USultra-elitefull time rotation

Business Analyst (BA)

at McKinsey & Company

The gold standard of management consulting — 2-year analyst program at the world's top firm.

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Year 1 TC

USD 150k

Acceptance

<1% (approximately 1,500 BAs selected globally from 200K+ applicants)

Apply By

September 15 (undergrad), December (MBA)

Interview Time

4 weeks

About This Program

McKinsey BAs work on strategic engagements across industries (healthcare, finance, tech, public sector). Expected to pursue sponsored MBA after 2-3 years, then return as Associate.

What You'll Do

Structure complex business problems using McKinsey frameworks
Conduct client interviews and build financial models
Travel 3-4 days/week to client sites (pre-pandemic norm)
Pursue sponsored MBA at HBS/Stanford/Wharton after 2 years

Eligibility

Degree: Bachelor's, Master's
GPA: 3.7+ typically (strongest at target schools)
Preferred Majors: Any major (business, STEM, liberal arts all welcome)
Year Level: senior, graduate

Visa Sponsorship

H1B Sponsorship

OPT / CPT

McKinsey heavily sponsors international talent, especially from top MBAs.

Compensation Breakdown

Base Salary

USD 110k-115k

Signing Bonus

USD 10k

Year 1 Total

USD 150k

Includes performance bonus (~15%) and relocation. MBA sponsorship worth $250K+.

Benefits

Full MBA sponsorship after 2-3 years ($250K+ value)
4-weeks sabbatical option after year 1
Comprehensive health coverage
ProfessionalDev stipend ($5K/year)
Pro bono work with nonprofits

Interview Process (2 rounds)

1
Resume + cover letter + PST (Problem Solving Test, online)
2
Round 1: 2 case interviews + PEI (Personal Experience Interview) with Associates
3
Round 2: 2 case interviews + PEI with Partners

Interview Formats

Market Sizing CasesProfitability CasesM&A CasesPEI (leadership, personal impact, entrepreneurial drive)McKinsey PST (now partially replaced by Solve digital assessment)

Pass rate: ~10% pass case interviews, <1% overall