Future Talent Programme

At McKinsey, we know that diverse and inclusive teams enrich our creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. We develop outstanding leaders and want to attract talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We are committed to broadening access to careers in consulting.

The Future Talent Programme is designed for university students in the United Kingdom and Ireland with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. As a programme participant, you will meet peers, develop practical skills, and learn about the consulting industry. Our aim is to support talented individuals who may be currently underrepresented in leadership roles.

We help our clients plan for the future and reach their potential.

You may not be familiar with us, but there is a chance you have seen some of our work. Among our recent projects, we have helped governments tackle sustainability, companies get the best from artificial intelligence, and organizations create a fairer, more inclusive society.

By working in teams and unleashing our creativity, we can achieve great things. To help our clients solve their toughest challenges, we need bright, curious people that have an eagerness to learn.

You will be making some big choices over the coming years. What career path should I choose? What passions do I want to pursue?

You might never have considered becoming a consultant, or even know what a consultant does. If you want to meet interesting people, develop your leadership skills and learn more about the consulting industry, this programme could be a great fit for you.

We welcome applications from students from all degree backgrounds in their first year (or second year if enrolled in a four-year degree) of university in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

This may encompass a variety of experiences, including but not limited to: being the first generation in one’s family to attend university, being eligible for free school meals or growing up in a low-income household. 

The Future Talent Programme is just one of our many worldwide initiatives aimed at helping individuals get to know McKinsey better.

To apply, please submit your CV (1-2 pages) by April 30, 2026. On your CV, you should include the following:

• Contact information – Full name, mobile number and email
• Education – Include the university you attend, subject you study, and actual or predicted grades (along with dates)
• Please also include your A-level subjects and grades (or equivalent); there is no need to list each GCSE grade (or equivalent) separately
• Work experience – List any kind of work experience you’ve had – part-time jobs, internships, volunteer roles, etc. We’d encourage you to think about any experience where you’ve gained skills.
• Extra-curricular and interests – Include specific hobbies, clubs you’ve been part of and any leadership positions. We want to learn more about you and your specific passions!

Once you've submitted your CV, you will receive a link to complete Solve, McKinsey's assessment game. You will receive a separate deadline to complete the game.

Please note participation in the programme is based on a self-identification of satisfying the above criteria. Providing details on your social or economic background is not mandatory and entirely voluntary.