S16E24: What McKinsey Rejection Taught Cam - And How He Got the Job Anyway
Feb 20, 2025
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Cameron McDermott, a Business Analyst at McKinsey, shares his inspiring journey from rejection to securing a coveted role. He reveals how he transformed a setback into a motivation, leveraging an Excel tracker to enhance his networking and case preparation. Cam provides valuable insights into navigating the Personal Experience Interview, emphasizing authenticity and impactful storytelling. He also highlights common misconceptions about the recruiting process, making this conversation essential for anyone pursuing a career in consulting.
Cam used his McKinsey rejection as motivation to refine his strategy and enhance his interview preparation for a successful reapplication.
Building a supportive network of peers and mentors significantly contributed to Cam's recruitment journey by facilitating collaborative learning and resource sharing.
Deep dives
The Importance of Strategic Preparation
Effective preparation for interviews and recruiting processes requires both hard work and strategic thinking. To succeed, candidates need to not only dedicate significant time to interview practice but also develop a clear strategy that guides their efforts. For instance, Cameron McDermott highlighted the need to engage in networking activities early on, including connecting with others in the consulting field and attending relevant events that align with his goals. This combination of diligent preparation and a methodical approach is crucial, particularly when aiming for positions at top consulting firms.
Learning from Experience and Mistakes
Cameron McDermott's pathway to securing a business analyst role at McKinsey involved reflecting on past mistakes and leveraging those lessons for future success. During his initial application attempt, he recognized inconsistency in his preparation and realized the need for a more rigorous strategy. By focusing on consistency and actively tracking his progress using tools like an Excel spreadsheet, he was able to analyze which areas required improvement. This proactive approach helped him refine his skills and ultimately led to a successful outcome in the recruiting process.
Building a Supportive Network
Creating a strong network of peers and mentors played a vital role in McDermott's recruitment journey. He emphasized the importance of connecting with fellow candidates who were equally dedicated to preparing for consulting roles, as this support system allowed for collaborative learning and shared experiences. Furthermore, he made use of resources such as LinkedIn and various consulting-related materials to deepen his understanding and expand his network. This emphasis on community and collaboration not only enhanced his preparation but also provided valuable insights from others who have navigated similar paths.
When Cam didn’t land a McKinsey internship, he could have given up. Instead, he used the rejection as fuel to come back stronger for full-time recruiting.
A year later, with a revamped strategy and relentless preparation, he secured the coveted Business Analyst role.
In this episode, Cam pulls back the curtain on exactly how he did it, sharing:
The Excel tracker he used to organize networking and case prep
Tips for excelling in the Personal Experience Interview (PEI)
The biggest misconception he had about recruiting
If you’re in the thick of consulting recruiting (or gearing up for it), this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Additional Resources Join Black Belt for 8 live sessions with an MBB coach so you know that you are doing the right things at the right time Download Cam's networking and case prep Excel tracker Stay up-to-date on upcoming application deadlines