interview practice case one
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Prepare with confidence

Case interviews give you a look at the kind of work and impact you can make at ZS. Try our sample cases to strengthen how you analyze, strategize and innovate. There is no perfect answer. We are looking for how you approach challenges, learn from feedback and bring new ideas to the table. These examples show what the experience is like.
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INTERVIEW PROCESS
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Situation description

All-Star Airlines is a subsidiary of the All-Star Airlines Group Inc., which has a market capitalization of about $15 billion. In the U.S., All-Star Airlines is known for its friendly airplane staff and high-quality meals to purchase on board.

All-Star is profitable, with $5 billion cash on hand, but is forecasting slow market growth in the U.S.. As a result, All-Star would like to explore its options to expand into new markets.

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Question #1

All-Star Airlines is exploring the possibility of entering a new market. How would you recommend whether or not it should proceed with entry into a new market? Please outline the key factors and frameworks you would consider.
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Reveal answer
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To choose a new market, assess its profitability using a tailored profit framework. Begin forming a hypotheses and key questions, such as: What will customers pay for tickets? How soon must the client break even? Are there regulatory or competitive factors to consider?
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Question #2

The client conducted preliminary research before engaging ZS and shared the following high-level findings with your team.

Without getting into any calculations, what are your initial reactions to this information?

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practice case q2

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Record your initial data insights and hypotheses. For example: Market B leads in sales but is two to three times costlier to enter, with higher per-ticket costs and the most competitors. Market C grows fastest but has fewer players. Consider a break-even timeline to guide the client’s decision.
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Question #3

The client aims to break even within three years of entering a new market. Let’s analyze which market offers the best chance by calculating the tickets needed and market share required to break even. Next, assess whether those targets are realistic.
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To find break-even sales, divide fixed costs by margin per ticket (price-cost) over three years. Then divide that by market size for share. Market B looks least appealing due to high requirements, while A offers higher margins and C fewer tickets and faster growth.
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Question #4

Based on the information you’ve reviewed, what is your recommendation for the client?

Please also be sure to speak to any risk areas and next steps.

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To form a strong recommendation, synthesize insights and apply judgment. Markets A and C look best: A offers high $300 margins and 5% share to break even. C also breaks even at 5%, with high growth and few competitors. B is least appealing due to high costs, low margins and steep 10% share needs.
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