Why do you want to work at McKinsey's Manila office, and what do you understand about the type of work we do here?

Situation

During my internship at a local fintech startup, I saw how strategic missteps forced the company to downsize. I realized that many Philippine companies could benefit from rigorous, data-driven decision-making, but lacked access to world-class advisory. That sparked my desire to join McKinsey Manila to contribute to the country's economic transformation.

Task

I set out to understand the consulting landscape in the Philippines and identify firms that combined global expertise with deep local impact.

Action

I researched McKinsey Manila's published client work, noting its involvement in institutional strengthening and new business building for major Philippine corporations. I also reached out to alumni from my university who joined the Manila office, learning how analysts are given workstream ownership from day one and are exposed to sectors like energy, consumer goods, and public sector transformation.

Result

These conversations confirmed that McKinsey Manila would offer the steep learning curve and tangible impact I'm seeking. I became passionate about applying the same rigorous problem-solving to help Philippine companies scale and institutions modernize.