McKinsey Early Access

McKinsey Early Access

McKinsey Early Access (MEA) will introduce you to consulting at our firm before you start business school. Our goal? To help you determine if a career as a McKinsey consultant might be a good fit for you.

The program will help you build relationships with McKinsey consultants and potential future colleagues, and connect with peers from MBA programs across North America. You will leave the program as part of a supportive, diverse, and mentorship-driven community that you can continue to benefit from—and support—once you start classes and enter the fall recruiting season.

Interested in learning more about consulting? Eager to connect with other problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and creative minds? Join us this summer and jumpstart your McKinsey journey through McKinsey Early Access.

The program

Access opportunities to learn how we partner with clients and serve our communities across the globe via

  • virtual sessions throughout the summer that highlight our firm, our people, and our work
  • in-person events at select offices and campuses
  • potential participation in Inspire and our Women’s Series

Catalyze connections and start networking with

Prepare for the fall recruiting season and your McKinsey journey through

  • a sneak peek of 2026 Summer Associate internship opportunities and guidance on navigating the recruiting process
  • chats and check-ins with your McKinsey recruiters
  • priority access to our innovative assessment game, Solve

For more information on eligibility, the application process, and the program itself, please visit our FAQs.

Eligibility Criteria & Application Instructions

You must be admitted to a full-time MBA program in the United States with an anticipated graduation date of 2027 to apply to McKinsey Early Access. Dual-degree students (e.g., JD/MBA, MS/MBA, etc.) are welcome to apply.

Please complete our McKinsey MBA 2025 Events interest form by May 12, 2025 in order to be considered for McKinsey Early Access.

Also interested in Inspire? Please use the same form to express your interest in the program. We also encourage you to complete the affinity interest form so that we can tailor your experiences accordingly.

Sign up for McKinsey Early Access

FAQ

McKinsey Early Access - Morgan

My favorite memory from the program was participating in a happy hour where I was able to meet consultants from the NYC office. I realized how down-to-earth and relatable everyone was and it solidified that consulting was the right fit for me. Plus, I was also able to meet many incoming MBA students in my program – one of which is now one of my best friends at Ross!

Morgan, Incoming Marketing & Sales Summer Associate, Ross '24, McKinsey Early Access Participant
McKinsey Early Access - Andrew

Take every opportunity to learn and get to know your future coworkers. I did, and I found that I truly enjoyed getting to know every person I have met at McKinsey - starting in MEA, through recruitment, and into onboarding. Little did I know, some of those people I met so early on would cheer me on and serve as valuable resources throughout the process. MEA gave me my first glimpse of the Denver office, and, unbeknownst to me at the time, I met some of the members of my summer internship cohort before the recruitment season had even started! As I was transitioning out of the military, it was nice to find some camaraderie and a support network so early on.

Andrew, Incoming Summer Associate, Wharton ‘24, McKinsey Early Access Participant
Hitesh

The MEA program provided invaluable early exposure to the consulting industry, which proved to be a game-changer for me as a career switcher. It was critical for me to understand the ins and outs of the industry before pursuing it further, and the program exceeded my expectations in this regard. The program's squad meetings, one-on-one coffee chats with recruiters and squad leaders, and in-person happy hour events were fantastic networking opportunities that allowed me to forge strong connections with professionals in the field. These connections proved to be instrumental in my success during the recruitment process. Overall, the MEA program provided me with a well-rounded experience, combining both formal and informal settings to provide an extensive understanding of the consulting industry. The program's personalized approach and attention to detail set it apart from others and made it an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to pursue a career in consulting.

Hitesh, Incoming Summer Associate, Darden ‘24, McKinsey Early Access Participant
McKinsey Early Access - Abhineet

I entered business school with a clear goal in mind: to transition from military affairs to business management. My sights were set on becoming a consultant – the type of professional who trades in a uniform for a well-tailored suit and wields the power of synergy like a superhero. Thanks to the pre-MBA program, I was afforded a rare glimpse into the inner workings of McKinsey. Not only did I gain a thorough understanding of the company's culture, values, and work profile, but I also had the opportunity to connect with mentors and find resources. They proved to be an invaluable support system throughout the recruitment process, which can be rather daunting at times. I am deeply grateful for the experience, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone considering a career in consulting or who wishes to explore McKinsey as a potential fit. It was a transformative experience that provided a solid foundation for my future success.

Abhineet, Incoming Summer Associate, Tuck ‘24, McKinsey Early Access Participant

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