Columbia Business School to McKinsey & Company
Complete guide for CBS MBA students targeting McKinsey
MBA Recruiting Advantage
As an MBA student at CBS, you benefit from structured on-campus recruiting (OCR) with McKinsey. The firm conducts dedicated presentations, coffee chats, and interviews on campus. 22% of class enters consulting, making CBS a core recruiting school for McKinsey.
About CBS
New York, NY
MBA
22% of class enters consulting
10 firms actively recruit
Finance crossover strength with deep NYC consulting presence
McKinsey Recruiting at CBS
100-180
20-30%
High
McKinsey actively recruits at CBS, conducting on-campus events and interviews. The competitive process means thorough preparation is essential.
Recruiting Timeline
NYC-heavy recruiting with strong fall OCR for all major firms
McKinsey Interview Process
Interviewer-led format where the interviewer controls the pace and direction. You'll be asked specific questions rather than driving the case yourself.
Case Format
Interviewer-Led
Rounds
2 rounds, 45-60 minutes each
Behavioral Component
Personal Experience Interview (PEI) focusing on three dimensions: Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, and Inclusive Leadership.
What Makes McKinsey Different
Tips for CBS Students
- 1Complete the Solve game assessment early and practice with similar cognitive tests
- 2Prepare 3-4 strong PEI stories covering Personal Impact, Entrepreneurial Drive, and Inclusive Leadership
- 3Master interviewer-led case format - practice answering specific questions without over-structuring
- 4Leverage CBS's consulting club for peer practice and alumni connections
- 5Connect with CBS alumni currently at McKinsey for insider tips
- 6Apply early in the recruiting cycle when more spots are available
- 7Attend all firm events on campus to demonstrate genuine interest
Networking Strategy
For CBS MBA students targeting McKinsey, networking should start immediately. Attend the McKinsey presentation during orientation week and sign up for coffee chats with consultants. Finance crossover strength with deep NYC consulting presence Reach out to CBS alumni at McKinsey through LinkedIn - most are happy to share their experiences and advice. Join case competition teams to demonstrate your skills to recruiters. Remember that McKinsey values genuine interest over transactional networking, so focus on learning about the firm rather than just asking for referrals.
Prepare for Your McKinsey Interview
Practice with voice-powered case simulations tailored to McKinsey's interviewer-led format.
Start Practicing