Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your rejections. Assuming you cannot apply within the next 2 years (I would check with HR), I would consider the following:

1. Consider a different consulting company. Most people stay in consulting 2-3 years then they move. The brand name of MBB is going to open mostly the same doors. Excluding upfront BCG and Bain seems a bit blind to me, unless you have very specific reasons (eg, you talked with several people in the companies and absolutely feel you don’t fit the culture or they are not present in your target office). Working in consulting is also going to make it easier to transition to McKinsey later on, even if you join a Tier 2
2. Work for 2-3 years (ideally in a strategy job), do an MBA, apply to McKinsey for an Associate position. This is the standard path if option 1 doesn’t work

Best,

Francesco

Hey there,

Sorry to hear!

At this point I would definitely apply at BB or tier 2 firms for two reasons:

1. You are prepared well for McKinsey and almost made it, which means you have high chances of getting into one of the other firms; also, don't let the preparation time go to waste
2. Working for another BB or tier-2 increases your chances to get an invite again for McKinsey in the future
3. Bonus idea: you might enjoy the work and culture at another firm and don't want to switch to McK anymore anyway

All the best for your journey!

Florian

Hi!

You can discuss with HR if you can re-apply in the future. 

If you don't want to consider other consultancies, I strongly recommend acquiring solid expertise in a specific sector or practice and then try again as an experienced hire.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto

Your choices are clear:

• Ask McK HR on what is your cool-off period. Work somewhere else during that period. Apply with even better preparation next time and then crack it.
• OR Start with another consulting firm, build confidence and profile for 3-4 years - and then join McK with a stronger profile overall.

Unfortunately you are going for a go-big-or-go-home strategy. Considering that consulting interviews are anyways chance encounters to a certain extent - that is not ideal. You should consider other options as well - at least for keeping yourself relevant for McK in the long-term.

Bide your time, learn from your mistakes, prepare well, have patience, and succeed.