McKinsey: full overview

Founded in 1926 by James O. McKinsey, a professor at the University of Chicago, McKinsey & Company is the most prestigious consulting firm in the world. “The firm” ‍ is present in more than 130 countries around the world spread over 66 countries. In France, McKinsey has been present since 1964 and currently has two offices (Paris and Lyon) where just under 500 consultants are employed.

‍

What is the career path at McKinsey?

The career progression of consultants at McKinsey is rapid and structured around a succession of learning stages. However, each course remains unique with numerous opportunities for international mobility.
‍ The most junior positions are Business Analyst (BA) and Associate positions. Generally, we stay 1 to 2 years on average at this level for each seniority. For information, most consultants leave the firm after 2 years on average.

Management positions and”Pre-partners” are those of Engagement Manager (EM) and Associate Principal (AP). Generally, we stay at an EM seniority level between 4 and 6 years, to which must be added 1 to 3 additional years at the AP level. This therefore implies a period of 7 to 9 years before being able to become Partner, and then, when you are recognized as a long-term leader in the firm, Director.

‍

What types of missions are there at McKinsey?

McKinsey assists the general managers of the largest companies and institutions (NGOs, governments) on strategic, operational and technological issues for the company. In France, McKinsey is organized into 11 functional clusters and 20 sectoral clusters. Explore the various McKinsey hubs directly on their website hither (at the bottom of the page).

The missions at McKinsey are very diverse and are based on more than 200 areas of expertise. You could, for example, support the Belgian authorities in an education audit in Wallonia, propose an economic plan to the Ministry of the Budget in France, contribute to the organization of the vaccination campaign against COVID in France or help a world leader in aeronautics to identify targets for external growth operations.

‍

How do I join McKinsey and when do I apply?

To apply to McKinsey, it is necessary to go to their website and apply online. All of McKinsey's available positions around the world are grouped together on their careers site. hither. The firm recruits all year round for all seniors. We recommend that you apply 4 to 6 months in advance of your desired entry date but it is not mandatory.

‍

What is the recruitment process at McKinsey?

According to our sources, the recruitment process for an internship or a permanent contract at McKinsey in Casablanca, Paris or Dubai includes 3 steps, including:

An online test (71 min)

• Ecosystem Building (35 min)
• Plant Defense (3 x 12 min)
• We give you our tips for success hither.

1st round including 3 interviews with managers

• Fit (10 min) to answer questions like “Why the Council?” , “Why McKinsey?” , “Why this office?”
• PEI (Personal Experience Interview - 20 min.) We describe the McKinsey PEI and our advice on this specific test hither.
• Case study (30 min). Here the case is interview-led, unlike the cases at BCG or Bain for example. It includes 1 structure question, 1 numerical question and 1 document/graphic analysis question, etc.

2nd round including 2 interviews with partners

• Fit (10 min)
• PEI (20 min). We describe the McKinsey PEI and our tips hither.
• Case study (30 min)

Why McKinsey?

We think working at McKinsey offers 3 advantages specific:

• The high exposure to high-level interlocutors and subjects made possible by the firm's leadership. Unlike the majority of firms, you will be immediately exposed to the problems of states and the largest companies in the world.
• The international aspect is a very strong and characteristic dimension of the firm. The company has a global P&L, which implies strong links between the more than 130 offices around the world.
• The culture of excellence a firm that will allow you to evolve in a very stimulating environment and to collaborate with colleagues who are very often inspiring by their academic, professional but also personal career (sports, associations).

‍

What international mobility is there at McKinsey?

McKinsey has more than 130 offices across 5 continents. International mobility is facilitated in the office and the process for changing offices is quite simple. All you have to do is contact the office in question and show up. The people responsible for the office you are aiming for will contact your sponsor (partner of the firm that collects all your project notes and mentors you) in order to know a little more about you. If they like your profile, you can simply change the office.

The complete and up-to-date list of offices by country and city can be found on This page of their website.

‍

Conclusion

Do you want to apply for an internship or permanent contract at McKinsey? We offer personalized coaching to help you succeed in your interview. Book now your 1-hour coaching with an MBB consultant or accelerate your results by subscribing to one of our training packs.
‍

Photo credits - Office Snapshots

‍