McKinsey term their graduate trainees "Business Associates". On a team Business Analysts take responsibility for a discrete part of the problem solving for each client engagement. They play a key role in data gathering, contribute to the team's final recommendations, and present their work to senior executives. They also have a voice in determining the team's style and pace of work.
After the training program, business analysts find many different ways to continue their personal and professional development. They often pursue advanced degrees or launch new careers in industry or with nonprofits. Many business analysts with MBAs and other advanced degrees return to McKinsey as associates.
McKinsey are interested in candidates with a minimum of a 2.1 degree from any discipline. The firm are looking for candidates who have a high degree of logical reasoning and the ability to structure a complex problem. You must have basic numerical competence, as well as a tolerance for ambiguity. Candidates should have an interest in making a difference to those around them through personal assertiveness and the ability to empathise and to communicate openly. Candidates should also demonstrate: team working skills, the ability and willingness to inspire others and confidence (without arrogance).
McKinsey require both local language and English language fluency for all positions in countries where English is not the native language.
Almost all graduates applying to McKinsey will be applying for a Business Analyst position. Those with PhDs apply for a Junior Associate position.
McKinsey refer to their graduate trainees as Business Analysts, and provide set training to all. Business Analysts join the firm for an initial two years and work on a variety of different studies involving many different industries/functions.
There is continuous training both formal and informal.
The problem solving test is an hour long and has 26 multiple choice questions.
It is a test of problem solving ability, data interpretation and basic maths. Candidates will be provided with some information in the form of charts/tables/graphs and asked questions based upon this data.
You will be tested on:The first round typically involve 2 interviews at around an hour each. They are one on one with a consultant and involve a mixture of personal experience questions and a case study.
Typical questions you can reasonably expect at the first interview include:You can expect the interviewer to interrupt you every few sentences and ask how you settled on the various decisions and conclusions that you reached.
If you have already passed the first numerical test and reached this stage you should not have any problems here.
If you have passed the first round assessment, you will be invited back for the second round of interviews
This consists of:The second round interviews are similar to the first round interviews but you will meet with more senior consultants such as partners.
You will be given a scenario relating to a hypothetical client (played by your interviewer/assessor) and asked to assume the role of a business adviser. You will be assessed on the quality of your proposed actions and discussion with 'the client', who may be obstinate or difficult to reason with. The role play tests how candidates might approach difficult situations that frequently occur in consulting.
Specifically you may be asked to assume the role of a business adviser on a team at a tyre factory currently conducting a customer loyalty/retention study. You may need to manage the expectations of the client and discuss how they might better organise their survey.