TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AS24]

Hello team,

Does anyone know what kind of exercises does the PwC test include?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hi, I have an interview coming up very soon and I’m almost certain that they’re going to spring a random commercial topic on me and ask what I think (they’ve done this in previous years). Worst case scenario, I don’t know anything about the topic - how do I navigate this? Should I just ask them to briefly explain the topic and then try to go from there?

 

[WillKitchen]

Hi, I have an interview coming up very soon and I’m almost certain that they’re going to spring a random commercial topic on me and ask what I think (they’ve done this in previous years). Worst case scenario, I don’t know anything about the topic - how do I navigate this? Should I just ask them to briefly explain the topic and then try to go from there?

I'd either (1) be totally honest and say that the area is new to me, and then try to seem really engaged and interested by asking them about it instead, and see if I can bounce off anything they say, or (2) try to make a connection to an area I am more confident to speak about, and see if it works as an analogy. "Well, X is always been something that has intrigued me, because I know how complex it can be and I'm really impressed by people who have a handle on it! I've always found Y to be a useful point of comparison, because..."

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I have an interview coming up very soon and I’m almost certain that they’re going to spring a random commercial topic on me and ask what I think (they’ve done this in previous years). Worst case scenario, I don’t know anything about the topic - how do I navigate this? Should I just ask them to briefly explain the topic and then try to go from there?

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would personally start by giving it your best shot and talking through anything you do know about the topic, even if it is only quite broad. Often, the interviewers are just as interested in seeing how you approach an unfamiliar commercial issue, and I think it would be unlikely that they'll expect you to have in-depth and detailed knowledge on everything that could come up.

If you then reach the limit of what you know, I think it is absolutely fine to be honest about that rather than trying to bluff. You could say something along the lines of "I'm not too familiar with that specific topic yet, but I'd be really interested to learn more about it". Then, I'd make sure that you stay engaged by asking questions and respond to any extra context they give you that might nudge you in the right direction.

Generally speaking, I think a thoughtful and curious discussion usually comes across much better than trying to force a perfect answer. As @WillKitchen stated, even finding ways to link it to things that you are confident speaking about will show that you understand where it fits in the wider context and how it impacts other areas.

Best of luck with the interview!!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I'd either (1) be totally honest and say that the area is new to me, and then try to seem really engaged and interested by asking them about it instead, and see if I can bounce off anything they say, or (2) try to make a connection to an area I am more confident to speak about, and see if it works as an analogy. "Well, X is always been something that has intrigued me, because I know how complex it can be and I'm really impressed by people who have a handle on it! I've always found Y to be a useful point of comparison, because..."

This is such a great approach - I suppose what they’re really testing is curiosity and enthusiasm! Thank you so much Will!

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would personally start by giving it your best shot and talking through anything you do know about the topic, even if it is only quite broad. Often, the interviewers are just as interested in seeing how you approach an unfamiliar commercial issue, and I think it would be unlikely that they'll expect you to have in-depth and detailed knowledge on everything that could come up.

If you then reach the limit of what you know, I think it is absolutely fine to be honest about that rather than trying to bluff. You could say something along the lines of "I'm not too familiar with that specific topic yet, but I'd be really interested to learn more about it". Then, I'd make sure that you stay engaged by asking questions and respond to any extra context they give you that might nudge you in the right direction.

Generally speaking, I think a thoughtful and curious discussion usually comes across much better than trying to force a perfect answer. As @WillKitchen stated, even finding ways to link it to things that you are confident speaking about will show that you understand where it fits in the wider context and how it impacts other areas.

Best of luck with the interview!!

This is super helpful, I really appreciate it Abbie!! Thank you so much