Last Updated on January 8, 2025
Will AI Reshape Consulting? The Future of Hiring at McKinsey and Beyond
For decades, consulting firms like McKinsey have thrived on a tried-and-tested model: hire the best and brightest, train them rigorously, and deploy them to solve complex business challenges. But with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, this model is on the brink of transformation.
AI is no longer a futuristic buzzword—it’s here, automating research, crunching data, and even generating strategic insights. As firms integrate AI-driven tools into their workflows, the question arises:
Will consulting firms still need armies of junior analysts or will AI take their place?
The impact of AI on consulting will be profound, reshaping how firms operate, staff, and deliver value to clients. Over the next 1, 3, and 5 years, we’ll see a dramatic shift in hiring trends, role expectations, and the very nature of consulting work.
In this article, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping the consulting industry and whether the traditional consulting career path is on the verge of disruption. To help aspiring consultants navigate this evolving landscape, we’ve also included practical tips on how to stand out in an AI-driven job market. Of course, as with any predictions, the future remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: AI is transforming consulting, and those who adapt will have the greatest advantage.
1-Year Horizon (2025) – Augmentation & Experimentation
The immediate impact of AI on consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain will be one of augmentation rather than replacement. Over the next year, AI will act as a productivity amplifier, enhancing the efficiency of consultants rather than eliminating their roles outright.
AI as a Productivity Booster
AI-powered tools—such as generative AI, automation software, and advanced analytics platforms—will become essential components of consulting workflows. These tools can rapidly process vast amounts of data, generate insights, and even draft client presentations. McKinsey, along with other top firms, has already invested heavily in AI-driven solutions to optimize internal processes. From automated benchmarking to AI-assisted slide creation, these advancements will free up consultants’ time, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities like problem-solving and client engagement.
Efficiency Gains for Junior Consultants
Historically, junior consultants (analysts and associates) have spent a significant portion of their time on manual research, data gathering, and benchmarking. In 2025, AI will streamline these tasks, reducing the time required for initial data synthesis and allowing consultants to move to strategic analysis much faster. Tools like AI-driven data scrapers, automated Excel modeling, and instant text summarization will take over repetitive, time-intensive work.
However, rather than making these roles obsolete overnight, AI will reshape what junior consultants do. Instead of spending hours compiling market reports, they’ll focus on interpreting AI-generated insights and crafting narratives that align with client needs.
Hiring Still Strong, But More Selective
AI will not immediately reduce hiring at top consulting firms, but it will change the profile of who gets hired. Firms will increasingly seek candidates with:
- AI proficiency – the ability to use AI tools effectively for research, modeling, and communication.
- Strong conceptual problem-solving skills – AI can process data, but humans will still be needed to ask the right questions, structure problems, and deliver compelling recommendations.
Candidates who can demonstrate adaptability and the ability to work alongside AI-driven tools will have a competitive edge. The classic consulting skill set—structured thinking, problem-solving, and communication—will remain essential, but AI literacy will become a differentiator.
A Shift in Work Mix: The Rise of AI-Driven Engagements
Beyond internal efficiencies, AI will create new revenue streams for consulting firms. Clients will increasingly seek guidance on AI strategy, adoption, and risk management, making AI advisory services a growing part of firms’ offerings. Expect more projects focused on:
- AI implementation roadmaps – helping businesses integrate AI into their operations.
- Operational efficiencies through AI automation – streamlining supply chains, customer service, and finance functions.
- AI risk & compliance assessments – ensuring companies navigate regulatory and ethical considerations in AI deployment.
As AI continues to evolve, consulting firms will blend human expertise with AI-driven insights to deliver faster, more effective solutions. In the short term, this will increase demand for consultants who understand both business strategy and AI capabilities.
Bottom Line for 2025
McKinsey and other top firms will still hire at strong levels, but with a greater emphasis on AI fluency. AI will augment, not replace, junior consultants, making them more productive and shifting their focus to higher-value tasks. Meanwhile, firms will lean into AI advisory work, marking the beginning of a fundamental industry shift.
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3-Year Horizon (2027) – Workforce Restructuring
By 2027, AI’s role in consulting will have evolved from a productivity enhancer to a structural disruptor. The traditional consulting model—built on a large base of junior consultants conducting research and analysis—will no longer be as relevant. Instead, AI will handle an increasing share of these tasks, leading to smaller, more specialized teams and a shift in hiring patterns.
Fewer Entry-Level Hires
One of the most noticeable changes will be a decline in hiring for entry-level roles. Traditionally, firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain have relied on a pyramid structure:
- Large cohorts of analysts and associates perform foundational research, modeling, and slide creation.
- Mid-level consultants refine insights and engage with clients.
- Partners drive business development and strategic recommendations.
By 2027, AI will automate much of the junior work—handling data collection, market research, benchmarking, and even drafting key slides. As a result, firms will need fewer entry-level consultants to perform these tasks manually.
This does not mean firms will stop hiring altogether. Instead, they will:
- Prioritize candidates with AI proficiency who can work alongside AI-powered tools.
- Reduce the overall number of analysts and associates in favor of more mid-level hires who can interpret AI-driven insights and manage client relationships.
- Expand hiring in non-traditional consulting backgrounds—such as engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists—to stay competitive in AI-driven projects.
Rise of AI Consultants & Engineers
As AI becomes a core part of consulting services, the profile of a consultant will evolve. While traditional strategy consultants will still be valuable, firms will increasingly hire specialists who understand AI applications, implementation, and governance.
We can expect a new breed of consultant to emerge:
- AI Implementation Experts – Professionals who help clients deploy AI solutions in areas like supply chain optimization, customer analytics, and automation.
- AI Governance & Risk Advisors – Specialists who guide companies on AI ethics, compliance, and regulatory concerns.
- Tech-Savvy Generalists – Consultants who blend traditional strategy skills with deep AI fluency to bridge the gap between business and technology.
McKinsey and its peers will likely form hybrid teams, where traditional consultants, AI specialists, and engineers collaborate to deliver client solutions. The ability to work across these disciplines will become a key consulting skill.
Smaller, More Specialized Teams
With AI taking over routine tasks, consulting teams will become leaner but more effective. Instead of large groups of analysts crunching numbers, firms will deploy:
- AI-augmented consultants who use AI-generated insights to make strategic recommendations.
- Specialist roles focused on interpreting AI-driven findings and identifying implementation challenges.
- More direct engagement with senior consultants, as fewer layers of analysis will be required.
These smaller teams will be able to deliver the same value in less time, which could fundamentally change client expectations.
Faster Case Work, Lower Billing Hours
One of the biggest disruptions AI will bring to consulting is the speed of delivery.
- AI-driven automation will allow firms to complete projects in a fraction of the time.
- Advanced analytics will eliminate weeks of manual data analysis.
- Faster insights will lead to shorter project timelines.
While this is a win for efficiency, it raises concerns about the traditional consulting revenue model, which relies on billable hours. If AI reduces project timelines, firms may need to:
- Shift towards value-based pricing, charging clients for the impact and outcomes of their work rather than for hours spent.
- Diversify revenue streams by offering AI-powered solutions and tools as standalone products.
- Focus on more complex, high-stakes engagements where human expertise remains irreplaceable.
Bottom Line for 2027
By 2027, consulting firms will have fewer entry-level hires and a more specialized workforce, blending traditional consulting with AI expertise. Teams will be smaller, faster, and more tech-savvy, delivering work at unprecedented speeds. However, this will also challenge the classic consulting business model, forcing firms to rethink how they price and structure their services in an AI-driven world.
5-Year Horizon (2030) – Fundamental Industry Shift
By 2030, AI will have fully transformed the consulting industry, reshaping not just how firms operate but also who they hire and how they create value. The traditional consulting pyramid—where large cohorts of junior consultants feed work up to partners—will no longer be the dominant model. Instead, AI-powered automation and AI-native consulting firms will challenge industry norms, forcing consulting firms to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
Major Reduction in Junior Roles
By this stage, consulting firms will significantly reduce their intake of junior consultants. Many of the tasks that once defined entry-level roles—such as data gathering, benchmarking, market research, financial modeling, and slide creation—will be fully automated by AI.
Firms that previously hired hundreds of analysts and associates each year will now need far fewer of them. Instead, AI-driven platforms will generate first drafts of reports, conduct real-time data analysis, and even simulate strategic scenarios, removing much of the need for manual analytical work.
This shift will fundamentally change how aspiring consultants break into the industry.
- Traditional paths (like MBA recruitment and undergraduate hiring) may shrink.
- AI-savvy candidates with strong adaptability and problem-solving skills will have an advantage.
- Junior roles that do exist will focus more on AI oversight, interpretation, and strategic thinking, rather than mechanical data-crunching.
For many, the dream of entering consulting straight out of school may become less accessible, as firms prioritize mid-level hires with AI expertise and industry specialization.
More AI-Native Consulting Models
By 2030, a new wave of AI-first consulting firms will emerge, leveraging automation and analytics at scale. Unlike traditional firms that augment human work with AI, these AI-native firms will invert the model—AI will do the bulk of the heavy lifting, with human consultants stepping in only for high-value interpretation and client engagement.
These AI-native firms will likely:
- Offer faster, cheaper, and more data-driven solutions than legacy players.
- Rely on AI-powered simulations, automated strategy testing, and predictive analytics to deliver insights.
- Use small, agile teams that integrate AI specialists, industry experts, and traditional strategy consultants.
For McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, this competition will be a major threat. To stay ahead, traditional consulting firms will need to:
- Invest in proprietary AI tools that give them a competitive advantage.
- Develop hybrid consulting models that blend AI-driven insights with human strategic guidance.
- Expand their technology advisory services, helping clients implement and manage AI-driven business models.
Focus on High-Value Human Work
While AI will replace many routine tasks, it will not eliminate the need for consultants altogether. Instead, it will elevate the role of human consultants to focus on areas where AI falls short:
- Client relationship-building – Navigating complex stakeholder dynamics, aligning leadership teams, and building trust.
- High-level synthesis – Connecting insights across industries, functions, and disciplines to create breakthrough strategies.
- Context-driven problem-solving – While AI can analyze data, it lacks the human ability to interpret nuance, emotion, and cultural factors in decision-making.
- Ethical and strategic judgment – AI can recommend actions, but humans will still be responsible for making critical business and ethical decisions.
In this AI-dominated landscape, senior consultants and partners will become more important than ever. Their expertise, credibility, and ability to challenge AI-driven insights will be critical to ensuring AI-generated recommendations are actionable and aligned with broader business goals.
Shift in Promotion Paths
With fewer entry-level hires, the traditional “up-or-out” model of consulting will likely evolve.
- Promotions may become faster for those who demonstrate AI fluency and strategic adaptability.
- The consulting career path may become more specialized, with AI-augmented roles focusing on technology integration, behavioral strategy, and industry expertise.
- Instead of a rigid hierarchy, consulting firms may shift to a fluid talent structure, where individuals move between AI-driven roles, client-facing work, and strategic leadership positions.
The biggest winners in this shift will be consultants who embrace AI rather than resist it. Those who can effectively collaborate with AI tools, extract deep insights, and apply them to real-world challenges will be in high demand.
Bottom Line for 2030
By 2030, consulting firms will look dramatically different from today. AI will dominate research and analysis, leading to fewer junior hires and leaner teams. New AI-native consulting firms will disrupt the industry, forcing traditional firms to innovate or risk falling behind. Meanwhile, human consultants will focus on high-value work—client relationships, strategic judgment, and complex problem-solving.
For those entering the consulting field, AI fluency will no longer be optional—it will be a prerequisite for success.
Will Consulting Firms Still Hire So Many People?
AI is fundamentally reshaping the consulting industry, and consulting firms’ hiring strategies will evolve accordingly. While the firms will continue hiring in the short term, the nature of those hires will change significantly over the next five years.
- Short-term (1-3 years): Firms will still bring in new talent, but candidates with AI fluency and strong problem-solving skills will have an edge.
- Medium-term (3-5 years): The number of junior hires will decline, as AI takes over much of the research and analysis that entry-level consultants traditionally performed.
- Long-term (>5 years): The classic consulting pyramid will flatten, with fewer junior roles and an increased reliance on AI-augmented consultants who can combine human judgment with AI-driven insights.
While AI won’t replace top-tier consultants, consulting firms will prioritize hiring specialists who can navigate AI-driven work environments. The demand for generalist consultants—once the backbone of consulting—will shrink, making the path into the industry more competitive and specialized.
How to Handle This Shift: Tips for Applicants in the Next Years
If you’re an aspiring consultant looking to break into McKinsey or another top consulting firm in the next years, here’s how to adapt to this AI-driven landscape and stand out:
1. Develop AI Fluency
You don’t need to be a machine learning expert, but you should understand:
- How AI is used in business strategy and operations.
- The limitations of AI and where human judgment is irreplaceable.
- Common AI tools (ChatGPT, data visualization software, automation tools).
📌 Action Tip: Take a free AI course on Coursera or edX, explore AI-driven business cases, and be prepared to discuss how AI impacts consulting in your interviews.
2. Strengthen Problem-Solving & Adaptability
AI can crunch numbers, but consultants are valued for structuring complex problems and thinking critically.
- Hone your ability to define ambiguous problems, develop frameworks, and synthesize insights.
- Be comfortable working alongside AI tools—firms may expect you to use AI-assisted analysis in case interviews.
📌 Action Tip: Practice case interviews with AI integration—use AI to generate market research, then refine and interpret the data yourself.
3. Build Data & Analytical Skills
Firms will expect stronger analytical capabilities from their hires, as AI allows them to handle more complex, data-driven problems.
- Learn basic data analytics, SQL, or Python—even a beginner-level understanding of data interpretation will make you more competitive.
- Be comfortable explaining AI-generated insights rather than just presenting raw data.
📌 Action Tip: Learn Excel automation, basic SQL, or visualization tools like Power BI/Tableau to demonstrate AI-enhanced analytical skills.
4. Showcase AI Awareness in Applications & Interviews
McKinsey and other firms will prioritize candidates who understand AI’s impact on consulting.
- If asked about consulting trends, discuss how AI is changing client work, efficiency, and hiring.
- Demonstrate how you’ve used AI tools in past work or studies to improve efficiency.
- If applying for internships or full-time roles, highlight experience working with AI-driven tools.
📌 Action Tip: In your resume, cover letter, and interviews (actually, throughout the whole application process), tie AI awareness into your problem-solving approach, showing that you’re thinking ahead. This not only applies to the case interviews but also to the fit interviews.
5. Focus on Human-Centric Skills That AI Can’t Replace
While AI can automate analysis, consulting remains a relationship-driven industry. Firms will still need consultants who can:
- Communicate effectively – simplify complex ideas for clients.
- Lead discussions & drive consensus – AI can provide insights, but only humans can align stakeholders.
- Build trust with clients – emotional intelligence and influence will still be critical.
📌 Action Tip: Hone your storytelling and persuasion skills—practice summarizing complex ideas in clear, compelling narratives. Thorough preparation for your consulting career is key.
All-in-One Case Interview Preparation
Unlock your path to consulting success with the ultimate case interview preparation package. Tailored for aspiring consultants, this package offers 82 targeted theory lessons and hundreds of practice drills across key areas: Structuring, Chart Interpretation, Math, and Brainstorming. Developed to meet the rigorous MBB standards, it distills over 5 years of McKinsey insights and strategies from more than 2,000 case interview coaching sessions into actionable, battle-tested advice. Perfect for students, recent graduates, or professionals aiming to ace their case interviews.
