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Qualification of McKinsey Junior Associate

Application junior associate McKinsey
New answer on Sep 30, 2023
7 Answers
12.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 25, 2018

Hi guys,

I have a question about the qualification of applicaion criteria of Junior Associate at McKinsey.

I have a Bachelors degree and a non-MBA Masters degree, together with 1.5 years working expeirence in consultancy. Does this meet the application criteria of Junior Associate at McKinsey?

Thanks

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 25, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

the answer may be different according to the country, but at least in Europe, with such experience you will be considered for an Analyst position, not a Junior Associate Position. In order to qualify for a Junior Associate Position, you would need to have completed a PhD or have a minimum of 3-4 years of work experience.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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Chloe on Jul 26, 2018

Hi Francesco, is there a way to apply for the BA/senior BA as an experienced hire? the current BA application at our country follows the campus recruitment, which means it'll take another 1 year at least to get a final result

Anonymous replied on Jul 25, 2018

As Francesco has said, you likely wouldn't be considered for a JA position. However, you may be able to negotiate entering at a 2nd year Analyst level, meaning you have the opportunity for faster promotion to Associate if you prove yourself. In London, this happens quite frequently at both Bain and McKinsey.

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Chloe on Jul 26, 2018

Hi for the 2nd year Analyst, does it follow the same recruitment timeline as campus recruitment, or is it possible to apply as an experienced hire which is open all year round? thanks

(edited)

Anonymous replied on May 09, 2020

Dear A,

Generally saying, there are undergraduate degree and strong academic credentials from a reputable institution. An MBA or graduate degree is preferred for Associate positions. Exceptional problem solving and quantitative skills, typically tested through case interviews.


Best,


André

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Alberto
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replied on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Hi there,

Junior associate position (only available in certain geographies) is for profiles with 3-5 years of experience that might not be fully ready yet to join the associate position.

Best,

Alberto

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Réka
Expert
replied on May 19, 2020
3+ years McKinsey consulting experience|Strategy @ Coursera |Oxford MBA

Hi,

I agree with the previous comments, 1.5 years of work experience in Europe would likely not be enough. In my home office, BAs with a master degree can progress to JAsc role in typically 2 years, therefore, if McKinsey accepted you as a JAsc with 1.5 years of work experience, it would mean that they allowed you to progress faster than the BAs.

If you have 2-3 years of experience at another company, you can already start negotiating for JAsc, although also depends on your backgound - if you are coming from a non-business background, they might still want you to complete the BA training. Feel free to discuss your individual situation with a hiring manager, too.

Best,

Réka

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Ian
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replied on May 09, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

JA possible, but Associate more likely.

If you can get to the 2 year mark, and get a promotion, you'd have much better odds for JA.

That being said, it doesn't hurt to start discussions now (this question is a great exuse to contact HR and network). The light relationships you develop in that process could 1) Help you get a referral now or 2) Help you re-initiate recruiting in the future!

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Clara
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replied on May 31, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hi, no, it would be senior BA

Regards!

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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