Careers in the United Kingdom

Leadership Academy 2019

Our Leadership Academy 2019 is a chance to have fun, meet other students from the UK and Ireland, learn about leadership and develop practical work skills. You’ll also learn about management consulting as a possible career option. Leadership Academy is a fully funded programme. This means McKinsey & Company covers the cost of all transport to and from the event, lodging, food, and beverages during the event.
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Be a leader in life

As an upper sixth/Year 13 student, you’re facing big choices. What career path should I choose? What passions do I want to pursue?

Whatever your plans, we would like to help. Our Leadership Academy 2019 is a chance to have fun, meet other students from the UK and Ireland, learn about leadership and develop practical work skills that will enable you to become a great leader. You’ll also learn about management consulting as a possible career option.

Leadership is vital in every walk of life. It’s about having the drive and intellectual curiosity to tackle tough challenges, plus the ability to help other people do their best. By developing your leadership skills, you open up opportunities for the future.

We’re looking for students with an excellent track record of academic and other personal achievements who can demonstrate:

  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Personal initiative
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Impact

How does the programme work?

In 2019, the McKinsey Leadership Academy will accept a new class of 100 students. Over two years, you will be invited to attend programs—‘Academy’ and ‘Reunion’—with the following objectives.

Build leadership skills

Through challenging group and individual tasks, and intensive coaching from our staff, you will build a new toolkit of practical leadership skills.

Learn about leadership

We will provide access to exceptional business leaders through our speaker series, and opportunities to reflect on different forms of leadership in informal discussions, to broaden your horizons. Previous speakers have included Dominic Barton (Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company), Kieran West MBE (former GB rower and Olympic champion), and Justin Maciejewski (former Brigadier, British Army).

Explore career opportunities

Our coaches and world-class recruiters will give advice to help you make the most of future career opportunities, and will highlight experiences to seek out that could open doors in the future.

Be part of a wider network

You will meet high performing, like-minded peers from other colleges and start building a strong personal network.

Beyond the two residential events, attendees become a part of the wider McKinsey network, and receive mentorship from our coaches (all full-time McKinsey consultants) on the leadership opportunities that they are pursuing.

The Year 1 Academy will take place in early July 2019, with the Year 2 ‘Reunion’ to follow in Spring 2020. Participants must be 18 by June 30, 2019, to attend this event.

Who are McKinsey & Company?

McKinsey & Company is a world-leading management consultancy who work with companies, governments and not-for-profit organisations to help them tackle their biggest challenges. Our clients are leaders in business and public life. We help them make long lasting and impactful improvement within their organisations. Those who join McKinsey, join a global network of leaders and are encouraged to pursue their passions and build impactful and rewarding careers.

How to apply

Applications are now open for Leadership Academy 2019. The application deadline is Sunday 7 April 2019.

Your CV should include a full academic record, including all examination subjects and grades. As well as listing your academic achievements, we would like to hear about any extracurricular interests such as voluntary work, sporting and musical accomplishment or entrepreneurial activities.

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Former participants about Leadership Academy

“An incredible, eye-opening and inspirational two days—invaluable.”

“It was fantastic, I learned rigorous ways to approach problems and ways of thinking differently.”

“I had an absolutely amazing time here, learning valuable skills and meeting such inspirational people!”

“A fast paced, amazing learning curve in my life.”

Leadership Academy on Facebook

Find out more about the Leadership Academy on our Facebook page.