Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Diversity in MBB

Hi, I'm curious if anyone has insights on how diversity plays a part in choosing candidates who will get offers.

Say hypothetically if two candidates both nailed the case interviews and are being evaluated who gets the spot. The other one has a more unique background (e.g. nationality, culture, gender, degree, industry experience) - will that candidate be chosen over the other?

Also if a candidate is not from the same country as the office he's applying to, is that candidate at a disadvantage over locals? 

7
2.8k
18
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Emily
Coach
on Sep 01, 2020
9 years in MBB Southeast Asia & China| 8 years as MBB interviewer | Free intro call

Unique background might give the candidate some edge, but that is provided if the candidate totally passes the bar already. So I wouldn't bank on it, or over think about it.

Home country could be a practical issue for non locals if there is work permit or language challenges. 

Best,

Emily

Mehdi
Coach
on Aug 31, 2020
BCG | Received offers from all MBB & Tier 1Firms | Supporting you secure your top tier consulting offer

Hi,

Diversity in MBB recruitment means giving more attention to candidates from ethinicities, backgrounds and genders who are underrepresented. It means that there will be some events specific for those communities in order to empower them, coach them and better understand them.

It does not mean that the recruitment standards would be lowered for them since they will be treated equally with people coming from non-underrepresented groups.

I hope this answers your question.

Mehdi

Udayan
Coach
on Aug 31, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Hi,

MBB are trying very hard (at least in the US) to increase their diversity. What this means is that they are targeting women and minorities for recruitment. The bar is equally high but typically they offer you more guidance through 1:1 mentorship and more events etc to better prepare you for the interviews.

Yes you will be at a disadvantage, unless you study in that country currently and are therefore applying for a role there.

Udayan

Deleted user
on Aug 31, 2020

Dear A,

Yes, agree with other experts that you might have mor opportunities in terms of attending recruiting events and more time for preparation. But in terms of interviewing - there is no discount. Since the general intake will be reduced due to the COVID crisis, so the bar of competition will be high. 

Best,

André

3
on Oct 31, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
Anonymous B
edited on Aug 31, 2020

Diversity will have no bearing on differentiating candidates. MBB do not have quotas to fill so normally all candidates good enough to pass interviews will get through. Even in Covid times, the bar to pass will be increased for all candidates so the process is fair

However if you are a diversity candidate then yes you will be offered more networking and mentoring options and just MAYBE getting through CV screening will be a bit easier but the final hurdle is the same for everyone

And yes you will be at a disadvantage to local applicants unless you have some connection to the office ideally through study or recent professional experience 

2
Ian
Coach
on Sep 01, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

I actually disagree with the other coaches. While a company says that the bar will be exactly the same, there's no way it can be. If you have a quota, you will inherently lower the bar slightly to meet it.

So, while I completely agree that, no matter what, you still have to be an excellent candidate, if they need to decide between two identical candidates in performance, they will likely opt for diversity.

If you are not from the same country and do not have any ties to /experience in that country, yes you are at a disadvantage. Think about it, from their perspective, why are you there, will you commit/stay, and do you even understand the local culture/companies? (all hugely important to succeeding)

Similar Questions
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Apr 24, 2025
Global
5
4.7k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
45
5 Answers
4.7k Views
+2
Consulting
Can I still get an offer? MBB final round, almost finished one case but didn't.
on Aug 23, 2024
Global
7
2.1k
Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session
60
7 Answers
2.1k Views
+4
Consulting
Prep Materials for Mckinsey Solve Assessment
on May 16, 2025
Global
6
1.1k
Top answer by
Evelina
Coach
EY-Parthenon (6 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS
24
6 Answers
1.1k Views
+3
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.