McKenzie Frizzell

  • Management Consulting Intern @ PwC

McKenzie Frizzell

Tell us about the job search. Was it more difficult or easier than you expected?

As I prepared to start applying for internships in the fall of my junior year, I was talking to my roommate about the process. She suggested I apply for a few women focused events hosted by consulting firms, which could lead to an internship offer. I applied for the PwC Women's Consulting Experience, which required a behavioral interview and a case interview. These interviews only led to acceptance into the Women's Consulting Experience (WCE), not an internship. The WCE was an all expense paid trip to Lake Tahoe, where the final interview took place. But, right as I was interviewing, COVID-19 took over our world. Once I interviewed, I was told I'd hear back in the beginning of April. When I got the call, they told me some interesting news. The WCE was being moved online, and so they changed the way they offered the internships. I was offered the internship with PwC that day in April because they felt it was unfair and too hard to complete the final interviews during a virtual WCE. So, for me the job search ended up being fairly easy, but I also recognize that I experienced a stroke of luck with timing. I did not end up having to go through the grueling experience of finding a Summer 2021 internship in the fall of my junior year, and for that I am grateful.

What was the interview process like?

I had to complete 2 interviews, both virtual due to COVID-19. The first was a 45-minute behavioral interview where the traditional interview questions were asked. Then I completed a 45-minute case/behavioral interview, where the first 30 minutes consisted of a case interview, and the last 15 minutes were behavioral. During the case interview, the partner I worked with guided me through an example consulting challenge, and I had to take notes and make decisions along the way. After each interview, I followed up with thanks to each person I talked with.

What will you be doing?

At the moment, I am not super certain the specific details because things have not been confirmed due to COVID. The internship might be online, which will definitely be a difference experience. I do know that I will be working with the healthcare industry team at PwC. I will be assigned to work with a team on a specific project, or projects depending on their duration.

Do you have any job search tips for fellow students?

Be confident in yourself! And, try to be as authentic to yourself in every interview you do. They really want to get to know you, not who you think they want to know. Also, if you can find events at the company you want to work with, they are great networking opportunities, and put your name on the companies/recruiting manager's radar. Also, ask questions of professionals you know. They will be able to offer first hand experience and help calm your nerves.

When did you first start the job search & how long did it take you to get an interview?

I started the job search for Summer 2021 internships in the spring semester of my sophomore year (February 2020). It took me approximately 1-1.5 months to get an interview.

How was the job search? Was it easier or tougher than you expected to get a job? 

As I prepared to start applying for internships in the fall of my junior year, I was talking to my roommate about the process. She suggested I apply for a few women focused events hosted by consulting firms, which could lead to an internship offer. I applied for the PwC Women's Consulting Experience, which required a behavioral interview and a case interview. These interviews only led to acceptance into the Women's Consulting Experience (WCE), not an internship. The WCE was an all expense paid trip to Lake Tahoe, where the final interview took place. But, right as I was interviewing, COVID-19 took over our world. Once I interviewed, I was told I'd hear back in the beginning of April. When I got the call, they told me some interesting news. The WCE was being moved online, and so they changed the way they offered the internships. I was offered the internship with PwC that day in April because they felt it was unfair and too hard to complete the final interviews during a virtual WCE. So, for me the job search ended up being fairly easy, but I also recognize that I experienced a stroke of luck with timing. I did not end up having to go through the grueling experience of finding a Summer 2021 internship in the fall of my junior year, and for that I am grateful.

What was the interview process like?

I had to complete 2 interviews, both virtual due to COVID-19. The first was a 45-minute behavioral interview where the traditional interview questions were asked. Then I completed a 45-minute case/behavioral interview, where the first 30 minutes consisted of a case interview, and the last 15 minutes were behavioral. During the case interview, the partner I worked with guided me through an example consulting challenge, and I had to take notes and make decisions along the way. After each interview, I followed up with thanks to each person I talked with.

What will you be doing?

At the moment, I am not super certain the specific details because things have not been confirmed due to COVID. The internship might be online, which will definitely be a difference experience. I do know that I will be working with the healthcare industry team at PwC. I will be assigned to work with a team on a specific project, or projects depending on their duration.

Do you have any job search tips for students?

Be confident in yourself! And, try to be as authentic to yourself in every interview you do. They really want to get to know you, not who you think they want to know. Also, if you can find events at the company you want to work with, they are great networking opportunities, and put your name on the companies/recruiting manager's radar. Also, ask questions of professionals you know. They will be able to offer first hand experience and help calm your nerves.

When did you first start the job search & how long did it take you to get an interview?

I started the job search for Summer 2021 internships in the spring semester of my sophomore year (February 2020). It took me approximately 1-1.5 months to get an interview.