Preparation for Wave should be structured and intentional. Focus on demonstrating that you are not just an analyst, but a problem-solver who understands the broader business context.

Role-related knowledge – You must demonstrate mastery over the tools and metrics that govern marketing performance. Be ready to discuss your experience with SQL, data visualization tools, and statistical modeling as they apply to user acquisition and churn.

Problem-solving ability – Interviewers look for a structured approach to ambiguous problems. When presented with a case study, always define the objective, identify the necessary data, formulate a hypothesis, and clearly articulate your recommendation.

Culture fit and values – Wave places a high premium on collaboration and kindness. You will be evaluated on your ability to work well with cross-functional teams and your genuine passion for the company’s mission.

The interview process at Wave is designed to be comprehensive yet deeply human-centric. You should expect a multi-stage journey that begins with an HR screen, followed by technical deep-dives with hiring managers, and often a practical design or case study task. The process is intentionally structured to evaluate both your professional output and your potential to thrive within the company's culture.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to final-round cultural assessments. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have refreshed your technical skills before the mid-stage interviews and prepared your behavioral anecdotes for the final panel discussions. Remember that the process is designed to be challenging but is consistently noted for the kindness and professionalism of the interviewers.

Data Synthesis and Storytelling

Your ability to turn numbers into a narrative is critical. You will be evaluated on how you translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.

Be ready to go over:

• Data visualization techniques – Choosing the right charts to communicate trends effectively.
• Stakeholder management – Tailoring your message for different audiences, from engineers to regional marketing leads.
• Action-oriented insights – Ensuring every analysis concludes with a "so what?" and a clear next step.

Example scenarios:

• "Present a summary of a past project where your data analysis led to a change in marketing strategy."
• "How do you handle a stakeholder who disagrees with your data-driven conclusion?"

Market-Specific Strategy

Because Wave operates in diverse environments, you must show you understand the nuances of the markets you are applying for.

Be ready to go over:

• Growth drivers – Identifying what specifically moves the needle in your target region.
• Competitive analysis – Understanding the local financial services landscape.
• User-centricity – Accounting for local cultural and economic factors in your data interpretation.

Example scenarios:

• "What is the biggest challenge for user growth in [Target Market]?"
• "If you had a limited budget for a new launch, how would you allocate it based on data?"