Insight 2026

Experience working at McKinsey
Are you ready to explore what it’s like to work in management consulting? Join us for 2.5 immersive days in Chicago at McKinsey’s Insight Program, a unique in-person workshop designed exclusively for advanced degree students like you. You will learn about who we are and the work we do, work together on a mock McKinsey case, build lasting connections with both participants and McKinsey colleagues and gain valuable insights into the path to joining us full-time as an Associate after completing your studies. We welcome students pursuing a PhD, postdoc and MD (including medical interns, residents, and fellows)

To apply to the Insight event, you must be:

  • A student in the United States and attending a U.S. based school at the time of the event
  • Set to receive your advanced degree in 2027
  • Interested in joining United States offices

Graduate programs include:

  • MDs (medical students, interns, residents, and fellows) who plan to complete their program in 2027 or Nov/Dec 2026
  • PhDs and post-doctoral students who plan to complete their program in 2027 or Nov/Dec 2026

Application details:

  • Current resume (in PDF format)
  • A cover letter is not needed
  • No business experience is required

 

Program details:

  • Insight will take place in Chicago on April 30-May 2, 2026.
  • McKinsey will cover all event-related expenses.

The program will offer:

  • An overview of management consulting and McKinsey
  • The opportunity to connect with our consultants and advanced professional degree (APD) peers who share similar acdaemic backgrounds
  • An interactive problem solving workshop
  • Social activities with McKinsey colleagues and fellow participants

Application and selection process

  • In order to be considered for Insight you must indicate interest in the program through the Connect with APD 2026 Interest Form by March 25,2026. Read more here.
  • While we ask you to indicate your office preferences as part of the application, please know that this is not a final decision. You will have the opportunity to update your preferences later as you learn more about the firm. Similarly, it’s okay if your resume isn’t in its final form—you can always refine it later. We encourage you to apply with the information you have now, and we’ll support you in exploring your options and refining your application along the way.
  • After our internal selection process, our team will send invitations out to the program early April.
  • 2.5 day event in Chicago (April 30-May 2)
  • We are excited to offer an opportunity for selected candidates to apply for our Associate role on an early timeline. If you would like to be considered for early interviews, you will submit your Associate application by May 4th. Early interviews will take place around May. Alternatively, you may choose to apply during our regular recruiting cycle, with applications due by early September and interviews occurring in the fall. We encourage you to choose the timeline that works best for you.

In order to be considered for Insight you must indicate interest in the program through the Connect with APD 2026 Interest Form by March 25, 2026.


Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

The experience

Immerse yourself

The program includes an introduction to consulting, problem solving sessions with McKinsey consultants, and a social activity where you can connect and have fun.
McKinsey ADP Insight 2017
Introduction to consulting
Participants will learn more about who we are, how we’re growing, and what we do. You’ll also have the chance to dive a little deeper into our perspectives on consulting . You will be introduced to McKinsey’s problem-solving approach and will learn the tools and methodologies we use to solve our client’s toughest challenges. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about our firm today and how we’ve evolved beyond traditional strategy consulting to incorporate more data, technology, and digital expertise into our innovative client-service model.
McKinsey ADP Insight 2017
Problem solving
Over the course of the program, participants will work together in teams to solve a client problem. With the guidance of a McKinsey consultant, you will use the skills you’ve learned to develop a recommendation for the hypothetical client. Your team will analyze data, solve problems, and prepare and deliver a final presentation.
McKinsey ADP Insight 2017
Get connected
Insight is a great way to build lasting relationships with both fellow participants and McKinsey colleagues. Meet and mingle during the day and at social events.

Testimonials

Danielle Goldman

Attending Insight was a game-changer for me as a PhD student considering a career at McKinsey. Over the course of a weekend, I was able to connect with other applicants like me which showed my that McKinsey truly valued the unique skills / perspectives that PhDs bring. The in-person interactions with McKinsey folks at different tenures showed their dedication to fostering the next generation at the firm. Insight made it clear that McKinsey was a place I could continue to grow and thrive in a supportive community.

Danielle Goldman
Associate, New York
PhD, Neuroscience, Yale University
Bosun

"The McKinsey Insight program gave me a brief but valuable exposure to how we approach problem-solving and structured thinking. The best part was the incredible friendships I built—many of us joined the firm together and continue to support each other’s growth. This experience not only introduced me to McKinsey’s way of working but also connected me with a lifelong network."

Bosun Roy-Layinde
Associate, Atlanta
PhD, Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan

Questions?

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