Aditya Mudgal is a Class of 2026 student from McKinney, Texas. In addition to the Canfield Business Honors Program, Aditya is majoring in Finance, minoring in Applied Economics, and getting the Elements of Computing Certificate. This past summer Aditya interned at McKinsey & Company in the Denver, Colorado office. Specifically, Aditya was a part of the Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Program. In this role, he experienced firsthand consulting work and lifestyle.
Aditya’s journey into consulting began during his freshman spring when he joined UMBRA (University Management & Business Research Association) a student organization that focuses on consulting projects. The experience of working on real projects with clients ignited his passion for the field. He realized that consulting offered the diversity of experiences he wanted, providing an opportunity to explore various industries and challenges. This internship not only confirmed his desire to pursue a career in consulting, but also solidified his commitment to finding a path that resonated with him.
Each day of his internship brought new challenges and learning opportunities. Aditya participated in daily check-in meetings with his manager and team to establish goals and share insights. His work involved a combination of individual tasks, such as analyzing spreadsheets and crafting PowerPoint presentations, along with collaborative projects that fostered a strong sense of teamwork. He learned a lot about research and data and collection analysis. He also developed his communication skills internally in the corporate setting in addition to externally with various clients. He very much enjoyed this day-by-day approach as it led to something new and different everyday. The overall lesson he learned is that “consulting is about being able to love change”.
One of the most significant challenges Aditya encountered was learning how to receive and apply feedback. In the fast-paced environment of McKinsey, feedback is integral to growth, and he quickly realized that embracing constructive criticism was essential. This experience helped him develop not only his professional skills but also his self-confidence as he worked alongside experienced professionals. Aditya was working in the Denver office, but towards the second half of the summer he had to travel to Dallas pretty frequently as his client was based in Dallas. This taught him a great deal of independence.
Aditya credits the Canfield BHP program, which equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary for consulting. The program’s emphasis on case studies provided him with the foundational understanding of business problems that he encountered daily in his role. Additionally, the supportive Canfield BHP community was invaluable; he received guidance and advice from upperclassmen, which proved essential in his interview preparation and overall confidence.The biggest piece of advice he would give is to understand yourself and what you have to offer. He would argue to take your network seriously and reach out to as many people as you can. Be intentional with everything and apply to opportunities that best align with your priorities. But “don’t take yourself too seriously and be yourself”.
Reflecting on his internship, Aditya expresses how rewarding it was to work with such driven and talented individuals at McKinsey. The culture of the firm, which prioritizes personal and professional development, made him feel supported throughout his journey. Aditya Mudgal’s internship at McKinsey not only strengthened his passion for consulting but also equipped him with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the business world.