McKinsey is a leading choice for HEC students and alumni interested in a career in management consulting. With over 7,000 consultants and offices in more than 50 countries, McKinsey offers its services in sales and marketing, strategy and corporate finance to leading corporations, institutions and nonprofits in France and abroad.

When recruiting new associates, McKinsey looks for future leaders demonstrating long-term potential at the firm, namely those with the character and skill set needed to become Partner. "A career in management consulting is suited to people who want to have a real impact on their environment through creative problem solving and teamwork," explains Sandrine Devillard, Partner at McKinsey France. "At McKinsey, we work with CEOs and top executives to shape their agenda, achieve their financial objectives and tackle the critical issues facing the business."

The HEC effect

McKinsey frequently recruits candidates from the ranks of HEC's alumni. Sandrine Devillard particularly values the corporate finance training she received at HEC but notes that McKinsey targets talent and potential rather than study in a particular major. As she explains, "Rigorous academics and hands-on training distinguish HEC graduates: they become operational within a very short space of time."

Jonathan Klein, of the MSc in Management class of 2004, provides another perspective: "McKinsey is not only interested in graduates with well-honed analytical skills, but also in individuals who want to discover the wider world. A genuine interest in living and working abroad is highly valued in the recruiting process at McKinsey, just as it is strongly encouraged at HEC." In fact, the firm encourages associates to pursue short-term transfer opportunities at any of their 87 offices worldwide.

McKinsey's international profile and broad client list offer new graduates an excellent opportunity to learn about a variety of business sectors and functions in a short time. "To be successful, our associates can never stand still. In this business, we move from project to project and are constantly learning and adapting to new industries, new clients and new problems," notes Sandrine Devillard. HEC alumnus Klein agrees: "In less than a year with the firm, I've worked with associates from over 10 countries, dividing my time between a steel plant and the headquarters of an investment bank. Where else could I learn more?"