McKinsey Junior Analyst Internship - Client Capabilities

Question

Hi everyone,

Currently a master student and beginning my gap year in 2023, I applied to the Junior Analyst internship role in the Client Capabilities team at McKinsey for the first part of my gap year and I have an interview next neek.

I was wondering if it was a relevant internship for me if I want to apply for the consulting track after my studies (and work in strategy consulting) ?

Indeed, the Junior Analyst role consists of supporting consultants/clients with data, market analyses and developping McKinsey's knowledge but not too many consulting missions.

The problem is that MBB and tier 2 only take second part gap-year and end-of-studies students for the consulting track, so I can't apply now. But I though it could be good to have a first experience at McKinsey even if it's in the Client Capabilities team as a Junior Analyst and then apply for a strategy role for my second part of gap year and finally apply for a permanent position in consulting.

Thanks in advance !

Eli

Answer 1

Hey there,

That is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door, both at McKinsey and for other consulting firms.

I would not worry about that at all. Once hired, make sure to network, get your name out there with a couple of partners and EMs (the analyst role is perfect for that since you have exposure to a lot of teams), and try to stay in touch with 1 or 2 after you leave and apply for a consulting FT position in a year.

For now, rather focus on the interviews!

McKinsey Case: https://preplounge.com/mckinsey-interview

McKinsey PEI: https://www.preplounge.com/mckinsey-pei

All the best,

Florian

Answer 2

Hey there,

I think that that the Client Capabilities JA role would be relevant for you given that:

1- You'll still learn the core skills

Although the Client Capabilities role isn't exactly the one you're after, it is still part of the core client consulting model that McKinsey excels in. You'll still learn the core consulting skills such as problem solving, analytics, research and deck development.

2- You can select a client facing opportunity

The Client Capabilities team has two types of studies/projects, internal and external. Internal projects are research pieces or nuggets you work on for a specific practice, that do not necessarily link to a client project. External projects are those in which you will be part of a core client-facing team, supporting on a real life client case. If you push and opt for an external scope of work, you can take on a scope that is a close to a consultant as possible.

3- You'll still get the McKinsey brand

McKinsey is a very powerful brand to have on your CV, especially in your early career. It will help you land a strong consultant role in whether at McK itself or in other strong firms.

As long as you join an exciting team that empowers you and as long as you keep on searching/pushing for a consultant role, joining this team is perfectly fine for you.

Let me know if you need more help or guidance.

Mario

Answer 3

You can absolutely transfer into a different track when you apply for a full time role. It's great to have the experience on your resume and a foot in the door will give you the option to move within the firm.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi Eli,

Quite simply, do the interview and think about this later.

You have a false choice in front of you! Until you have an offer in hand, there's no point in worrying about this.

You may as well do the interview (whereby you interview them as well by the way), figure out if they're right for you during that time.

If you don't get an offer, your decision is made for you.

If you do get an offer, and don't have offers elsewhere, your decision is made for you.

If you get an offer and have other offers, then it's time to reflect on which will be best for you!

Answer 5

Hallo, in Deutschland wurde er laut HR in den meisten Büros abgeschafft und wenn, dann wird ein Test nur für bestim... (read entire answer)

Hallo, in Deutschland wurde er laut HR in den meisten Büros abgeschafft und wenn, dann wird ein Test nur für bestimmte Practices verwendet. Die Aussage war von September '15.

Answer 6

Neil, I was an experienced hire as well, so can definitely relate. The hardest part for your will likely be to get... (read entire answer)

Neil, I was an experienced hire as well, so can definitely relate. The hardest part for your will likely be to get an interview. McK is probably most open, assuming you have a... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

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