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

Help me review this McKinsey response!

What significant challenge have you had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome it and what was the outcome?

My answer:

A graded industrial attachment in the third year of study is mandatory in my faculty. A relevant internship in a relevant position carries a lot of weight. Being pioneer students poses unique challenges, such as companies not being clear on what the coursework prepares students for. Due to time constraints, I only applied to target companies, one of them was Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Center (CBIIC). CBIIC responded and made it clear that they only hired industry professionals to serve as business mentors. I knew that arguing from an experience point of view would not work. Instead, I formed a case along the lines of the novelty of the course, its relevance to the future of the nation and was keen to align it with the objectives of the organization. I visited the organization severally before getting a meeting with the director. After three weeks, I got a meeting and pitched my idea. The next day, his administrative assistant called me with an offer. What’s more, he asked me to bring on board more students who would be interested in interning there. I got really amazing feedback from the director when my professor visited to assess me at the end of the internship. He praised my communication skills, proactivity, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Also, I got an A in the industrial unit.

Here is What I am Looking For

  1. Is it interesting?
  2. Do you consider this a good example of a challenge?
  3. Does it clearly show (brief background of situation - challenge - approach - outcome)
  4. Does it qualify for a short paragraph?
  5. Does it get to the point without going off tangents?

A speedy comprehensive response will be appreciated. Do your best to answer the question I have posed. 

Thanks.

2
3.0k
10
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Serhat
Coach
on Apr 26, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries

Hi there,

It is a good starting point. Also, your assessment questions are good to assess the quality of your answer. Considering the main point to answer this question is explaining how did you faced the challenge and solved problems, you may want to give another example. 

Cheers

Serhat

Vlad
Coach
on Mar 26, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

1) Any story about getting a job is not an interesting achievement unless you make it completely out of the box. Check the movie "The pursuit of happiness" - its a great example

2) No - not clear why it's important for you, no drama, no big impact

3) I would add 1 sentence summary in the beginning. Also clearly state actions - 1,2,3

4) Don't understand the question

5) Kind of

Best

on Mar 27, 2019
Hey Vlad! Thank you for your comment. I will make some changes or maybe come up with another story then send it here.
Similar Questions
Consulting
Prep Materials for Mckinsey Solve Assessment
on Apr 15, 2025
Global
6
3.6k
Top answer by
Evelina
Coach
EY-Parthenon (7 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS
51
6 Answers
3.6k Views
+3
Consulting
McKinsey ban or blacklist
on Aug 19, 2024
Global
6
3.3k
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
99
6 Answers
3.3k Views
+3
Consulting
Just did the Mckinsey Solve Game (January 2025) - got some questions/insights
on Jan 05, 2025
Global
5
6.2k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
50
5 Answers
6.2k Views
+2