Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 452,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
What would you like to ask or discuss?

McKinsey PEI Leadership story - official or unofficial?

McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 02, 2021) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 02, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! This is precisely where you need to start, the definition of what each of the "dimensions" are. Leadership is not only official leadership roles, also unnoficial ones, in which you lead yourself or others to ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.8 k
Views
101
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Mckinsey PEI

McKinsey PEI PEI
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Oct 02, 2022) is from:
Mario
Expert
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor
Mario
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 02, 2022
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor
Hey there,   It's actually completely okay to have a few stories only in mind as long as you learn how to tailor these depending on the question.    Step 1 - Find flexible stories and know which skills they cover There ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
910
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey Final Round PEI--switching the first round episodes into different dimensions?

McKinsey Final Round McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 20, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 20, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hi there, The issue that interviewers have with providing feedback on the PEI is that they cannot go into any details that would spill the secret sauce. Hence, their feedback is usually only directionally useful but not ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
741
Views
46
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Mckinsey PEI difference drive and personal impact

McKinsey McKinsey PEI Personal Fit
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Oct 15, 2022) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 15, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
EDIT 2022: McKinsey recently added a new PEI dimension called Courageous Change. They are piloting this as a substitute for Entrepreneurial Drive. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
21.8 k
Views
67
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Best resources for McKinsey case interviews & PEI

McKinsey McKinsey case interview McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Jul 02, 2019) is from:
Egor
Expert
Collected McKinsey & BCG offers/ Ex-McKinsey consultant/Harvard/WBS/MSU
Egor
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 02, 2019
Collected McKinsey & BCG offers/ Ex-McKinsey consultant/Harvard/WBS/MSU
Hi Justin, PEI section. Prepare the stories for each of the sections listed below. Make sure you use top-down approach, where you tell the result first. Be proactive and make sure your stories are worth listening, use ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
10.5 k
Views
44
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI - Entrepreneurship

McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, Specific detailed on how McKinsey evaluates PEI are confidential. If you can shine on your entrepreneurship PEI stories I recommend you focus on showing: How you can drive change outside of your immediate area ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
9.9 k
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI - Drive - telling the reasons?

McKinsey McKinsey PEI PEI personal experience interview Personal Fit
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
PARADE is a good structure, but there are better alternatives.  The main thing that PARADE lacks is its ability to highlight the situation's stakes (i.e., the consequences of your inaction in that story). The more able ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
6.6 k
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

How to learn from McKinsey final round PEI-based rejection?

and Bain BCG Final Round MBB rejection final round McKinsey McKinsey Final Round rejection
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
I'm really sorry to hear about this.  It only stands to show how important the PEI is even though very few candidates treat it equally to the case.  Indeed, you need to show that you not only understood ‘your side’, but ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
5.6 k
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

The Ultimate McKinsey PEI Prep

McKinsey McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Sharing here the latest material on the topic. It is a video course I created that includes the 6-step storytelling framework that has helped my candidates get distinctive feedback on the McKinsey PEI. You can find out ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
4.6 k
Views
8
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI - Team Conflict

McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Jun 18, 2020) is from:
Julie
Expert
McK interviewer, Ph.D (advanced degree) | Experienced coach (150+) | Practical tips, confidence-based approach
Julie
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 18, 2020
McK interviewer, Ph.D (advanced degree) | Experienced coach (150+) | Practical tips, confidence-based approach
Yes that can work! Two pieces of advice: 1. Be crystal clear on why there was conflict (what was the conflict about) so that the interviewer does not categorize your story as a different dimention (e.g., challenge). E ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
4.5 k
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI: Not work-related story and background explanation?

Bain BCG FIT Interview Mck McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on May 26, 2019) is from:
Nirmit
Expert
I will get you an offer|McKinsey Senior EM|Offers from MBB|100+ interviews at McKinsey|Recruiting Lead|Experienced hire
Nirmit
Expert
gave the best answer on May 26, 2019
I will get you an offer|McKinsey Senior EM|Offers from MBB|100+ interviews at McKinsey|Recruiting Lead|Experienced hire
Hi Olegs, 1) If you have an option, work story is more relatable than non-work story, and is a safer route. But if you really have a great non-work story, go for it. 2 things about the PEIs - a) It's always about the ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
3.5 k
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI - Professional vs. personal stories and time relevance

McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Dec 03, 2023) is from:
Diana
Expert
Ex McKinsey Consultant| Coached/interviewed 20+ students| France & USA
Diana
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 03, 2023
Ex McKinsey Consultant| Coached/interviewed 20+ students| France & USA
Hi, 1) I wonder how appropriate or inappropriate it is to tell a personal story to demonstrate leadership. For instance, I organized a 10-day trip for a group of friends in Asia and I took care of basically everything f ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
3.4 k
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Upcoming McKinsey interview + how to come up with PEI stories

InterviewPartner McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 29, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 29, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Great question! In terms of coming up with topics for your PEI stories, I suggest 3 sources: 1. Scan your CV. See what are the moments when you had the biggest impact within the last 2-3 years of your professional or ac ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
3.3 k
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI Team conflics

behavioral conflict Fit Interview Stories McKinsey McKinsey PEI PEI
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
In the way you present the story, it's unclear what role the team was playing. So, bring that forward. And ideally, explain how you worked with multiple people/stakeholders, not only with the senior detractor.  For anyo ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
3.0 k
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey 1 round interview PEI

BCG McKinsey McKinsey casing summer internship
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Specifically on the PEI - yes, you should have different stories for the interviewer.  No need to prepare upfront the stories that you'll need for both rounds, so focus on the first one first and then create more storie ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
2.6 k
Views
14
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI "Inclusive Leadership"

leadership McKinsey McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Oct 22, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 22, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, For a McKinsey Inclusive Leadership story, the interviewer will ask you about a situation where you led a team through a challenging time to achieve a certain goal. For this dimension, you need to show that y ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
2.0 k
Views
54
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI Entrpreneurial Drive

McKinsey personal experience interview
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Sep 08, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 08, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, Both target the same dimension with the same evaluation metrics behind them. If you want to know more about the 3 dimensions, potential content ideas, and how to communicate the stories most effectively, read ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
2.0 k
Views
87
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

Mckinsey PEI dimensions

BCG Bain McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, To your questions: 1) You should prepare 2-3 stories for each of the 4 dimensions 2) Regardless of how the interviewer frame the question, the dimensions and what you need to prove are always the same: Entrepr ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.8 k
Views
16
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Will McKinsey ask the same PEI question twice in the same round?

McKinsey
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
Anonymous B gave the best answer on Nov 03, 2020
Hello Anonymous A! As I have just finished my interviews with McKinsey on Friday, I think I can add something to this. During the first round, I was asked about two experiences on ED and PI. During the second, I was ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.8 k
Views
51
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI: Duration of how long I speak

Actively preparing for interviews with McKinsey
Most recent answer on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
The actual story should be 5-8 minutes.  The whole segment with the back and forth takes 20-25 minutes.  It all depends on the interviewer, your story, your ability to pull in the interviewer and so on, but these are go ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.6 k
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 691 results

Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.