McKinsey & Company’s Associate Intern program is one of the most visible ways the firm recruits early-career consultants — offering short, intensive experiences that mirror the real responsibilities of Associates and give MBA and graduate-level candidates a direct line toward full-time roles. The program typically places interns on client-engagement teams for a concentrated 8–10 week window, and openings are advertised across many of McKinsey’s global offices. While I could not verify a single official McKinsey source that states “72 cities” as the exact footprint for the 2025 Associate Intern program, McKinsey’s careers site shows Associate Intern and related openings across many cities and regions globally; McKinsey operates in 130+ cities and posts campus and intern roles across a similarly broad footprint, so city coverage varies by year and by demand. (McKinsey & Company)
This article explains what the Associate Intern program is, how it fits into McKinsey’s recruiting ecosystem, how to research openings by city, how to prepare and apply successfully, what to expect during a summer (or short-term) placement, and strategic advice for turning an internship into a full-time offer. It also offers tailored checklists and interview preparation blueprints for candidates targeting high-volume recruiting hubs.
1. What is the Associate Intern program?
At McKinsey the Associate Intern role generally refers to a short-term (summer) placement that places early-career consultants-in-training — often first-year MBA students or graduate students — directly onto client teams to work on real client challenges. Associate Intern placements typically last 8–10 weeks and are structured to replicate the responsibilities and learning experience of a full-time Associate role: problem-solving, client communication, analysis, and teamwork. These internships are designed to be immersive, high-impact, and to allow both the intern and the firm to evaluate mutual fit for full-time roles. (McKinsey & Company)
Why firms run these internships
- For McKinsey, short-term internship programs are a two-way evaluation: they accelerate learning for candidates while giving teams a chance to assess prospective senior consultants in real client work.
- Interns gain exposure to project work, mentoring, and internal training — the same foundation that helps new hires ramp quickly.
2. Global footprint and the “72 cities” note
You specifically mentioned “72 cities.” I searched McKinsey’s official recruiting pages and job listings. McKinsey’s public career materials show internship and early-career roles advertised across many cities and offices worldwide, and the firm notes a presence in 130+ cities globally — which suggests a broad hiring footprint that can include dozens of cities for internships depending on the year and regional demand. That means the exact number of cities offering Associate Intern roles in any given year (for example, 2025) can fluctuate with business needs and recruiting cycles, and may not be centrally summarized as “72 cities” on McKinsey’s public site. If you have an internal or third-party posting that cites “72 cities,” it could reflect a specific campaign or round of advertising; however, to confirm that exact number I recommend consulting the McKinsey careers listing for Associate Intern roles for the 2025 season (McKinsey’s careers portal is the canonical source). (McKinsey & Company)
How to check city-specific openings (practical steps)
- Go to McKinsey’s careers portal and search for “Associate Intern” or “Summer Associate” and set filters for region/country/city. The listings page includes locations for each job posting. (McKinsey & Company)
- If your university or campus recruiting team has a McKinsey contact, they often receive a regional list of internship locations before the public site does. Campus recruiters can confirm which cities will host interns in that recruiting cycle.
- Follow McKinsey’s campus/pages for your country or region (many country-specific pages list local events and deadlines). (McKinsey & Company)
3. Who typically applies and who’s eligible?
Typical candidate profile
- First-year MBA students (many Associate Intern roles are targeted to MBA cohorts), high-performing graduate students, and in some markets advanced undergraduates or master’s students with strong quantitative and leadership backgrounds. Certain McKinsey internship tracks are also tailored to undergraduates (Business Analyst summer internships), while the Associate Intern/Summer Associate roles are often post-MBA. (CaseBasix)
Eligibility notes
- Eligibility varies by office and role. Some offices insist on MBA enrollment for Associate Intern roles; others may be open to exceptional non-MBA candidates who have comparable experience. Always check the specific job posting for requirements. (McKinsey & Company)
4. Timeline and application mechanics (how the process usually unfolds)
Typical timeline
- Role postings: McKinsey generally opens internship applications in seasonal waves aligned with academic calendars (e.g., spring/summer postings for summer programs; campus recruiting drives in the fall for some roles). Specific dates shift by region and year—always confirm on the careers portal or your campus recruiting office. (McKinsey & Company)
- Screening: Online application → resume and cover letter review → first-round screening (often a short behavioral or fit interview and sometimes a short problem-solving or test).
- Case interviews: Candidates who progress typically face one or two case interviews (structured problem-solving interviews) and behavioral interviews focusing on leadership and impact.
- Final decisions: Offers to successful interns are usually extended before the end of the internship (for summer interns), or in the weeks after interviews for other cycles.
Application mechanics to prepare now
- Resume and cover letter: Keep concise, impact-focused bullet points that quantify results (e.g., “Led a cross-functional team of 5 to deliver X, resulting in Y% increase in …”).
- Online application: McKinsey’s portal often requires both a CV and optional answers to screening questions — prepare polished, tailored responses. (McKinsey & Company)
5. What you will actually do as an Associate Intern
Day-to-day work
- Structured problem solving: break down client challenges into analytically tractable parts.
- Data analysis and synthesis: run quantitative analyses, build slides, prepare client-ready decks.
- Client and team interaction: attend meetings, present findings to various stakeholders, and support senior team members.
- Learning and mentorship: many intern experiences include a formal mentorship match, internal training sessions, and “feedback cycles” during the internship.
Learning outcomes
- Rapid exposure to complex business problems across industries.
- Applied case-method thinking and the firm’s structured approach to problem solving.
- Real-world client interaction and the ability to influence senior stakeholders when well prepared.
(Cited McKinsey’s Associate Intern role description for the 8–10 week structure and general responsibilities.) (McKinsey & Company)
6. How to target cities and offices — strategic approach
If your aim is to get an internship in a particular city (whether it’s one of the big hubs or a smaller satellite office), treat location choice like a strategic job-search decision.
Choosing a city: three lenses
- Career trajectory — Large hubs (e.g., New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai) typically offer more varied projects and quicker exposure to diverse industries. Smaller offices can provide earlier client-facing ownership and a broader set of responsibilities.
- Lifestyle and fit — Consider cost of living, language, culture, and whether you want a global mobility trajectory (many successful consultants rotate between offices).
- Long-term commitment — If you want to convert to a full-time offer, intern in the office where you’d realistically work full-time (local hires can be prioritized for local headcount). Many offices hire interns into local full-time openings. (McKinsey & Company)
Tactics to get a target city
- Apply directly to job postings listed in that city on McKinsey’s careers portal. (McKinsey & Company)
- Use campus contacts: request interview slots tied to city-specific roles.
- Show regional knowledge in your application (if appropriate): explain why that city/market matters for the work you want to do.
- Network with alumni from your school who worked in that office — they can provide guidance on the local office’s typical projects and hiring priorities.
7. Preparing your application materials — the practical checklist
Resume
- Keep it to one page if possible; the top third should sell your core impact.
- Use metrics: “saved X hours,” “increased revenue by Y%,” “led team of Z.”
- Highlight leadership, team-based outcomes, and data/quantitative work.
Cover letter / application answers
- 2–3 short paragraphs: why consulting, why McKinsey, and why that office. Keep it specific and not generic.
Online presence
- Update LinkedIn and ensure it matches your resume. McKinsey recruiters often cross-check profiles.
Recommended supporting materials
- Optional case examples (if requested): prepare a short write-up of a project where you led analysis or solved a complex problem.
8. Case interview preparation: blueprint for high performance
The case interview is the single most performance-determining part of the process. Here’s a compact, focused plan to prepare efficiently.
Week-by-week 6-week plan
- Week 1: Basics — learn the structure (clarify, structure, hypothesize, analyze, conclude). Practice 3 example cases as a listener.
- Week 2: Math drills — mental math, percentages, ratios, and quick logic; time yourself.
- Week 3–4: Practice cases with partners; alternate roles (interviewer, case-solver). Focus on structuring and communication.
- Week 5: Mock interviews with experienced case coaches (if available) or alumni.
- Week 6: Polishing — refine communication, practice common frameworks only as supporting tools, not crutches.
Key behavioral habits
- Start by clarifying the problem and confirming objectives.
- Lay out a clear structure (“I’ll analyze X, Y, and Z to find the root cause”).
- Use hypothesis-driven approach: prioritize analysis that would most quickly confirm or dismiss major hypotheses.
- Quantify: when given numbers, do the math cleanly and narrate your logic.
- Synthesize: finish with a crisp recommendation and two quick supporting arguments and one caveat.
Resources
- McKinsey provides case materials and interview guides via its careers pages and campus events; use official practice cases alongside external casebooks and partners for live practice. (McKinsey & Company)
9. Inside the internship: mentoring, feedback, and evaluation
Mentorship
- Interns are typically assigned to a project team and paired informally with mentors (often an Associate or Engagement Manager) who provide day-to-day coaching.
Feedback cycles
- Frequent, formal feedback cycles help interns iterate rapidly. Learn to solicit feedback proactively — ask which areas you can improve and demonstrate progress.
Evaluation criteria
- Problem-solving skills, team collaboration, initiative, communication, and coachability. Show impact quickly on the team and document contributions.
10. Compensation, benefits, and logistics (what to expect)
Compensation and benefits for internships vary by market and role; McKinsey’s portal lists role and location specifics on each job posting. Some offices also provide relocation support or housing stipends for interns — check the posting and ask the campus recruiting liaison for details. For official details and localized offerings, consult the McKinsey Careers page and the specific job posting for each city/office. (McKinsey & Company)
11. After the internship: converting to a full-time offer
How offers are typically made
- High-performing interns are frequently extended return offers for full-time Associate roles (subject to headcount and fit). The conversion process will typically include final performance reviews and sometimes additional interviews.
How to maximize conversion
- Deliver concrete outputs, get feedback and iterate, develop strong relationships with senior team members, and clearly communicate your interest in returning. Make sure your manager knows your preference for full-time conversion or for which office you’d like to join.
12. Diversity, inclusion, and affinity programs
McKinsey places emphasis on diversity and hosts a number of outreach and inclusion programs (e.g., pre-MBA diversity initiatives and campus events). These programs can give candidates access to networking, case prep, and mentorship to improve chances of success. McKinsey’s careers pages list these initiatives by country/region. If you’re part of an affinity group or have unique background context, highlight the perspective and resilience you bring to teams. (McKinsey & Company)
13. Tactical interview and networking hacks that actually work
Networking
- Targeted, respectful outreach to McKinsey alumni and employees can be effective: ask for a 20-minute informational chat, prepare three concise questions, and follow up with a single summary email that ties your background to their work.
Interview day
- Bring a cheat-sheet of two to three structured examples of leadership, impact, and problem-solving ready to adapt. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) template but keep it consulting-focused and concise.
Case day
- Clarify the objective and constraints first. If you get stuck, ask for a moment to outline your structure or to check assumptions. Interviewers want to see clear thinking, not perfection.
14. Office-by-office differences: what to know before you apply
Although McKinsey maintains a consistent problem-solving approach worldwide, regional offices differ in culture, industry mix, and project cadence.
Big hubs (examples)
- Large city offices tend to be busier, with multiple large clients and specialized practice teams. Expect faster pace and lots of mentorship resources. (Think major financial centers and global capitals.)
Smaller offices
- Expect broader responsibilities and earlier client exposure. Smaller teams can mean more hands-on work across the entire project lifecycle.
Local language and culture
- Some offices require or prefer local language skills for client interaction. Verify language requirements on job postings.
(Because office specifics vary, always check the city posting for details and chat with local alumni when possible.) (McKinsey & Company)
15. Example candidate roadmap — how to prepare during an academic year
Summer before your final year
- Build case interview fundamentals; network with alumni and McKinsey campus reps.
Fall (application season)
- Apply to desired city postings; pair resume with one tailored paragraph about city fit in application.
Winter
- Intensive case practice; mock interviews; finalize your pitch and leadership stories.
Spring (if you earn an interview or offer)
- Continue to deepen business acumen, and if you land an internship, prepare learning objectives and a professional development plan for the summer.
16. Common myths and realities
Myth: “Everyone hired into McKinsey intern programs will get a full-time offer.”
Reality: Conversion rates depend on performance and headcount. Many interns do receive offers, but conversions are not automatic.
Myth: “You must have an MBA to get an Associate Intern role.”
Reality: Many Associate Intern postings target MBA students but requirements vary by office. Check postings for details; exceptional non-MBA candidates sometimes are considered. (CaseBasix, McKinsey & Company)
17. If you’re international: visas, relocation, and local rules
Visa policies for interns vary by country and office. McKinsey often provides guidance and support for work authorization processes where permitted, but the specific conditions depend on local labor law and office policy. Check the job posting and ask the recruiting contact for country-specific visa guidance early in the process.
18. How to find the list of cities (practical checklist)
If you want to confirm whether your target city is part of the 2025 Associate Intern program, follow these steps:
- Visit the McKinsey careers portal and search “Associate Intern” with filters for location. (McKinsey & Company)
- Visit McKinsey country pages for local career event calendars (these pages list campus deadlines and events). (McKinsey & Company)
- Reach out to campus recruiting at your school for a region-specific list.
- If you have a contact at McKinsey, email them your CV and ask whether the office in question expects to recruit interns that season.
19. Preparing for a successful internship week-by-week (sample 8–10 week plan)
Weeks 1–2: onboarding and grounding
- Learn the client’s business, attend training, meet your core team, and set clear goals with your manager.
Weeks 3–6: focused contribution
- Take ownership of defined analyses, deliver draft outputs, solicit feedback, and iterate. Document impact.
Weeks 7–8/10: synthesis and handover
- Finalize deliverables, present results, draft handover notes, and request performance feedback.
Deliverable checklist
- Client-ready slides summarizing your analysis.
- A one-page “impact summary” capturing your contributions and metrics.
- Feedback notes and next steps for the team.
20. Final recommendations — how to stand out
- Deliver early wins. Identify something the team needs and solve it quickly and well.
- Be coachable. Accept feedback, show improvement, and point to concrete changes you made.
- Document impact. Quantify what you did and the business outcome (even if small).
- Communicate clearly. Senior leaders remember those who summarize results crisply.
- Network inside the office. Build relationships with multiple senior leaders, not just your direct manager.
21. Useful links and resources
- McKinsey Careers (start here for job postings and official program descriptions). (McKinsey & Company)
- McKinsey Associate Intern job description (example listing; shows typical responsibilities and 8–10 week length). (McKinsey & Company)
- Country and regional career pages (for local events and deadlines) — e.g., McKinsey Careers in Canada page showing office footprints and events. (McKinsey & Company)
22. Appendix — sample resume bullets and leadership stories (templates)
Resume bullets (impact-focused)
- “Led a cross-functional team of 4 to identify $1.2M in annual cost savings by redesigning supplier contracts.”
- “Built a forecasting model that improved revenue projection accuracy from 78% to 92%.”
- “Managed stakeholder communications for a 50-person pilot program; increased participant engagement by 30%.”
Leadership story template (STAR, concise)
- Situation: “In my internship with X company, we faced Y problem.”
- Task: “I was asked to lead Z.”
- Action: “I organized A, conducted B analysis, and aligned stakeholders with C.”
- Result: “We achieved D (quantified), and I learned E.”
23. Quick FAQ
Q: Is the Associate Intern role the same everywhere?
A: No — the core responsibilities are consistent (structured problem solving, analysis, client interaction), but project mix, office size, and expectations vary by location and practice area. (McKinsey & Company)
Q: Will McKinsey pay relocation for interns?
A: Some offices provide relocation support; this varies by office and is typically spelled out in the job posting or communicated by the recruiting contact. (McKinsey & Company)
Q: Can undergraduates get Associate Intern roles?
A: In most markets Associate Intern (or Summer Associate) roles are targeted to MBA/graduate students, while there are separate Business Analyst internships for undergraduates. Check the posting for location-specific exceptions. (CaseBasix, McKinsey & Company)
24. Closing thoughts
McKinsey’s Associate Intern program is a powerful gateway into the firm’s consulting pipeline. Whether the 2025 cycle includes exactly “72 cities” or a different number, the underlying opportunity is clear: a short, intensive program that places candidates on real client teams and gives both the intern and the firm a chance to test the waters before committing to a full-time hire. The most reliable way to navigate the 2025 listings is to use McKinsey’s careers portal, your campus recruiting contacts, and alumni networks to get office-specific information and to apply early with a tightly focused, impact-driven application. (McKinsey & Company)
If you’d like, I can now:
- Pull together a tailored 8-week prep plan for interviews and case practice specific to a city you name (e.g., London, New York, Dubai), or
- Draft a one-page targeted cover letter and resume bullet polish tailored to a McKinsey Associate Intern posting in a given city, or
- Search McKinsey’s careers portal for current Associate Intern openings in a specific list of cities and return the active postings I find (I’ll cite them directly).
Which of those next steps would help you most?
