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

McKinsey
New answer on Jul 25, 2020
3 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Aug 09, 2017

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

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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

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Anonymous B replied 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!

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Anonymous replied 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

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