comparable for the most competitive offices.