IB -> Consulting. Fit interview?

Question

Hi everyone, I'm preparing for an upcoming interview with McKinsey and would appreciate some advice on structuring my motivational responses for "Why Consulting?" and "Why McKinsey?"

My background is predominantly in finance—I completed 3 investment banking internships and 1 private equity internship. I'm looking to craft a compelling narrative that bridges my finance experience with the strategic, problem-solving aspects of consulting. How can I best articulate this transition and highlight the skills I've developed in finance that are relevant to a consulting role? Apologies if this has been answered already as this is my first time using the forum.

Cheers.

Answer 1

What makes sense in your case is to highlight being data-driven and analytically strong, but wanting to apply those skills (+ other relevant skills - communication, problem ownership, change / client management) to a broader set of problems.

Usually finance people are very good at understanding what drives value!

Answer 2

Hi,

I understand you have very strong problem solving/analytical skill set. I do recommend to add/implement more soft skills in your storyline (e.g., organization, communication, connection)

Feel free to reach out via chat.

I am happy to help reviewing your story.

Mattijs

Answer 3

“Why Consulting?” (IB → Consulting narrative):

1. Interest in Impact & Strategy:

Mention how your IB/PE roles provided deep financial analytical skills but piqued your interest in broader strategic problems impacting businesses at a higher level.

2. Desire for Diverse Challenges:

Highlight your motivation to tackle diverse problems across industries rather than focusing purely on financial transactions.

3. Skill Alignment:

Clearly show the overlap—strong analytical rigor, quantitative abilities, client-facing experience, and high-pressure decision-making from IB that naturally align with consulting.

Example Response:

“Through my internships in investment banking and private equity, I developed robust analytical, financial modeling, and stakeholder management skills. While I enjoyed the intensity and precision of finance, I realized I’m most energized by tackling broader, strategic challenges beyond transactional contexts—questions that directly shape the direction of entire businesses. Consulting offers exactly that variety and the intellectual rigor I’m seeking, allowing me to leverage my financial skillset in solving complex, multifaceted problems.”

“Why McKinsey?”

1. Firm Differentiation:

Emphasize McKinsey’s unique attributes—global reach, distinct impact-driven culture, strength in strategy and leadership advisory, exceptional talent, and focus on personal and professional growth.

2. Personal Alignment:

Briefly mention specific interactions (networking, events, alumni) that resonated deeply with you, demonstrating your authentic interest. Specify any region specific insights or type projects that you learned about that interest you

Answer 4

Hey there 😊

Totally makes sense—coming from IB/PE, your profile can actually be a huge asset if framed right! Here’s a short structure you can adapt for “Why Consulting?” and “Why McKinsey?” in a way that feels natural and aligned with your story:

Why Consulting? 💬
Start by highlighting what you loved in IB/PE—but then shift to what you missed:
“I really enjoyed the fast-paced, analytical nature of finance—especially when working on deals that required deep strategic thinking. But over time, I realized that what truly excited me was understanding the ‘why’ behind business decisions—not just executing transactions. I missed being closer to the core business problems and helping companies rethink their strategy holistically, which is exactly what consulting offers.”

Why McKinsey? 💬
Lean into your motivation to grow fast, be challenged, and surround yourself with excellence:
“What stood out to me about McKinsey is not just the caliber of the people, but the focus on leadership development and mentorship. From everyone I’ve spoken to, the culture is both high-performing and deeply supportive. I’m also particularly drawn to McKinsey’s strength across sectors and geographies—especially the opportunity to work on diverse, high-impact projects early on.”

You can also mention how your finance background gives you an edge:

Strong comfort with data and financial modeling
Stakeholder management & communication from working with senior clients
High-pressure environments = resilience + speed

Let me know if you want to draft your personal story and polish it together 😊

Best,
Alessa 🚀

Answer 5

Welcome!

Quick note: At McKinsey, questions like “Why consulting?” or “Why McKinsey?” often don’t come up directly. The firm focuses heavily on the Personal Experience Interview (PEI) deep dives into leadership, personal impact, and entrepreneurial drive/courageous change stories: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-pei

As regards your question:

1. Common ground:
Highlight the overlap - structured problem-solving, high-pressure environments, and analytical rigor.

2. What's missing:
Show that you’re now seeking broader, cross-functional exposure, team-driven problem-solving, and impact beyond financial transactions.

3. Why McKinsey:
Make it personal and specific-> people you have talked to, values you share, a practice you are interested in, a project that resonates. Also, point to their unparalleled learning curve, global exposure, and the chance to work with top clients on strategic issues from day one.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 6

Hi there,

Great that you’re preparing for McKinsey! Coming from IB/PE, you already have a strong foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and working in high-pressure environments—skills that translate well into consulting. The key is crafting an authentic and compelling narrative that clearly connects your experience to what McKinsey values.

For “Why Consulting?”, you might focus on:
    •    The desire to broaden your impact beyond financial transactions to solving a wider range of strategic problems.
    •    The appeal of working across industries rather than specializing in finance.
    •    A preference for problem-solving at a higher level—not just deal execution but shaping business strategy.

For “Why McKinsey?”, go beyond generic answers like “best firm” or “strong culture.” Think about what specifically excites you—perhaps their apprenticeship model, global reach, or a particular practice area that aligns with your interests. If you’ve networked with McKinsey consultants, referencing insights from those conversations can also strengthen your answer.

I’ve been on the other side of these interviews and can help refine your responses to make them stand out. Feel free to reach out!

Best,

Evelina