Does Networking For McKinsey Matter?

The official position is that networking does not matter for Mckinsey. Is this true? 

Is it worth putting in extensive effort to network for full-time recruitment next fall, aside from benefits like knowing about the firm, knowing about consulting, and other informational aspects (which are of course important)?

4 Comments
 

Assuming you are at a target and that you have OCT. I would network until feel comfortable with the benefits you mentioned later on.

There’s really no downside to networking (Except if you act obnoxiously with your contacts). Is it as important as in IB? Not really, but it will help you craft more succinct answers for the fit part.

Instead of parroting something that’s been said 1000 times, you can say: “When I talked to X, the thing that interested me the most was Y”.

If you are at a non target then networking becomes a priority.

Full disclaimer: Not an intern at MBB right now, currently at a T2. MBB contacts of mine have been real helpful in creating better FIT answers for next cycle even if they don’t sponsor me. Just be likeable and grateful with people that are giving you their time.

 

Presuming you're applying in the states, but in my experience (Europe), I did effectively no networking except a few chats with people when I was in the interview process already and made it.

At the end of the day if you get through the initial screening the most important thing is your performance in the interviews. I would put much more effort into preparing the best answers possible for the personal experience questions and focusing on case practice. 

 

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