The McKinsey Black Network has a lot to celebrate. This year marks its 30th anniversary and the 15th consecutive year it has offered new hire training for Black colleagues joining around the world.
The McKinsey Black Network is a global community of colleagues and alumni who are committed to creating an environment where Black colleagues can advance, connect, and grow. Members and allies support each other in a professional setting to ensure everyone has the tools and mentorship they need to thrive from day one. The group also hosts a new hire training that helps welcome our newest firm members who self-identify as Black, connecting them to each other and tailored content and resources.
“One of the things that the McKinsey Black Network does exceptionally well is just having those regular touchpoints,” explains McKinsey Digital specialist, Arielle. “They provide really great content in workshops and webinars and have open hours for discussion within a safe space among people I know will always be there for me.”
This year McKinsey Black Network New Hire Training hosted 130 new hires from North America & Latin America, including professionals in digital marketing, operations, strategy, and more. They were joined by more tenured colleagues from 27 offices in an interactive hybrid environment that allowed in-person attendance in select locations, in accordance with government and CDC guidelines and as the colleagues felt comfortable.
New hire training is one of many programs the MBN Professional Development team provides to support new hires at our firm. This training helps new joiners get off to a fast and successful start at McKinsey by building on One Firm Onboarding to expand their consulting toolkits and a network of supporters among leaders and peers. Over the course of three days, some of the modules included:
- Problem solving workshop
- Networking events and dinners
- Social connectivity engagements
- Fireside chats
- Friendly competition via virtual escape room games
“My favorite part of new hire training was a panel discussion on the role of a consultant and how to build your toolkit,” says Arielle. “It had a podcast type feel.”
In addition to providing a warm welcome and setting new colleagues on a path for success, MBN also gave attendees an update on our 10 actions towards racial equity. McKinsey has made significant progress on these initiatives, so many colleagues were energized by this portion of the discussion.
With much to be proud of and even more to look forward to, the McKinsey Black Network will take the time at the end of November to sponsor an event that will bring together members, alumni and allies to reflect, celebrate, and chart the next chapter of its journey.