McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm that serves top businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations, and not-for-profits. With over 9,000 consultants and 2,000 research and information professionals in over 60 countries, McKinsey & Company has positioned itself as a worldwide leading name in consulting.

 

Its diverse client base is reflective of the global nature of the company, with 40 percent located in Europe, 35 percent in the Americas, 15 percent in Asia Pacific, and 10 percent in the Middle East and Africa. Its workforce, too, is diverse, with 127 languages spoken by its consultants, who come from a range of backgrounds.

 

Using a combination of intelligent hiring and a broad range of in-house business tools, McKinsey has developed a wide array of strategies to help clients reach their potential.

 

Alfonso Pulido is a partner at McKinsey. Based in San Francisco, he’s involved in recruiting for McKinsey, including at Stanford, his alma mater for undergraduate and graduate school.

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

How does McKinsey reach out to recruit a diversified workforce, including those of Hispanic descent?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

We participate in diversity-focused recruiting events such as MBA and Undergrad Jump-Start and the Hispanic MBA Summit, hosted by Columbia Business School. In addition, we host events specifically for Hispanic and Latino students as part of our campus recruiting at many undergraduate and MBA campuses. We also recruit distinctive Hispanic and Latino undergrads as part of our sophomore diversity leaders internship program (to learn more go to www.mckinsey.com/SDLI), which gives students a first-hand experience at consulting. 

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

How does McKinsey interact with professional organizations that foster diversity and inclusion?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

McKinsey shares insights and content related to diversity and inclusion with professional organizations and participates in diversity conferences by speaking, being on panels, etc. McKinsey recently published the diversity matters report (http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/organization/ why_diversity_matters) that looks at the relationship between the level of diversity (defined as a greater share of women and a more mixed ethnic/racial composition in the leadership of large companies) and company financial performance (measured as average EBIT 2010-2013). The research found that diversity has a positive impact on many key aspects of organizational performance.

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

Does McKinsey sponsor employee resource groups to bring together employees to share their collective experiences?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

Yes, we have several diversity networks at McKinsey, including one focused on consultants who are of Hispanic/Latino background. For example, our Hispanic and Latino consultants in North America build connections with each other and the entire firm through virtual sessions as well as in-person events like office-specific informal gatherings, or our nationwide professional development conference. From business analysts to senior partners, consultants from Hispanic backgrounds tell us they value the personal connections that are possible with such a strong network of colleagues.

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

Does McKinsey attend diversity job fairs and target specific colleges through on-campus career fairs?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

Yes. As part of our campus recruiting efforts, we participate in diversity career fairs for both undergrads and graduate students. We also partner with many Hispanic/Latino campus student groups to introduce McKinsey and consulting to their members.

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

What advice can you offer to college graduates as they begin their job search?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

Dream big and share it. Start by thinking about your strengths and interests and your dream jobs. Once you have a few ideas, talk to as many people as you can about them. It’s often easiest to begin with your friends, family, and career center. Next, search your network to find alums or friends of friends who work in the fields you are passionate about, or in the organizations (like McKinsey) where you’d like to work.

 

It’s okay to feel anxious. Stepping into the working world can be intimidating, but be confident, there is a great career out there for you. I tell candidates to treat their first job as an extension of their education – choose a place to continue learning, find a mentor, and build your basic business skill sets.

 

Share your passion. Our best candidates are both interesting and interested. I tell candidates to share who they are and what they are passionate about. It is important this comes across on your resume. Being successful at McKinsey requires genuine passion and curiosity. Tell us what you’re interested in and be ready with examples of how you’ve solved problems and created impact. For examples of how McKinsey brought their skills and interests alive in interviews, check out our interview prep videos at http://www.mckinsey.com/ careers/join_us/interview_prep.

 

Prepare and do the research. Before your interviews take time to learn about the organization you are considering. Being prepared with questions and a high-level understanding of what the firm does will improve your performance in the interview and convey your strong interest to the interviewer. To learn more about McKinsey go to our Careers site (http://www.mckinsey.com/careers.aspx), our Real Life at McKinsey Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/reallifeatmckinsey) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ mckinsey-&-company/careers).

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

What qualities does McKinsey look for in job candidates?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

Before I get into what we are looking for, let me share a little bit about McKinsey.

 

McKinsey is a global management consulting firm with more than 100 offices globally that helps private, public, and social sector organizations tackle some of the toughest business and societal challenges. Our diverse teams help clients in all industries realize their potential and drive positive change. In addition to traditional consulting, McKinsey also helps clients with digital initiatives, implementation, restructuring, operations, and technology.

 

In recruiting the best talent, we look for five main attributes—personal impact, problem solving, entrepreneurship, leadership, and an overall orientation toward achievement. We also need people who are able – and like – to work in teams. Those who come to McKinsey join people who share a set of values and a culture of support, trust, and respect and benefit from unrivaled prospects for growth and opportunity.

 

Essentially, we hire people who are passionate about making positive change in the world and can excel at doing so because of their analytical capabilities, leadership skills, and passion for change. That is at the heart of consulting at McKinsey.

 

There is no mold. Sometimes recruits think they have to fit into a mold or certain profile to fit into consulting and be successful at McKinsey. We want you to bring your talented, interesting self to work and to our diverse clients. You’ll be more successful in the recruiting process – and in your career – if you show who you are and how you’re distinctive in your thinking.

 

HISPANIC CAREER WORLD:

What advice can you offer new employees in their efforts to move ahead in your company?

 

ALFONSO PULIDO

Be confident. Remember that McKinsey hired you because we recognize your potential. We want you to succeed and, therefore, we offer the support you need from day one, including promoting a culture of mentorship and investing more than $100 million in training and learning each year. People join McKinsey with different business experiences and backgrounds so make sure to show your strengths, offer your insights, and be an active part of your teams, no matter how new you are.

 

Ask for feedback early and often. McKinsey is a feedback rich environment. Set up bi-weekly check-ins with your team to provide mutual feedback – everyone is committed to making each other better. On my first project, I would run with the project manager every morning. On these runs we covered topics from in-study feedback, to business school preparation, to general life advice. Ask lots of questions, but also bring a hypothesis or recommendation. The best early associates and business analysts frequently share their questions and challenges, but also invest time in preparing potential solutions.

 

Rely on your team and exercise your obligation to dissent. Every voice on the team is important. The best solutions are developed and tested by a team not a single individual. Be willing to offer and ask for help. One of McKinsey’s core values is the obligation to dissent, which is an expectation and requirement that we all speak up if we disagree with something. This helps ensure all ideas are considered and heard regardless of tenure.

 

Proactively find mentors and coaches. Use your first few months on the job to get to know your colleagues and leadership. Proactively ask for time with leaders and tell them what you’re interested in, how you want to progress, and what you want, so they can help you make it a reality.