I had to submit my CV and a few video responses to questions that they provided. After roughly a month, I was invited to an assessment centre where there were a series of tasks: 1. Group exercise - Work together to decide on an investment opportunity and pitch it to the consultants 2. Competency interview - Asked a series of questions about my motivations for wanting to work at PA and my experiences. I was also asked a few market sizing questions. 3. Case study presentation - Asked to present for 10mins on a predetermined topic, with a 20mins Q&A and then the final 30mins was just a casual conversation proceeding that. Overall I really enjoyed the day, everyone was very nice. I was invited later that day to a partner interview which happened roughly a week later, which was much more conversational and chill. I was called a few hours later when they offered me a place on the graduate scheme.

Sent my application off, including the 3 videos. 2 days later, I got an email inviting me to AC. I believe there typically is a telephone interview prior to AC, but I was fast-tracked perhaps because I am a postgraduate student. AC was held virtually on a Friday. On Monday, I was sent instructions to make 4 slides to present to a Partner on a 200 page Annual Review document of a major retailer. The task was super enjoyable and very clear (they do not want you to read the 200 pages as they tell you what pages are best to focus on). The key here is to grasp the main ideas and relay them in the best way possible. I recommend you research on how to design good consulting slides. AC contained 3 activities: a group exercise, individual behavioral interview, individual presentation and Q&A. Group exercise: Given a document on the day of the AC. Had to defend my choice of target acquisition in the group discussion and work together to choose one. This was my least favorite activity, as it was virtual and some people would just rudely speak over everyone. Try to not be that person! My tip here is to have a reason as to why you chose your decision, i.e if you went with someone else's target company, why? Why not yours? Behavioral: Standard competency questions. Make sure you sound passionate about PA. Although it was meant to last around 1 hr, my interviewer finished in ~25 min so the rest of the time I asked her over 10 questions about her experience so far, thoughts, pros cons at PA etc. Not sure if this was the right thing to do, but I genuinely was curious and since we had so much time... Individual presentation: Here you present the slides you prepared. This was the highlight of the AC to be honest, as I felt in control. You get quizzed on anything you said in your presentation so you have to sound confident. If you don't know something, don't be afraid to admit it. Also, don't be surprised if they ask you for your own opinion on the spot, just be yourself. Make sure your presentation and anything you talk about (including your answers) are super structured and MECE (just like a case study!) After the AC, the recruiter got back to me very quickly to say I passed and then I had the Partner Final Round interview. This was super conversational, and they quizzed me about my motivations, what industries I am interested in, future goals etc. This is also your chance to ask higher level questions since you are talking to a senior person who has been at the firm for quite a while.