McKinsey Digital - Language requirements

Question

Hi everyone,

I am wondering if McKinsey Digital has the same strict requirements regarding local language skills as traditional McKinsey. It was my understanding that McKinsey Digital rolls more with English, so wondering if that would be okay to apply in McKinsey Digital Germany for example?

Also, coming from a non technical background but having worked in strategy for tech companies, are there consulting roles for which they do hire non-technical people as Associates?

Many thanks!

Answer 1

Hi!

I think the language requirement is the same also for McKinsey Digital.

Could you please reformulate your second question? I'm not sure I got it correctly.

Best,

Anto

Answer 2

Hi,

McKinsey Digital does have the same requirements as the rest of McKinsey. This is how they can ensure that they hire top talent only and build their brand reputation.

McKinsey offices require English and at least (one of the) local language(s) of the office you apply to.

Technical background is not a must-have as long as you can demonstrate superior, structured problem-solving, business reasoning and communication.

Answer 3

Hello,

McKinsey Digital will have the same language requirements as the generalist McKinsey position for that office (after all you are essentially doing a similar job, you will just be working more on digital-focused cases).

Regarding your second question, if you're asking whether McKinsey Digital will hire non-technical people as associates - the answer is yes, if you are a good fit. If you have experience working with tech companies, I would say that option should be open for you.

Answer 4

Hi there,

If “regular” Mckinsey employees in the office need to speak x language (e.g. German), then you need to speak x language!

If you don't speak German I do not recommend applying to the German office! (Of course, just double-check with HR here)

Answer 5

Hi there,

Depends on the firm, role and geography. Generally speaking you should be fluent on local language but I have seen case at McKinsey where local colleagues didn't speak the local language and (1) where staffed in English-speaking projects and (2) get free local language lessons.

I hope this helps.

Alberto

Answer 6

Answers to both your questions are best answered by the McK HR. You can check with McK Germany HR if you are eligible to apply in McK Digital Germany - and also your concern around non-technical background.

That said, the language requirements should be same across the office - regardless of Digital v/s non-Digital.

Also, I personally believe that working in strategy for tech companies is different than working in the digital segment of MBB. Former Product Managers are more suitable for this position. Your profile might be more eligible for a generalist track since your core experience is “strategy” and NOT “digital”

Of course - if you provide more color on your profile - we can give better feedback. But definitely not better than the HR.