- Consulting remains the most attractive destination for MBAs: median salary and bonus reach $205,310, 21% higher than the overall median.
- AI is shaking up the industry: startups are using former consultants to train models that replace entry-level work; the company structure is predicted to shift from a pyramid to a “diamond” with a large middle layer, where managers oversee AI teams (AI models, not people).
- Consulting firms view AI proficiency as a foundational competence, similar to Excel in the 2010s; MBAs must know how to use AI to synthesize data, generate insights, and differentiate their recommendations from automated AI results.
- McKinsey and Bain push back against cutting junior consultants too soon: talent demand is at a multi-year high; AI only supports 10% of the analytical volume, while change management and strategic implementation still require high EQ.
- Bain states that AI helps entry-level consultants expand their scope of work, deepen second and third-tier analysis, and dedicate more time to change management.
- Bain seeks “technical curiosity”: candidates who proactively think of ways to use AI to create new value; deep technical skills are not required.
- Bain estimates that 10% of personnel are technology leaders, 40–50% are willing to keep pace; the firm wants to recruit mainly these two groups and eliminate the 50% who are “dragged along.”
- Bain and McKinsey will expand in-person interviews starting in 2026 to emphasize EQ, limiting candidates who use AI interview cheating apps.
- Recruitment trends are influenced by the economy: concerns over tariffs, H-1B orders, and erratic demand; many schools report smaller intern classes.
- McKinsey is still expanding North American recruitment by 12% for 2026, and Bain is also increasing compared to the previous year.
📌 Summary: AI becomes a mandatory requirement for MBAs entering the consulting profession: firms expect candidates to know how to synthesize and create insights based on AI, while maintaining a high EQ advantage to lead change. Consulting firms view AI proficiency as a foundational competence, similar to Excel in the 2010s. Bain seeks “technical curiosity,” meaning candidates who proactively think of ways to use AI to create new value; deep technical skills are not required. Bain and McKinsey affirm that human value lies in thinking, communication, and implementation capabilities. Recruitment for 2026 is increasing, but competition will revolve around the level of AI proficiency and strategic advisory capacity at a high level.
