Will AI Replace Consultants? Asking for a Friend (Who’s a Consultant) By Ashrin Haque

 

The Existential Crisis Begins

Consultants everywhere are nervously sipping overpriced lattes, wondering if their next competitor will be a robot that doesn’t need sleep, snacks, or a LinkedIn profile. The rise of AI has sparked a question that’s both terrifying and hilarious:

Will AI replace consultants?

Let’s investigate—with humor, sarcasm, and a healthy dose of denial.

What Do Consultants Actually Do?

• Ask questions you already know the answers to.
• Create PowerPoints with more transitions than a Marvel movie.
• Say “synergy” with a straight face.
• Leave before the real work starts.

Now imagine an AI doing all that—but faster, cheaper, and without pretending to care about your weekend plans.

Consultant vs. AI: A Dramatic Dialogue

Consultant: I bring years of experience and intuition.
AI: I bring 10,000 case studies and zero bias.
Consultant: I can read the room.
AI: I am the room. I’ve already analyzed everyone’s facial expressions.
Consultant: Can you handle passive-aggressive emails?
AI: I reply instantly with perfect grammar and zero emotional damage.
Consultant: Okay, that’s terrifying.

What AI Can’t Do (Yet)

• Pretend to understand vague client goals.
• Survive a 3-hour meeting that could’ve been an email.
• Bill you for “strategic thinking” while actually Googling stuff.

So consultants still have a chance—especially if they master the art of looking thoughtful while saying, “Let’s circle back.”

Should Consultants Be Worried?

Yes.
But also no.
AI is here to help, not replace. Unless your entire job is copy-pasting from last year’s report—then yes, worry.

For the rest, embrace AI as your new intern. One that doesn’t steal your lunch from the office fridge.

PwC Interview Questions That Separate Thinkers from Doers By Ashrin Haque

 

Thinking of launching your career at PwC? 

Whether you're eyeing a role in consulting, audit, tax, or tech, your first challenge is proving you’ve got the mindset to thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

PwC doesn’t just hire graduates—they invest in future leaders. So, what kind of questions do they ask to spot the sharpest minds early on?

Here’s a sneak peek into the types of initial assessment questions you might face, tailored to different business areas. Use these to prep, reflect, or even test your friends!

🔍 Assurance (Audit & Risk Assurance)

Question:
"You’re auditing a fast-growing tech startup. What red flags would you look for in their financial statements, and how would you approach verifying their revenue streams?"

🧠 Why it matters: PwC wants to see your attention to detail, financial literacy, and ability to spot risk in real-world scenarios.

💡 Consulting (Strategy & Operations)

Question:
"A client wants to expand into a new international market. What strategic factors would you evaluate before recommending a go/no-go decision?"

🧠 Why it matters: Strategy consultants need to think big, but act smart. This tests your commercial awareness and structured thinking.

🧾 Tax (Corporate & Indirect Tax)

Question:
"A multinational company is restructuring its operations. What tax implications should be considered, and how would you ensure compliance across jurisdictions?"

🧠 Why it matters: Tax isn’t just numbers—it’s about navigating complexity and protecting clients from costly mistakes.

💰 Deals (M&A, Valuations, Transaction Services)

Question:
"PwC is advising on a merger between two retail chains. What financial and operational factors would you assess to determine if the deal adds value?"

🧠 Why it matters: Deals professionals need to balance financial insight with strategic thinking. This question reveals both.

🧠 Technology & Digital (Data, Cyber, AI)

Question:
"A client suspects a data breach but has limited visibility into their systems. How would you begin investigating, and what tools or frameworks might you use?"

🧠 Why it matters: Tech roles at PwC are about solving problems with precision and speed. This tests your technical instincts.

🧍‍♀️ People & Organisation (HR Consulting)

Question:
"A company is struggling with employee engagement post-merger. What steps would you take to diagnose the issue and improve morale?"

🧠 Why it matters: HR consultants need empathy, insight, and strategy. This question checks your ability to balance all three.

🎯 Final Thoughts

PwC’s graduate roles are diverse, but they all share one thing: they’re looking for curious, driven, and thoughtful individuals who can bring value from day one.

So next time you prep for an interview, don’t just memorize answers—think like a consultant, act like an analyst, and speak like a leader.

✨ Bonus: Want to test yourself?

Try answering this challenge question:

"Imagine PwC is advising a retail company struggling with declining sales due to digital disruption. As a business graduate, how would you approach identifying the root causes and proposing a solution?"

Drop your answer in the comments or share it with a mentor. You might be closer to PwC material than you think.

“Crack the Code: How to Land a Job at PwC (Without Losing Your Mind)” By Ashrin Haque

 

PwC isn’t just a job—it’s a launchpad for ambitious professionals. Whether you're a student, a career switcher, or an experienced hire, getting into PwC means joining a global powerhouse that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.

But how do you actually get in? Let’s break it down—with insider tips, common mistakes, and real success stories from those who made it.

💡 Step 1: Understand What PwC Looks For

PwC hires people who are:

• Curious and eager to learn.
• Collaborative and great at working in teams.
• Digitally fluent and open to innovation.
• Purpose-driven and aligned with PwC’s mission to build trust and solve important problems.

Tip: Read PwC’s values and reflect them in your CV and interview answers.

📄 Step 2: Craft a Killer Application

Do:

• Tailor your CV to the role.
• Highlight leadership, impact, and initiative.
• Write a cover letter that tells your story—not just your skills.

Don’t:

• Send generic applications.
• Forget to proofread (typos = instant rejection).
• Apply to 10 roles at once with the same resume.

🎯 Step 3: Prepare for the Assessments

PwC’s online tests include:

• Numerical reasoning
• Situational judgment
• Personality profiling

Tip: Practice with platforms like JobTestPrep or GeeksforGeeks. Time yourself!

Mistake to Avoid: Ignoring the personality test—it’s crucial for culture fit.

🎥 Step 4: Ace the Interviews

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Common Questions:

• “Why PwC?”
• “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
• “Describe a challenge and how you overcame it.”

Tip: Be confident, concise, and authentic.

🧪 Step 5: Shine at the Assessment Centre

Expect group exercises, case studies, and interviews.

Tip: Show leadership and teamwork. Listen, contribute, and collaborate.

Mistake to Avoid: Treating others like competition. PwC values team players.

🌟 Real Success Stories from PwC Hires

🗣️ Jade’s Journey – Graduate to Consultant

Jade joined PwC UK as a graduate in 2023. She quickly gained cross-sector experience in HR transformation projects and found purpose in helping clients improve employee experience. Her advice?

“Be curious, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. PwC values authenticity.”

🧠 Shierly’s Story – Coaching That Goes Beyond

Shierly, a Manager in Risk & Regulatory Consulting at PwC Singapore, credits her success to the firm’s strong coaching culture.

“My coaches didn’t just guide me professionally—they supported me personally, even during a health emergency.”

🌍 Alumni Spotlight – From PwC to Global Impact

One PwC India alum shared how his time at PwC helped him lead digital transformation projects across India, Iraq, and Bangladesh.

“PwC gave me the skills to navigate complexity and lead change. It was like earning a second degree in leadership.”

🚫 Top Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Winging the interview.
• ❌ Ignoring PwC’s values.
• ❌ Overlooking the importance of teamwork.
• ❌ Applying without researching the role.

✅ Winning Tips

• ✔️ Attend PwC events and webinars.
• ✔️ Connect with current employees on LinkedIn.
• ✔️ Practice mock interviews.
• ✔️ Be resilient—rejections are part of the journey.

🎓 Final Words: Your PwC Journey Starts Now

Getting into PwC isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared, passionate, and persistent. Learn from those who’ve done it, avoid the common traps, and show PwC why you belong.

Ready to crack the code? Your future at PwC is waiting.