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

Should I tailor my answers to PEI questions to my relevant work experience?

Colleagues,

I have 1 year relevant work experience in consulting. I'm applaying for McKinsey office in Moscow. I m preparing the answers on leadership questions. 

The question is: it is better if I use examples from my work experince (~1 year at consulting) or from my undegrad studies? In particular, I think the impact I have done at undegrad study is much bigger than at the work (for example, leading the largest case community in Moscow has an impact on more than 700 members). I am afraid of the question that they could ask me to provide leadership example from my work experience. They could potentiall stop me asnwering on the case community and could ask me on work experience.

Best regards,

Mikhail

3
3.0k
4
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Clara
Coach
on May 31, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

On top of the insights already shared in the post, 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.

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes, since we still have some left from the launch!

Hope you find it useful!

Best,

Clara

Anonymous B
on Aug 11, 2017

Hi Mikhail,

Great question, there is no definite answer here. I'd say generally go with professional experience as it is more relavant, however if your undergrad or other experieces are really unique and impressive, feel free to use them.

All the best!

1
Deleted user
on Jul 25, 2020

Hi Mikhail,

I would ecommend you to be ready with both stories to avoid unexpected question. Here I agree that working experience is more relevant, since you have it in cinsulting. 

If you need any further advice on this, feel free to reach out. 

Best,
André

0
Similar Questions
Consulting
Prep Materials for Mckinsey Solve Assessment
on Apr 15, 2025
Global
6
3.7k
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
3.7k 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
6.3k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
50
5 Answers
6.3k Views
+2