Hi there,

McKinsey Digital is definitely different. Depending on your level, you should expect a certain level of brainstorming over cases (i.e. sets of questions designed to test your thinking on topics, not necessarily a start-end case). That said, you should also expect cases. How to prepare?

First, learn standard cases - the methodologies and skills you will learn here will be universally applicable.

Second, make sure you understand the digital world well. Some topics include (but are not limited to):

• Cloud
• Security (encryption basics, cloud security)
• Agile
• M&A and IT
• Legacy systems, merging systems, system upgrades
• Digital transformation
• IoT

Third, focus on digital-based cases

These two that I've created should get you started :)

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/advanced/mckinsey-digital-bcg-platinion-oil-gas-upstream-technology-196

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/yodaphone-195

Fourth, use me :)

I implemented IT projects and built my digital experience for 4 years before joining BCG and working across a range of Digital/Tech projects. I've prepared countless candidates for McK Digital, BCG Platinion, BCG GAMMA, boutique tech consuting, etc. so more than happy to teach you all the tricks!

(edited)

Hi,

You will have both traditional and digital cases.

Since there may be many kinds of digital transformation cases, I recommend searching the websites of Delloite, BCG, McKinsey for the articles on the most popular digital topics. These articles have some great frameworks that you can use.

Here is a list of potential topics you need to be comfortable with:

• Database design (Centralized vs decentralized, factors influencing the number of replicas - the volume of data, future scale, growth, data structure, desired speed, etc)
• Cloud (cloud vs own servers pro and cons, virtual machines, uptime % SLAs, load balancing, etc)
• Security (encryption basics, public keys, password change policy, cloud security, and encryption on your computer)
• Agile and development (Agile principles, Environments: Developing, testing, production, Native apps / web apps / hybrid apps, etc)
• M&A and IT (Will it be one system or two systems? Is it "Adopt and go" approach or we take the best of both systems and create a new one? Integrate now, innovate later? Or Innovate now, when you have time?)
• IT strategy and Digital transformation (Similar to M&A)
• IoT (Mainly the use of IoT in operations - Process steps completion, maintenance measurements, predicative algorithms, etc)

Feel free to reach out if you need help on these topics

Best

Hey there,

1. The cases might be with a different industry or functional context, however, this does not matter since cases never ask for any domain expertise (and as said by Luca, this can be really from any context regardless of the practice or background of the interviewer).

In the McKinsey problem-solving interview it is important how you approach the structure, exhibit interpretation, and perform quantitative analyses regardless of the context and there is a very high degree of standardization and homogeneity in the questions.

2. The coaching call is a nice feature, however, do not expect to get out all the exact details on how to nail the case. There are a lot of pointers in the right direction but due to the conflicting nature, they can't really go into sufficient depth (understandably).

Let me know if you are interested in the latter :-)

All the best,

Florian

At entry level, there should be no expectations of your digital knowledge and so I would just prepare for the traditional type of cases. I have given IT related cases for mckinsey digital candidates but my expectations are the same as with generalist consultants.

The alumni coaching is new from what I've gathered. It's definitely a fantastic opportunity to speak with someone neutral who will not be part of your selection process. Based on recent candidates, I've heard these sessions can be quite mixed and so don't be disappointed if your alum is not super engaged and insightful. A good way to circumvent that is by you taking lead of the coaching session, making sure that you are getting meaningful feedback around WHAT and HOW you can improve.

Good luck!

Hi, first of all, congrats on the invitation. The preparation for the digital practice interview should be the same of the generalist path. I recommend working on the standard business cases for McK interviews.

Regarding the buddy call, I strongly recommend leveraging it by asking for insights about the practice in the office and for trying a case

Best,
Antonello

Hi there,

1. All the candidates I helped for McKinsey Digital had to do at least one digital case. Also, you may get "general conversation" about IT topics before and after the case. These were the only differences compared with the traditional process
2. It’s a good opportunity to do a mock and get feedback to improve. However they will probably not go that much in depth on the improvement part

Best,
Francesco

Hello there,

I have successfully done McKinsey Digital interviews myself and they are not different from standard case interviews. Most of the cases were not even related to Digital industry. You should just prepare an effective storyline to justify your choice and make digital to appear the dream of your life.
I would try to leverage that call to investigate the best way to answer "Why Digital in McKinsey" and then to run a mock interview with the consultant.

Feel free to write me for any questions you may have.

Best,
Luca