Key Insights:
- Leadership Program by McKinsey: The McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders program is a multi-day leadership development event for high-potential women participants.
- For Students and Early Professionals: Open to Europe-based bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, PhD students, and professionals with up to eight years of experience.
- Gateway to McKinsey Recruiting: Participants gain direct exposure to McKinsey consultants and leadership training that can lead to future consulting opportunities.
The McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders (NGWL) program is a premier leadership development experience hosted by McKinsey & Company that brings together ambitious women who are ready to expand their leadership skills, professional confidence, and global network alongside peers and trailblazers.
What Is the McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders Program?
The Next Generation Women Leaders program is a three-day, in-person experience focused on leadership, community building, and personal as well as professional growth. Participants engage in dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and reflective sessions designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and unlock future potential.
McKinsey describes NGWL as an opportunity to build confidence, develop practical leadership tools, and connect with a global network of ambitious peers and inspired women leaders.
McKinsey’s commitment to empowering women and broadening leadership pipelines is a core part of the firm’s approach to cultivating leadership potential and career growth.
Who Is McKinsey NGWL For?
The NGWL program is intended primarily for individuals who:
- Identify as women
- Are based in or have strong ties to Europe
- Are either students (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or MBA, graduating no later than 2027) or professionals with up to eight years of work experience
This program is ideal for emerging leaders who want to deepen their understanding of leadership, grow their professional influence, and gain exposure to McKinsey’s approach to leadership development.
What Happens During NGWL?
The three-day NGWL experience is structured around progressive leadership themes:
Day 1 - Leading Self:
Participants arrive, set their intentions, and begin with keynote talks, reflections on personal leadership, and networking with other attendees.
Day 2 - Leading Together:
Collaborative sessions and team challenges help participants develop practical leadership skills and peer learning. Small-group dialogue sessions foster open, courageous conversations on leadership topics that often go unspoken.
Day 3 - Leading Forward:
Attendees co-create a leadership manifesto - a shared vision of impactful leadership. The day wraps with reflection, future-focused discussions, and a closing keynote before a farewell lunch.
Across all days, NGWL emphasizes community building, hands-on learning, and inspiration from seasoned leaders who have shaped careers and organizations.
How to Apply for McKinsey NGWL
To be considered for McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders Europe, applicants must:
- Be based in or have strong ties to Europe
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a student (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or MBA) graduating no later than 2027
- Be a professional with up to eight years of work experience
Applicants are typically asked to submit a resume in English outlining education, grades, work experience, extracurriculars, and achievements. They also choose up to three preferred McKinsey office locations or business functions that will review their application. Fluency in the local language is recommended, and transcripts may be required.
The next application deadline is February 23, 2026, with the event scheduled for April 16-18, 2026 in Paris, France. Put your best foot forward by working with our expert team on a custom resume edit.
In some cases, McKinsey may host Q&A sessions prior to the deadline to answer applicant questions and share insights about the program.
Why Attend McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders?
Participating in NGWL offers several strategic advantages:
- Leadership Skill Development: Through workshops and panels, attendees build confidence and practical leadership capabilities.
- Professional Network Growth: Connect with ambitious peers and women leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds.
- Insight into McKinsey Culture: Experience McKinsey’s values and approach through collaborative sessions and firm representatives.
- Community and Inspiration: The format fosters meaningful connection and sustained motivation beyond the weekend itself.
Whether participants ultimately pursue consulting careers or leadership roles in other sectors, NGWL is meant to serve as a springboard for confidence and influence in professional journeys.
McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders Program: Frequently Asked Questions
The McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders program is a multi-day leadership development event designed to empower women and gender-diverse participants through workshops, networking, and professional growth sessions hosted by McKinsey & Company.
The program is open to students and professionals based in or with strong ties to Europe, including bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and PhD candidates, as well as professionals with up to eight years of work experience.
While the program focuses on leadership development rather than formal interviews, it provides participants with direct exposure to McKinsey consultants and offices, and it can serve as a pathway into future recruiting opportunities.
Candidates apply online by submitting a resume and selecting preferred McKinsey office locations. Additional documents such as transcripts may be requested during the application process.
Participants engage in interactive leadership workshops, small-group discussions, keynote sessions, and networking activities designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and community.
Ready to Apply to McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders?
If you’re serious about accelerating your leadership trajectory, McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders is a strategic opportunity to step into the McKinsey ecosystem early.
NGWL is competitive. The strongest applicants show academic excellence, leadership impact, and a clear story about why consulting - and why now. Before you submit your application, make sure your materials reflect that level of polish.
Start by refining your narrative with our consulting resume guide and ensure your experience demonstrates measurable impact. If consulting is even a remote possibility in your future, now is the time to begin building the skills that firms assess - especially structured thinking and problem solving. Our case interview prep resources and McKinsey-specific recruiting guides can help you build that foundation early.
Programs like NGWL reward candidates who are proactive, prepared, and intentional. If you’re ready to invest in your leadership development - and potentially open the door to a McKinsey career - take the first step and apply.