I have been preparing my first-round interview with McKinsey but just realized the role I applied to is not their consulting track. It's an analyst role in power solutions. I'd like to get some insights on how this role is different from consultant track.
1. will interviews be focused on this specific industry?
2. what's the growth path of this kind of role?
3. how much will the industry knowledge be tested in the interviews?
4. other insights?
Hey there,
1. Not necessarily. It's a common misconception that interviews are related to the function or practice you are applying to. Usually, it is a mix of domain-relevant and cases with a different context. I had a candidate this week that had no case that was relevant for the practice he applied to.
2. Growth path is similar to consulting role. However, it is more of an expert path, which has its equivalent positions that move parallel to the consulting track.
3. Should not come up since the interview should follow the typical McKinsey format (PEI and case). See next question.
4. Also prepare for:
These are questions from some of my coachees that went for the expert track.
All the best with your application!
Cheers,
Florian
Hi Eva,
While I have some ideas as to your answers (as do the other coaches), I genuinely think you best bet is asking. Reach out to HR and ask for a quick call to clarify both the role and process. In addition to that, try to get in contact with someone who currently works in the role/department and ask them what it's like. Nothing beats real-time inside knowledge - don't be afraid to just ask!
Hello Eva.
Despite being so specific -it´s a great rol btw, I have friends who moved inside McK there and are super happy-, the interviewing process is going to be almost similar than the one for a BA. You won´t be tested on industry knowledge like with a test or anything like that, don´t worry, only in the FIT part they will ask you why particularly that vertical.
You have 2 main workstreams ahead:
1. FIT INTERVIEW
The "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)
It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.
You can see plenty of reviews from candidates who purchased it already.
Furthermore, you can find 5 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:
Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!
2. BUSINESS CASE
You need to get hands on asap:
1. Practice cases with partners asap, as many as you can do.Find experienced partners who can provide a good feedback
2. Practice your math skills, both in your cases and with ad hoc exercisess, such as:
1. Multiplying double digit numbers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ndkkPZYJHo
2. Leveraging math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Viktor Cheng website to practice
Furthermore, you should practice as much as you can, and ensure that you cover:
1. Profitability cases- basic profitability framework.
2. Idea generation cases: for any specif issue
3. Growth cases: market penetration, new product launch, product mix change, etc.
4. Pricing cases
5. M&A cases
6. Valuation cases
7. Value chain cases
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi Eva,
The interview process normally doesn't differ a lot. You would still expect the common PEI interviews, cases and possibly some insights into the industry. However, as you would be an analysts (not one of the more senior roles) lots of in-depth expertise cannot be expected from you.
Best,
Florian
Expert case by