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Anonymous A

on Jun 17, 2022

Global

Referral from Quantum Black Data Scientist 2

Hi everyone!

I am a student from top 50 non-target school in US, and trying to apply summer intern at McKinsey Chicago office. I have two connections in the firm, one is senior business analyst and another one is data scientist 2 at quantumblack.

Do you think whose referral can has more impact to my application, or if it is possible to get both referrals?

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Top answer

Hagen

Coach

on Jun 18, 2022

#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

Generally speaking, and contradictory to what other coaches said, I would advice you to go with the person that would be most likely to stand up for you. While the person providing should be long enough with the company to be credible at all, as long as it is not a senior partner who provides the referral, there is not really much difference what level he/ she is.
Still, in your specific situation, I would advice you not to go with the QuantumBlack employee as long as you do not want to work for QuantumBlack but McKinsey itself.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on what to do in your specific situation, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Francesco

Coach

on Jun 18, 2022

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Do you think whose referral can has more impact to my application?

In general the more senior the person the better.

2) It is possible to get both referrals?

You can just have one person “officially” referring you. However, the second person can still drop your name to HR and provide an “indirect” referral.

You can find more on referrals here:

▶ How to Get an MBB Referral

Best,
Francesco

Ian

Coach

on Jun 18, 2022

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

Hi there,

I would stop saying top 50 non-target…you may as well just say “not a top school” :)

If depends on the role you'll be applying to. The senior BA is going to be more senior in general…if you're applying for a generalist position you should use this referral!

Clara

Coach

on Jun 21, 2022

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

For sure I would start with the BA, but it doesn´t harm to have both - at all!

Cheers,

Clara