Inspire 2023

McKinsey is committed to building the leaders of tomorrow, and we want our teams to reflect the diversity of the world and our clients.

2023 Inspire

We are excited to introduce Inspire 2023, a program co-hosted by our Black, Hispanic and Latino, and Indigenous networks. Inspire is an immersive two-day event for incoming US MBA students during which attendees will connect with members of our host diversity networks, explore the potential of a career in consulting, and refine their problem-solving and leadership skills. Through interactive activities, case workshops, panels, and networking events, attendees will learn about our work, culture, and people, and hear examples of how we strive to make our firm, clients, and society at large more inclusive and equitable.

Attendees will enjoy getting to know peers and McKinsey colleagues during the program and through a series of interview preparation and connectivity sessions following the event.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity

Event Details

Virtual, June 23-24
In-person, July 14-15 in Chicago

Application and selection process

In order to be considered for Inspire, please complete our McKinsey MBA 2023 events application by May 15, 2023. Please mark your interest and availability for both Inspire sessions and your interest in the relevant diversity and inclusion networks. You must be in the United States by July 13 to be eligible for the in-person event in Chicago.

We are looking to get to know incoming MBA students who:

Want to connect with members of our Black, Hispanic and Latino, and/or Indigenous networks
Have been admitted to a full-time MBA program in the US with an anticipated graduation date of 2025
Please note: participation is limited to students entering full-time programs only. Dual-degree program students (such as MD/MBA and JD/MBA) are also eligible to apply

Candidates will be notified of their invitations to join the events as follows:

Starting June 2nd, 2023

Meet some prior Inspire participants who joined McKinsey as summer associates

“McKinsey Inspire made the firm feel like home. Coming from an underrepresented background, I always felt like working at a place like McKinsey was not something people like me did. I quickly got rid of this mentality with the many interactions I had with McKinsey through the Inspire program. From the coffee chats to the interview-prep workshops, Inspire made me truly believe that I belonged at McKinsey. In addition, the intimate conversations I had with Latino consultants made McKinsey feel much more approachable.” – Danny, University of Virginia—Darden School of Business, associate in Chicago

“I was impressed by the McKinsey Inspire team’s hands-on approach to ensure everyone had the best resources at their disposal. We even had a close-knit phone group that made it easy for aspirants to connect, network, help, and inspire each other. My most memorable moment was when the team used relatable and straightforward structures to analyze ‘Who is Beyonce?’ during a case session. This sparked my interest in the idea of case analysis.” – Bosoye, Washington University in St. Louis—Olin Business School, associate in Dallas

“McKinsey Inspire was instrumental in helping me throughout the recruiting process. Being connected to the McKinsey Black Network and the expansive amount of support provided as an applicant was impressive, and a big influence in my decision to join the firm. Additionally, the mentorship I received helped me hone my casing skills and expand my network.” – Doris, NYU Stern, associate in New York

“Before Inspire, I thought helping clients solve complex problems was the most exciting part of consulting. During the program, I met many brilliant people who help their clients while also providing meaningful value to the community. They showed me how different backgrounds could fit into McKinsey. Connecting with other applicants and building a community with them was also a valuable part of the experience, making it more enjoyable. Now, I believe that providing value to clients and society while working with interesting people is the most interesting part of the firm.” – Mailson, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, associate in Charlotte

“McKinsey Inspire was special to me because it wasn’t just my first experience learning about McKinsey, it was my first touch point with consulting as an industry. Over two remarkable days, I heard stories of people’s journeys into consulting, from both traditional and nontraditional paths. I heard about how they juggled fulfilling careers with their passions and communities, how they decided to specialize, and how they’ve grown at McKinsey. By the end of Inspire, I hadn’t only made friendships and gained more knowledge than I ever had in two days—I’d met a community that resonated with my values and which I knew I wanted to be part of.” – Ahmed, University of Virginia—Darden School of Business, associate in Washington, DC

“Coming from a nontraditional background, I was excited about consulting and McKinsey, but I was also intimidated. However, the pre-MBA program gave me the confidence I needed to go through the interview process. The support system of peers and McKinsey mentors the program provided was invaluable. I am thankful to all that were a part of my journey—there are too many to name!—and I highly encourage incoming MBA students to participate.” – Alfy, Columbia Business School, associate in New Jersey

“Inspire 2021 was one of the key reasons I applied to McKinsey. The events over those two days brought me closer to the firm and allowed me to develop amazing relationships with current consultants and other applicants, take advantage of how open and informal the conversations were, and feel free to ask the questions that mattered most to me. There wasn’t a single associate, manager, or partner at Inspire who didn’t take their time to honestly interact with us over the weekend and entire summer, so treat this as a moment to genuinely explore what makes the McKinsey community truly unique.” – Ellis Juan, MIT Sloan, associate in Washington, DC

FAQs

What is the difference between McKinsey Early Access and Inspire?

When will I find out if I am invited to Inspire?

If I am invited, will I be able to choose which program to attend?

Does my invitation status or invitation response impact any future applications for roles or events at McKinsey?

Is there any cost to participate in the program?

This event is just one of our many worldwide programs that aim to help candidates get to know McKinsey better. Stay tuned to our Real Life at McKinsey Facebook page, as well as our Careers blog, for more information regarding other upcoming events and initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about Diversity & Inclusion at McKinsey, visit our website.