Securing a McKinsey Internship: A Comprehensive Guide

the image is the cover of the article on how to get a mckinsey internship

Last Updated on January 23, 2024

Embarking on a journey to secure an internship at McKinsey & Company is a coveted ambition for countless students and MBA aspirants worldwide. The challenge is difficult; the selection process at McKinsey is exceptionally competitive, with less than 1% of applicants successfully securing an offer.

Achieving an internship at McKinsey, renowned for its rigorous standards, is comparably demanding as obtaining a full-time role. The advantage of an early attempt lies in the opportunity for a second application post-graduation, should your initial try not yield success.

This article is your ally in navigating the intricate path to a McKinsey internship. We aim to demystify the process and boost your readiness. In this comprehensive guide, we cover:

  • Various Internship Opportunities at McKinsey: Understand the diverse internship types offered by McKinsey, tailored for different educational backgrounds.
  • Intern Compensation: Explore the financial rewards of being an intern at McKinsey.
  • Internship Duration and Application Deadlines: Key dates and timelines you need to know for McKinsey’s internship programs.
  • Resume Essentials: Discover what McKinsey looks for in resumes during the screening phase.
  • Application Process: A step-by-step breakdown of the McKinsey internship application process.
  • Preparation Strategies: Effective methods to prepare for and secure a McKinsey internship offer.
  • Internship Experience: Insights into the tasks and day-to-day life of a McKinsey intern.
  • Moving From Internship to Full-Time Role: Strategies that help you convert your internship into a full-time offer

Exploring McKinsey Internship Opportunities: Student and MBA Programs

McKinsey & Company offers two primary internship categories to cater to a diverse range of academic backgrounds. These are classified into Student Internships and MBA Internships, each tailored to fit distinct educational phases.

Student Internship Program

Target Audience

The Student Internship is designed for individuals enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. Eligibility extends until the completion of their degree, post which candidates are expected to transition to full-time applications.

Selection Criteria

On a high level, the same screening criteria apply as for a full-time position. Prospective interns need to demonstrate:

  • Exceptional academic achievements and credentials.
  • Relevant work experience, preferably through internships in prestigious companies or roles akin to consulting.
  • International exposure, although this requirement varies across different regional offices.
  • Active participation in extracurricular activities.

Application Deadlines and Duration

Application timelines vary globally. For instance, U.S. offices typically set mid-October as the application period for the subsequent summer internships. In contrast, regions like Germany offer rolling applications and flexible start dates. It’s crucial to contact your local McKinsey office or recruiter to stay informed about specific deadlines.

Compensation

Interns are compensated on a pro-rata basis, akin to a full-time Business Analyst or Fellow. In the U.S., this translates to approximately USD 20k for a 10-week internship. For a full analysis of McKinsey salaries, check our detailed article here.

MBA Internship Program

Target Audience

This program is exclusively for MBA students, applicable until the completion of their MBA program. Following graduation, the path shifts towards full-time job applications.

Selection Criteria

The criteria mirror those of the Student Internship and full-time positions, requiring:

  • High academic performance and distinguished background.
  • Prior internship experience in notable companies, aligning with consulting roles.
  • Optional international experience, based on regional office preferences.
  • Involvement in extracurricular activities.

Application Deadlines and Duration

Like the Student Internship, the MBA Internship deadlines and start dates vary by region. For example, in the U.S., applications for summer internships typically open in early December, while offices in other countries may offer ongoing application opportunities.

Internship Salary and Duration

Interns at McKinsey can expect a salary that corresponds with the pro-rata equivalent of an associate’s full-time position. Specifically, in the United States, this amounts to around USD 36,000 for a comprehensive 10-week internship program.

Both the Student and MBA Internship programs at McKinsey are designed to offer a robust and enriching experience, preparing interns for a potential full-time role later on.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks of a McKinsey Intern

As a McKinsey intern, you’ll be integrated as a crucial member of the team, undertaking responsibilities akin to those of a newly appointed business analyst or associate. This includes engaging in significant travel and adapting to extensive work hours.

Your primary tasks will encompass four fundamental areas:

Data Collection

A significant portion of your internship will involve data collection, a critical step in the consulting process. This task includes gathering information through various means:

  • Conducting client and employee interviews.
  • Engaging in field research.
  • Utilizing surveys to collect data.
  • Accessing and analyzing client databases.
  • Consulting with experts within McKinsey.
  • Collaborating with external data providers.

At times, you may find it efficient to utilize McKinsey’s resources to outsource certain aspects of data collection, especially when dealing with external data. Additionally, part of your role may include connecting with external experts through specialized networks.

Be prepared for challenges in this process, such as encountering slow client response times or having to navigate through incomplete or inaccurate data. This often requires multiple iterations of data collection to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Another crucial aspect of your role will be data cleaning — a vital step to refine and prepare the data for in-depth analysis. This process, while sometimes arduous, is essential for ensuring the reliability and usability of the data in subsequent stages of your project.

Data Analysis

Following data collection, your next critical task as an intern involves data analysis to evaluate hypotheses formulated by your team or the client. This process is key to addressing specific client challenges. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

  1. Quantitative Data Analysis:
    • Basic quantitative data is frequently processed using tools like Excel or Alteryx. This involves modeling and analyzing numerical data to draw meaningful conclusions.
  2. Handling Complex Data Sets:
    • For more intricate data, you may rely on specialized McKinsey support departments. These teams are equipped with expertise in statistics, programming, and advanced analytics to handle complex data scenarios.
  3. Qualitative Data Processing:
    • Qualitative data requires a different approach, often involving the identification of patterns and themes. This data is then synthesized and aggregated for further analysis.
  4. Leading the Analysis:
    • As an analyst, you’ll play a pivotal role in steering these analytical processes autonomously.
  5. Working with Assumptions and Alignment:
    • Your analysis will often be based on certain assumptions. It’s important to regularly align these with your team, the client, and occasionally external experts to ensure relevance and accuracy.
  6. Interactive Problem-Solving Sessions:
    • The analysis phase is interspersed with sessions focused on problem-solving. These involve discussing intermediate results and planning subsequent analytical steps.
  7. Delivering Key Insights:
    • The ultimate goal of your analysis is to generate actionable insights. This could range from financial forecasts and market predictions to developing business cases, identifying operational improvements, and suggesting pricing strategies.

Throughout this phase, expect to engage deeply with the data, applying both your analytical skills and creativity to derive solutions that are both innovative and practical.

Visualization of Findings

The next crucial step in your internship involves the visualization of your analysis, primarily using Microsoft PowerPoint. This stage is pivotal in transforming complex data into a compelling narrative. Here’s how it typically evolves:

  1. Early Stages of Visualization:
    • Initially, your project manager will guide you by outlining a draft of the presentation. This serves as a blueprint for the final deliverable.
  2. Developing Full Slide Decks:
    • As you gain experience, you’ll transition to creating entire slide decks independently. This includes crafting a cohesive storyline that effectively communicates the crux of your analysis.
  3. Learning Effective Communication Techniques:
    • You’ll quickly adapt to selecting the most appropriate charts and wording to highlight key messages and insights. The art of visual storytelling will become an integral part of your skill set.
  4. Collaboration with Slide Specialists:
    • McKinsey’s global team of slide specialists is available to assist in refining and enhancing your presentations. Their expertise ensures that your final deliverables are polished and professional.
  5. Iterative Process:
    • Creating a presentation is an iterative process, involving multiple revisions to perfect the narrative and visual impact. This is particularly important as the slide deck is not just a deliverable, but also a crucial tool for communication with top-level executives, including CEOs.
  6. Versioning and Refinement:
    • It’s common to go through numerous versions of a presentation, each iteration bringing you closer to a client-ready version. Do not be surprised if your document undergoes extensive revisions, reaching high version numbers.

The ability to visually present your analysis in a clear, impactful manner is a key skill you will develop during your internship, directly influencing how your findings and recommendations are received and acted upon.

Presentation and Client Interaction

The final and crucial phase of your internship involves actively participating in client meetings. These meetings are pivotal for several reasons:

  1. Presenting and Discussing Results:
    • You’ll have opportunities to present your findings and discuss them with clients. This is a key moment where your analysis and preparation come to fruition.
  2. Adapting to the Meeting’s Nature:
    • The level of your involvement and the audience you present to can vary. As you gain more experience, you may find yourself presenting to senior client leaders, while initial meetings might involve middle management.
  3. Opportunities for Junior Team Members:
    • McKinsey often entrusts junior team members, like business analysts and associates, with significant responsibilities in meetings. This can include leading discussions with middle managers.
  4. Demonstrating Your Skills:
    • Client meetings are an excellent platform to showcase your analytical skills, communication abilities, and understanding of the project. They also allow you to observe and understand the dynamics of client interactions, including any political nuances within the client organization.
  5. Gathering Client Feedback:
    • These sessions are instrumental in obtaining direct feedback from clients, understanding their perspectives, and aligning on future steps.

Overall, your involvement in client meetings is not just a learning experience but also a chance to make a meaningful impact and set the stage for a successful transition to a full-time role.

Typically, as an intern, you’ll contribute to various segments of a project rather than leading an entire workstream. Your tasks might include both specific components of a larger project and responding to ad-hoc requests from the team.

Throughout your internship, you’ll find that your responsibilities may evolve rapidly, in line with your performance, offering a genuine taste of life as a McKinsey consultant and paving the way for potential full-time opportunities.

Securing an Internship at McKinsey: A Five-Step Guide

Landing an internship at McKinsey requires a strategic approach, similar to that of a full-time graduate application. Here are five essential steps to prepare for this competitive process:

  1. Enhance Skills and Resume:
    • Begin by focusing on your skillset and resume. This involves:
      • Achieving strong academic results from prestigious universities.
      • Gaining relevant work experience, ideally in roles related to consulting.
      • Engaging in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and initiative.
      • Seeking opportunities for international exposure through work or study.
  2. Networking and Gaining Referrals:
    • Networking plays a crucial role. Aim to:
      • Establish connections with current McKinsey consultants.
      • Attend McKinsey events and workshops.
      • Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to expand your professional network.
    • A referral from a McKinsey consultant can significantly strengthen your application.
  3. Preparation for the McKinsey Solve Game:
    • Familiarize yourself with the McKinsey Problem Solving Game, a unique assessment tool used by the firm. Practice and understand the game’s format to improve your performance.
  4. Mastering McKinsey Case Interviews:
    • The McKinsey case interviews test your problem-solving and analytical skills. Prepare by:
      • Practicing case studies.
      • Understanding the structure and expectations of these interviews.
      • Enhancing your ability to think critically and present your findings coherently.
  5. Developing Personal Experience Interview (PEI) Stories:
    • The PEI is an integral part of McKinsey’s interview process. Prepare by:
      • Reflecting on past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience, leadership, and personal impact.
      • Crafting stories that effectively communicate these experiences in a structured and engaging manner.

Each of these steps is vital in building a strong application for a McKinsey internship. Start early, focus on each stage, and align your efforts towards showcasing the skills and qualities McKinsey values in its interns.

1. Enhancing Skills and Crafting Your Resume

Long before initiating your application to McKinsey, it’s crucial to strategically build your resume with experiences that align with the firm’s expectations. Key areas to focus on include:

  • Academic Excellence: Aim to be in the top 5-10% of your class. Attend prestigious schools or target universities that are often recruited from by McKinsey. Take courses relevant to the consulting field and showcase any notable academic achievements.
  • Relevant Work Experience: Gain experience in roles that mirror the skill set required in consulting. This could be through positions in well-known companies or through roles that demonstrate analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Extracurricular Leadership: Engage in activities outside the classroom. Leadership roles in NGOs, sports teams, or spearheading initiatives are highly valued as they demonstrate teamwork, initiative, and management skills.
  • International Exposure: Experience abroad, either through work or studies, can be a significant advantage. It shows adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a broader worldview.

It’s important to have a well-rounded profile, ideally excelling in at least three of these areas. Remember, McKinsey internships are typically aimed at those who will return to university after the internship, with full-time positions offered to those who have completed their studies.

In the following articles, we discuss the perfect McKinsey resume and McKinsey cover letter in more detail:

How to write a resume for McKinsey

How to write a cover letter for McKinsey

Get the help you need to transform your consulting application into a success story.

2. Networking and Securing a Referral

Achieving a referral from a McKinsey consultant can significantly enhance your application, especially during the screening stage. Here are key strategies to obtain a valuable referral:

  • Leverage Your Existing Network: Start with your current professional and academic connections. Alumni, professors, or colleagues who have connections to McKinsey can be valuable contacts.
  • Attend McKinsey Events: McKinsey often hosts events, workshops, and open days. Participating in these events not only provides insights into the firm but also opportunities to connect with current consultants.
  • Utilize LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking. Reach out to McKinsey consultants or alumni with a thoughtful message, expressing your interest in the firm and seeking advice or insights.

Remember, the effectiveness of a referral often correlates with the seniority of the consultant and how well they know you personally. Therefore, focus on building genuine relationships rather than just seeking a referral.

In the following articles, we delve deeper into effective networking strategies and how to make a lasting impression that could lead to a referral from a McKinsey consultant.

How to network with consulting firms

How to get a referral for McKinsey

3. Preparing for the McKinsey Solve Game

The McKinsey Problem Solving Game, also known as the McKinsey Digital Assessment or McKinsey Imbellus Test, is a crucial part of the McKinsey internship application process. This computer-based game, lasting between 60 to 81 minutes, evaluates your problem-solving skills through various scenarios:

  • Ecosystem Building Task: In this segment, you are tasked with creating a sustainable ecosystem, such as a coral reef or mountain environment. This requires analyzing a diverse set of data, including information about different habitats, animal species, and environmental conditions. Your ability to process and apply this data effectively is a key part of the evaluation.
  • Research and Analysis Task: The second part of the game challenges you to conduct research, requiring you to sift through large volumes of information, think systematically, and utilize your quantitative analysis skills. This part tests your ability to manage and interpret complex data sets.

The format of the test may vary depending on the McKinsey office, with some candidates completing it from home and others in an office environment. It’s typically one of the first major steps in the application process.

To excel in the McKinsey Problem Solving Game, it’s important to understand its structure and develop effective strategies. We offer a comprehensive guide to prepare for this assessment, including detailed strategies, practice tools like Excel Solvers, videos, and mock tests. These resources have aided thousands in successfully navigating this challenging part of the McKinsey application.

Ace the McKinsey Solve Game with ease.

4. Preparing for McKinsey Case and Problem Solving Interviews

The McKinsey Problem Solving Interview, a fundamental part of the selection process, is a specialized form of the case interview common in consulting firm assessments. This interview format has its unique characteristics:

  • Simulating Real Client Scenarios: You’ll be presented with a scenario mirroring a real business challenge. Your task is to navigate this situation by answering a series of questions, a departure from the self-driven format seen in other consulting interviews.
  • Structured Problem Solving: The interview demands a structured approach to problem-solving. You’ll need to:
    • Break down the client’s problem into manageable components.
    • Propose practical solutions.
    • Collect and analyze relevant information.
    • Derive insights from data and charts.
    • Solve quantitative problems.
    • Communicate your thoughts clearly and professionally.

Types of Questions: Generally, you will encounter three types of questions in the McKinsey case interview:

  • Structuring: Developing a clear and logical framework to tackle the client’s problem and brainstorming ideas.
  • Exhibit Interpretation: Analyzing and deriving key insights from given data, often presented in PowerPoint slides.
  • Mathematical Analysis: Addressing quantitative aspects of the case, involving calculations and numerical reasoning.

A case interview structure is used to break the problem you are trying to solve for the client down into smaller problems or components. It is the roadmap you establish at the beginning of the interview that will guide your problem-solving approach throughout the case. Read more about case interview structure and frameworks here.

For chart or data interpretation, you are tasked to find the key insights of 1-2 Powerpoint slides and relate them back to the case question and the client situation at hand. Read more about exhibit interpretation here.

Case math questions have you analyze a problem mathematically before qualitatively investigating the particular reason for the numerical result or deriving specific recommendations from the outcome. Read more on how to ace case math here.

To successfully navigate these interviews, a deep understanding of case structures, frameworks, and problem-solving strategies is essential. Further, developing proficiency in interpreting data and excelling in case-specific math will significantly enhance your chances of receiving an offer. The complexity and diversity of these interviews underscore the importance of thorough preparation and practice.

The case is the hardest part for most candidates since it involves several different skills that need to be demonstrated consistently across all questions and multiple cases in succession. Depending on the office, applicants need to go through four to six case interviews before receiving an offer. They need to convince the interviewers in all cases to start their McKinsey careers. Interns usually go through only three case interviews during their application.

We have compiled an in-depth look into McKinsey case interviews in the following article:

How to prepare and ace the McKinsey Problem Solving Interviews

To improve your skills in all areas of the interview, check out some of our targeted offers below.

5. Crafting Your McKinsey Personal Experience Interview (PEI) Stories

The McKinsey PEI is a distinctive element of their interview process, diverging from traditional behavioral interviews by focusing intensely on three core traits through narrative-based evaluation.

  • Understanding the PEI Format:
    • Each PEI revolves around a specific character trait. You’ll be asked to recount an experience that showcases how you exemplify this trait.
    • The intent is to glean insights into your past behaviors as indicators of your future performance in consulting roles.
  • Key Traits to Highlight:
    • Entrepreneurial Drive / Courageous Change: Share experiences where you proactively initiated change or tackled significant challenges.
    • Inclusive Leadership: Illustrate moments where you led a team effectively, emphasizing how you fostered teamwork and navigated diverse group dynamics.
    • Personal Impact: Describe instances where your actions had a substantial positive impact, whether in a professional or personal context.
  • Preparing Your Stories:
    • Reflect on your experiences to identify compelling stories that align with these traits.
    • Focus on articulating these narratives clearly and engagingly, ensuring they are structured to highlight your role and the outcomes effectively.

In our comprehensive articles below, we delve deeper into how to craft and communicate these stories, offering insights from experienced interviewers. The guide provides detailed advice on selecting the right content for your stories and tips on delivering them in a manner that resonates with the McKinsey interview ethos. Preparing well-crafted PEI stories is crucial as they play a significant role in how interviewers perceive your potential fit with McKinsey’s values and work culture

How to prepare and ace the McKinsey Personal Experience Interview

McKinsey PEI: Inclusive Leadership

Mckinsey PEI: Courageous Change

McKinsey PEI: Personal Impact

Interns usually go through 3 PEI interviews in their McKinsey application.

Convert Your McKinsey Internship to a Full-Time Offer

Securing a full-time offer post-internship at McKinsey involves more than just completing assigned tasks; it requires proactive engagement and a strategic approach. Here are essential strategies to increase your chances of making this crucial transition:

1. Don’t Stress

Initially, embracing the learning curve is key. The start of your internship is a period for acclimatization and learning. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain in the early stages. Recognizing your limitations and maintaining open communication with your team is vital. Remember, the learning process is integral to the internship experience, and perfection isn’t expected right from the start.

2. Seek Guidance

Seeking guidance and feedback forms the cornerstone of your internship experience. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification from your team, particularly your Engagement Manager (EM). Discussing your approach to tasks before you begin can provide invaluable insights. Regular feedback sessions are essential; these discussions with your team, EM, and senior leadership will greatly contribute to your growth and improvement.

Additionally, the mentorship you receive during your internship plays a pivotal role. Engaging with your assigned ‘big brother or sister’ – an experienced McKinsey consultant – provides you with a reliable source of guidance throughout your internship. Moreover, the support from your mentor or Development Group Leader (DGL), typically a McKinsey partner, is indispensable for broader career advice and support.

3. Work Smartly

Working smartly is crucial. Early in your internship, take the time to understand and utilize the resources your firm offers. This can significantly save time and enhance the quality of your work. McKinsey, like many top firms, has numerous support functions that alleviate much of the workload from consultants. These include teams dedicated to slide creation and improvement, research, expert networks, and even quantitative analysis. For technical issues, IT helpdesks can be remarkably helpful. Learning to leverage these resources effectively from the onset is a key step in working efficiently.

4. Pick Up the Basic Consulting Skills

Equally important is the acquisition of basic consulting skills. Engage with your peers to learn the essential tools of the trade. This includes developing clear and concise verbal and visual communication skills, understanding how to break down and analyze problems effectively, and mastering software like Excel and PowerPoint. Embrace the 80/20 rule, which emphasizes focusing on the 20% of efforts that yield 80% of the results, thereby enhancing efficiency. Additionally, cultivating strong logical thinking and people skills is fundamental in consulting.

5. Get Used to Quick Iterations and Feedback Cycles

Adapting to the iterative nature of consulting work is another critical aspect. Consulting typically involves defining a problem, hypothesizing solutions, and then validating these solutions through data analysis or expert consultation. This process often requires multiple iterations, especially in terms of analysis and slide production, before reaching a client-ready state.

Becoming accustomed to this iterative process and actively seeking early feedback on your work ensures alignment with the team’s objectives and direction. This approach is central to the work culture at McKinsey and is instrumental in producing high-quality, client-ready deliverables.

6. Pick Your Battles and Learn to Say No

Recognizing when to assert your boundaries is a crucial skill in a demanding work environment like McKinsey. The intensity of the workload, including long hours, extensive travel, and high-pressure situations, can be challenging. It’s important to know when to say no and choose your battles wisely. This isn’t just about self-preservation; it’s about maintaining the quality of your work and your overall well-being.

Remember, self-care is vital, and while the firm’s culture is demanding, team leaders and project managers often understand and respect personal boundaries. They are typically willing to make reasonable accommodations, be it reducing days on-site or balancing late-night workloads, to ensure team wellbeing.

7. Leverage the Training and Resources

As for training and development, McKinsey offers a wealth of resources, starting right from your internship. The training you’ll receive is extensive, covering both mandatory and optional programs. These sessions are designed to enhance specific hard and soft skills, providing a learning platform unique to early-career professionals. Such comprehensive training is often reserved for senior managers in other organizations, highlighting the value McKinsey places on development.

Make the most of these opportunities; they are not just about skill enhancement but also about integrating into the McKinsey way of working. Observing and absorbing the working style and approach in your daily interactions within the team will significantly aid your professional growth. This combination of structured training and immersive learning is a cornerstone of the McKinsey experience, equipping you with the skills and mindset needed for a successful consulting career.

8. Build a Network and Find Your Mentors

From the onset of your internship, prioritize building a strong professional network within the firm. This network should include your peers, especially those you start with, as they are your immediate cohort for sharing experiences and learning together. Equally important are connections with leadership and project managers, who can provide guidance and mentorship, influencing your career trajectory within McKinsey.

Actively participate in team social activities, attend training and events related to your function or industry, and make an effort to engage with colleagues in your office. Given that much of your time might be spent on client sites or in different settings, establishing a strong internal network is invaluable for support, guidance, and future opportunities.

9. Triple-Check Your Analysis and Slides

Accuracy and attention to detail in your work cannot be overstressed. Even during your probation period, the quality of your deliverables, such as analyses and slide decks, should be impeccable. Triple-checking your work for accuracy is crucial; it’s better to spend additional time ensuring correctness than to submit work with errors. Always approach your tasks with the end product in mind, striving to create materials that are ready for client presentation. This meticulous attention to detail will not only reflect on your professionalism but also build trust with your team.

As you progress in your internship, other skills like developing specific areas of expertise (personal spikes) and deepening your knowledge will become increasingly important. However, for interns, the primary focus should be on laying a solid foundation through networking, learning, and producing high-quality work.

Adhering to these principles and steps throughout your 10-week internship will significantly enhance your chances of receiving a full-time offer from McKinsey, setting you on a path to a successful career in consulting.

How We Help You on This Journey to McKinsey

Embarking on your journey to secure a position at McKinsey is a formidable challenge, but with specialized guidance, your path to success is clearer. Our team, renowned as top McKinsey coaching experts, is here to support you every step of the way.

Our background as former McKinsey consultants and seasoned interview coaches equips us with a unique perspective and expertise. We focus on transforming your candidacy by:

For any queries or further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing a personalized program designed to navigate you successfully through the McKinsey application process.

McKinsey Interview Video Academy

(57 customer reviews)
Original price was: $179.00.Current price is: $99.00.

Look behind the curtains and understand how to ace McKinsey Case and Personal Experience Interviews with our 40-part video academy. Curated by former McKinsey consultants and interviewers with the best track record in the industry.

Share the content!

Leave a Reply