Experts, what were the most memorable McKinsey PEI stories you heard?

In spite of the question setup, I think the answer wont be tied to PEI exclusively. The personal ones, typically not directly work related yet somehow relevant.

The absolutely best I heard was a STEM PhD student ending up counting toads in a pond as part of a side project to help a friend with statistical analysis. It was relevant, it was funny (this applicant was an amazing story teller), it was very unexpected, and definitely memorable. He ended up joining BCG btw :)

Hi Kay,

That's a great question. To be honest, we use PEI stories to break the ice with candidates and understand how he/she thinks, communicates and how interesting his personality is.

Answering your question, it was a girl, who went to Peru to fight poverty and educate people.

On the one hand, I met people, who have great experience, but have pure communication and presentation. Unfortunatley, they fail. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that everyone may have a story with little impact and make me feel interested.

It depends on the presentation: some people invent stories to show their best. And if they rehearsed enough, they could get it.

My suggestion to you is make your PEI stories such entertaining that people want more after you finish them.

All the best,
Egor

Hi,

It was a PHD working on a cancer drug because he had a strong personal connection to that problem.

I would say that the most powerful stories are the stories that are important for you personally - the stroies tied to your personal values and goals.

Best