Black consultants
McKinsey is committed to being the preeminent place for world class leaders. This commitment stretches back decades. In 1991, black consultants came together to create the BCSS—a network for black client service staff. We now have a vibrant, global BCSS community whose members span four continents.
BCSS network aspirations
- Recruit fair share of black talent to the firm
- Foster a strong climate of professional development
- Facilitate connectivity and mentoring relationships within the BCSS community and the firm
“The BCSS network gives me a level of extra support. There are people looking out to make sure that I am as successful as possible. It has also jumpstarted my ability to connect with people as mentors, for help and for networking.”
Duwain, Business analyst
BCSS activities
- Participate in external diversity recruiting programs focused on cultivating minorities in business, such as the MBA and Undergrad Jumpstart programs, as well as diversity recruiting events at select schools.
- Support McKinsey's Sophomore Diversity Leaders Internship program (SDLI) for minority college students of select schools.
- Conduct BCSS global conference designed to foster connectivity and address issues of importance to the community.
- Participate in client work that specifically benefits the black community, such as Rebuilding LA (Los Angeles), developing strategies for the United Negro College Fund and international aid organizations addressing issues of debt relief, AIDS, and Fair Trade in Africa.
- Conduct Black Professional Networking sessions between BCSS and professionals from the community.
“What I’ve learned along the way: look for your passion, find your passion, and follow your passion!”
Acha, Partner
McKinsey opportunities in Africa
Acha Leke is a partner in the recently-opened Lagos office. He started his McKinsey career in Atlanta before moving to Johannesburg and then Lagos. His work has been instrumental in increasing McKinsey’s reach across sub-Saharan Africa. There are currently four McKinsey offices in Africa: Lagos, Johannesburg, Casablanca and Cairo. To learn more about Acha, click here.
BCSS alumni network
- Our consultants have access to hundreds of BCSS alumni that have left the firm to lead impressive organizations, including the Federal Reserve Board, an energy company in Trinidad, and a division of GE
- BCSS alumni include Susan Rice, US Ambassador to the UN; Roger Ferguson, President and CEO TIAA CREF; Frederik Swaniker, Founder and CEO, Africa Leadership Academy; Marc Thomas, President and CEO, GE Aviation
- More than 37 BCSS alumni hold CEO/President-level positions and over 30 have founded companies
External recognition
Alumnus Tidjane Thiam, Chief Executive of UK-based Prudential, received the Legion d'honneur, a French public honor given in recognition of professional achievement or public service. He joined Prudential in March 2008 as Chief Financial Officer, and took over as Chief Executive in October 2009, making history in the UK as the first black CEO of a FTSE 100 company.
If you have questions about the BCSS community at McKinsey, feel free to contact us at bcss@mckinsey.com.