Non target school to Mckinsey

Hi I was just wondering if you guys can tell me if I have a chance for working at McKinsey. I go to a non target school in New Jersey (Rutgers).

GPA: 3.3 Accounting Major

Prior work experience: -Served in the military as a medic -Lead technician in a histo pathology laboratory -Finance Internship at the Boston Consulting Group -Consulting Intern at Accenture

Extra curricular: Small business consulting through school club

Thanks again for your opinion

10 Comments
 

I think this is doable, but it will be a real challenge. Academically your track record isn't doing you any favours, but your prior work experience is solid enough to start the conversation. Furthermore, veterans often have a leg up in recruiting with MBB firms. I would encourage you to reach out to people at the firm with similar backgrounds to you (e.g., military service and/or Rutgers alumni).

One question: Given you've already worked at BCG, why not start there? Have you considered leveraging your exsting connections with them to get an interview?

 
Best Response

I think the best bet would be to start networking. If you can make a favorable impression on a partner or an associate principal, then they could definitely give you a referral that results in an interview. I'm sure people will talk to you on the phone given your experience at BCG and Accenture. Then you can explain away your low GPA. It'll be tough to get an interview if you don't network though. I think at the minimum, MBB usually looks for a 3.5, McKinsey tends to go even higher on the academic qualification. I've had a lot of buddies that had 3.5s with great experience (Tier II consulting or BB) that didn't get interviews with McK just because of their GPA. I also went to a T15 university that was considered a target.

 

I second this. If you are just a resume, there is no way you will make it through the screening process due to your school and GPA. You have to establish a personal connection with someone who can give you a reference so you pass through the initial filter. Start busting your hump sending LinkedIn messages to MBB alums from Rutgers, as well as veterans and be willing to go into the city for networking coffees/meetings. All you need is one to say yes.

 

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