McKinsey & Company is set to hire its biggest ever MBA class in 2021, with the Big Three consulting firm recruiting from business schools around the world
McKinsey & Company: Big Three consulting firm, global management consulting powerhouse, and leading recruiter of MBA students from business schools around the world.
Now, after a global pandemic has upended the world of work, forced the acceleration of digital transformation, and redefined the employee experience, ‘The Firm’ is about to hire its biggest ever MBA class in 2021.
It’s a trend that has been on an upward trajectory for a while. McKinsey hired 876 consultants from MBA programs in 2010; that had increased to 1,100 between July 2018 and June 2019. Since March 1, 2020 McKinsey has welcomed more than 1,500 full-time new joiners and 1,000 interns.
Despite MBA programs shifting primarily online during the COVID-19 pandemic, McKinsey’s global head of recruitment, Brian Rolfes, says that has had little negative impact on MBA job prospects at the company.
“We have increased our recruiting goals and anticipate that in 2021 we will hire the largest incoming class in McKinsey’s history,” he says.
Alongside the steep salaries offered to MBA consultants, joining McKinsey offers MBAs an opportunity to work at the forefront the business world.
What does McKinsey want from its MBA hires?
Brian has asserted in the past what McKinsey wants from its consultants: They want problem solvers, people who can work well in teams, and who can build strong relationships.
“These are at the core of what our consultants do every day and how we work with our clients,” he told BusinessBecause in 2020.
Add to that inclusive leadership, personal impact, entrepreneurial drive, and you begin to get an idea of the DNA that makes up a McKinsey consultant.
As the world of business becomes ever intertwined with the world of technology, expect a demand for MBA grads skilled in the art of cross-functional collaboration.
Brian explains that McKinsey has teams of course made up of traditional management consultants working on strategy, operations, and the like, but the firm also employs hundreds of data scientists and software engineers.
They even have a Game Based Innovation Lab full of people equipped with skills in game design, engineering, learning science, and psychometrics. So, to be fully successful at the company you’ll need to be able to work with professionals in an array of roles.
McKinsey look for this talent everywhere. They hired from approximately 370 different schools in 2020—from the well-known business schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, MIT, INSEAD, and LBS, to liberal art colleges, state universities, Historically Black Universities and Colleges, and more.
How can an MBA land you a job at McKinsey?
Anna Navratil, an MBA graduate from Emory University Goizueta Business School, landed a job at McKinsey after business school—but it wasn’t always her plan. “I went to a panel early on in my MBA, and it was all white guys in suits talking about airline miles,” she recalls.
With a background in nonprofits, Anna envisaged herself disrupting the social sector. She knew it was important to land internship experience, but that it would be tough to find opportunities in the social sector for the summer—a mentor instead told her to focus on growth.
Conversations with Goizueta alumni who worked at McKinsey showed Anna the company was more than white guys in suits. She was convinced, and ended up completing a summer internship with the firm before moving into a full-time position after graduating.
The MBA provided her with the network and support to launch her consulting career. Goizueta alumni helped Anna with case preparation, interview feedback, and advice.
Learning about the industry and networking with consultants is key—Juan Sanchez knows all about that. He’s an HEC Paris MBA alum who swapped engineering for consulting and a job with McKinsey after graduating.
During the MBA’s Consulting Peak Week, Juan mixed with alumni and industry professionals who delivered speeches, took part in case cracking exercises with students, and prepped them for consulting interviews. HEC Paris also has its own Consulting Practice, which provides students with the practical experience they need to enhance their consulting CVs.
Although McKinsey hire from across the board, bringing into their consulting teams undergraduate talent, analytics experts, engineers, and PhDs, studying an MBA is a sure-fire way of developing both the network and the skillset to launch your dream career with one of the Big Three.
In general, Emory University is an excellent institution with valuable resources. The majority of the professors I encountered were outstanding and displayed a genuine concern for their students. Furthermore, Atlanta provides a plethora of opportunities and experiences.
Student
Verified
31/10/2023
On Campus
Pleasant weather, campus and professors
Emory enjoys pleasant weather for the most part, with warmth and mild conditions. The only drawback is the spring season, particularly due to the heavy pollen presence. Everything becomes coated in layers of pollen, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, this pollen season is relatively short-lived. During the spring and fall, the weather can be quite unpredictable, swinging from scorching heat to chilly temperatures. You'll often find students relaxing or studying outdoors on campus with Professors ever ready to attend to students personally.
Student
Verified
30/10/2023
On Campus
Outstanding academics
At Emory, the academics are outstanding! It takes a lot of effort and commitment, but the results are well worth it. Teachers are very approachable and like answering inquiries from students. Nobody ever turning away a student that I know of. The campus is beautiful and tidy at Emory, with many places to relax and study.
Student
Verified
24/10/2023
On Campus
Academic performance surpassed my expectations
Emory University's academic performance surpassed my expectations. Achieving good grades often requires substantial effort, and the academic rigor varies depending on your chosen major. Nevertheless, I encountered highly knowledgeable professors, well-equipped to teach their respective courses. Emory offers a wide range of subject areas to choose from, providing students with diverse academic opportunities.
Student
Verified
24/10/2023
On Campus
Outstanding institution with stunning aesthetics
Emory University is an outstanding institution! The campus boasts stunning aesthetics, the individuals are friendly, and there is an abundance of activities available in the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Undoubtedly, my most cherished aspect of Emory was its people. I forged numerous friendships and encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds. Academically, Emory provides a manageable experience. The majority of my professors were excellent, although, as is the case with any university, there may be certain classes or professors that one may not enjoy. Nevertheless, conducting some inquiries and perusing online reviews should provide a fairly accurate insight into what to anticipate in each class.
Student
Verified
23/10/2023
On Campus
Professors skilled in interactive discussions
I take great pleasure in the small class sizes and the professors' skill in creating interactive discussions. The professors demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for their subjects, consistently making the course content fascinating. Moreover, I am captivated by the beautiful campus, and its location is equally appealing.
Student
Verified
23/10/2023
On Campus
Exceptional faculty members
Emory University takes pride in its exceptional faculty members who are highly educated and committed to utilizing innovative and successful teaching techniques.It is widely recognized for its extensive research endeavors, offering students a wide-ranging knowledge foundation that can be readily applied to a variety of academic disciplines.
Student
Verified
25/02/2023
On Campus
Review of Emory university
The Professors are awesome and you get a lot of opportunities to get involved both on and off Campus. The campus is very lovely. The community of people are welcoming, super nice, and entertaining. The dining halls have popular music from throughout the decade playing and the overall atmosphere is super relaxing and enjoyable.
Konya
Verified
3/11/2022
On Campus
Batch'20
Emory is an amazing campus and a school with a nice social scene. I always wanted to see what it was like living in the states and this made it happen. Loving making new friends, acquaintances and some for life bonds as well as learning new subject every week. Emory is a great choice.
Jamie
Verified
26/05/2024
On Campus
Professors are always enthusiastic
Emory University is simply outstanding. They have excellent academic programmes with a vast selection of engaging courses. The instructors are extremely informed and enthusiastic about their subject matter. Additionally, the student support services are excellent. They have advisors that help you at every stage and offer resources for career counselling, mental health support, and tutoring. Emory genuinely cares about your prosperity and welfare. This university is fascinating and forward-thinking at the same time!
Linda
Verified
26/05/2024
On Campus
Lending a helping hand
The instructors at Emory University are redefining what it means to be helpful. They support us academically and serve as supporters, mentors, and confidants in addition to being educators. They are always there to provide advice and support, whether it is by remaining after class to address unanswered questions or by getting together for coffee on the weekends to talk about our professional goals. Their commitment to our achievement goes well beyond the school day, demonstrating time and again that students at Memory are people with dreams, not just a name. It's all possibilities when you have instructors like these.
Paige
Verified
26/05/2024
On Campus
Exceptional mentorship
Emory University is a refuge for both intellectual prowess and individual development. These instructors motivate students in addition to instructing. They go above and above to make sure every student succeeds, offering anything from spontaneous office hours to late-night emails that explain difficult subjects. Their commitment to us doesn't stop in the classroom; they support and encourage us as we overcome both academic and personal obstacles. In addition to being competent, Emory's faculty members have a personal stake in our success, both within and outside the classroom. Emory stands out for the kind of help he provides.
