Coffee Chat with McKinsey Poland, but in USA?

Question

Hello,

I have a close connection who is an Associate at McKinsey Poland. I was wondering if it would be beneficial to have a coffee chat with him? Like, would it still be evaluative and thus help me get closer to an interview? I am in the United States for reference.

Answer 1

Hi Goffredo,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

First of all, talking with that close connection can give you valuable insights into McKinsey on a global basis, despite the difference in location.
Moreover, your friend might help you connect with colleagues in US offices that may provide you with a referral.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hey!

Having a coffee chat with your McKinsey contact can be very beneficial, especially since personal connections can offer valuable insights. While it likely won’t be "evaluative" in the formal sense, it can help you gain tips for navigating McKinsey’s recruiting process, what to expect in interviews, and possibly even get your name circulated internally.

!! During the chat, ask your contact to help you connect with someone from the U.S. office, which could make your case even stronger by expanding your network within McKinsey.

Best,

Alessa

Answer 3

Hi Goffredo,

Q: I was wondering if it would be beneficial to have a coffee chat with him? Like, would it still be evaluative and thus help me get closer to an interview?

A coffee chat can help you get a referral, so yes, it can definitely be beneficial. If the person cannot refer you directly for the US, you might ask if they can help connect you with someone there.

It will not be evaluative in terms of the interview process; however, depending on the interaction, the person might or might not consider referring you.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 4

Hi Goffredo,

Yes, you should still have the coffee chat with him. Even though he might not be able to refer you directly to a US office (depends on the office's policy), he could still connect you to another Associate in the US if he senses potential from your profile and the conversation.

Also, you can still learn more about the firm and his experience there which can provide additional colour to your fit responses and questions to your interviewers.

Feel free to let me know if there are any further concerns about having the chat.

Fathu

Answer 5

Hi there,

Sure - why not!

Some expectation management:

Coffee chats are non-evaluative
You might learn more about the current hiring situation and firm health overall (although if your friend mainly works in Europe/Poland those insights are not fully transferrable to the US)
He might be able to forward you to someone in the US who you could talk to and get a referral from

All the best,

Florian

Answer 6

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