Harvard Business School to McKinsey & Company
Complete guide for HBS MBA students targeting McKinsey
MBA Recruiting Advantage
As an MBA student at HBS, you benefit from structured on-campus recruiting (OCR) with McKinsey. The firm conducts dedicated presentations, coffee chats, and interviews on campus. 28% of class enters consulting, making HBS a top target school for McKinsey.
About HBS
Boston, MA
MBA
28% of class enters consulting
10 firms actively recruit
Extensive alumni network across all MBB offices globally with active mentorship programs
McKinsey Recruiting at HBS
150-250
15-25%
Very high
McKinsey actively recruits at HBS, conducting on-campus events and interviews. The highly competitive process means thorough preparation is essential.
Recruiting Timeline
OCR begins September, first-round interviews in October, offers by November
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 HBS 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 HBS's consulting club for peer practice and alumni connections
- 5Connect with HBS 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 HBS MBA students targeting McKinsey, networking should start immediately. Attend the McKinsey presentation during orientation week and sign up for coffee chats with consultants. Extensive alumni network across all MBB offices globally with active mentorship programs Reach out to HBS 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