Internship at McKinsey & Company: a selection process
SPbU has held a selection process for internship at McKinsey & Company, one of the global management consulting companies. The candidates had to take a problem-solving test, which aimed to test their sense of logic and reasoning in solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit.
Elena Lvova, McKinsey & Company’s representative, supervised how the test was carried out: ‘SPbU is a wide pool of candidates for us. As a SPbU graduate, I wonder what the students of today are like and I was eager to administer the test. We have long since enjoyed fruitful cooperation with the University and hopefully will, and among our staff are those who studied there. Successful applicants must demonstrate strong intellectual abilities and rigor and be innovative by nature. These are two key aspects we consider as we look for new people to join the firm. Through selection process, we will see whether our candidates share them’.
A selection process for a job or internship includes several filters of recruitment. It all starts with CV selection followed by a problem solving test. Then successful applicants have to go through several rounds of interviews. No wonder chances are small at times. ‘Last year I was selected for the first round of interviews, but I still didn’t get there in a straight shot, — said Pavel Ivanov, student-manager at SPbU. — You are allowed to apply only once in two years, as data is stored at their data bank. Eventually, I can give it another shot next year. A selection process at McKinsey, to my mind, is an excellent opportunity to build up an interesting career and to solve the biggest challenges across various spheres’.
‘I am striving to intern at McKinsey, as it opens up new horizons for you, — said Leonid Karpukhin, a first-year Master student. — I graduated with honours from the University and have gained an international experience working at global companies, namely GE and Shell, for more than a year and a half. This year, they have introduced some changes into the selection process, which means that only students with a year plus experience can apply for internship. Eventually, there will be fewer applicants. Working with McKinsey requires high standards and ability to solve challenges’.
Ruslan Bokuchaev, who has passed a six-month internship at McKinsey & Company, shared his views on what makes a successful applicant: ‘With CV a crucial factor, experience and excellent education are essential. Just as good command of English and fundamental knowledge in mathematics and logic play a key role in problem solving test, step-by-step logic, good reasoning, presentation and self-confidence are vital elements at the final stage’.
This year 75 university students applied for internship. Exclusively for female University students, McKinsey & Company, SPbu Alumni Association’s partner, opens a registration for a seminar Next Generation Women Leaders Workshop, which is to be held on May 12–14 in Paris. It is designed for final-year students and University graduates up to 2009 whatever their research area and experience. Four most talented girls will go to Paris this spring.