We are seeking outstanding candidates with a wide range of backgrounds to help us solve our clients’ most critical business issues. McKinsey offers a distinctive environment for people to have impact, learn, and grow.

When we evaluate applications, we specifically look for the following:

• Candidates with an outstanding academic record (master’s degree, Ph.D. or M.B.A.) or several years of relevant work experience
• Extracurricular achievements (e.g., student jobs, teaching experiences, community services, fund-raising)
• Internships, time abroad

Overall, we look for people who demonstrate capabilities in four areas. Each of these areas is critical to success in the day-to-day work we do. We hire distinctive people, so we look for outstanding potential in each of these areas during the interview process.

Problem Solving: McKinsey consultants help clients solve tough problems in their businesses and implement the solutions. This requires not only outstanding intellectual abilities and rigor but also a good, practical sense of what works and does not work in complex organizations.

Drive: Our consultants constantly strive to deliver distinctive client service. To achieve this while handling multiple stakeholders and often tight deadlines requires outstanding energy, determination, and judgment.

Personal Impact: McKinsey consultants work with a wide range of individuals in their day-to-day jobs. Developing and implementing sound recommendations requires the involvement and support of these individuals. Skills in interacting with people in sometimes tough situations are critical to driving distinctive client impact.

Leadership: Leading people and fostering effective teamwork are key to success both within McKinsey and with our clients. McKinsey consultants need outstanding leadership skills in order to drive positive change in complex organizations.

All of our consultants are well-rounded individuals who have a good mix of these skills and are fun to work with. This is what makes them successful and valued by our clients. We look for the same mix of skills in our interviews.