If you are passionate about a particular function and know you want to work primarily in that area from the start, consider joining a practice.
Practices open to new consultants
In your application, you’ll have the option of applying to either a specific office as a generalist, or to a practice as a consultant in one of the following areas:
Learn more about the expertise, latest thinking, and people behind these practices on their Web sites.
Connect your practice to an office
While McKinsey consultants have great flexibility to work out of different offices around the world to pursue topic areas they are interested in, if you have a strong interest in an industry or practice, you may want to choose a geographic location where there are more of these opportunities.
Similarly, if you don’t want to join a practice but want the opportunity to affiliate or do studies in that area, you’ll want to select locations where there is a higher proportion of this kind of work.
Help me decide
Joining a practice is not the only way to get experience in a particular industry or function—we offer three main ways to engage with practices at McKinsey, depending on your background, interests, and career goals.
| If you want to be... |
You could... |
| Highly specialized |
Join a practice
If you have a strong interest in a particular functional discipline, such as business technology or operations, consider joining a practice. This will let you develop deep expertise and establish yourself as a leader in a specific field, while still giving you many options to broaden your experience beyond your area of focus. You’ll also work with others who share your passion, which is an opportunity to accelerate your growth and develop a robust personal network. |
| Somewhat specialized |
Affiliate with a practice
If you have strong interest in a particular industry or functional discipline but would like to explore others, you might choose to join as a generalist but affiliate with one of McKinsey’s practices. You’ll spend up to half your time on studies within your chosen practice, building distinct knowledge and strong industry connections. |
| Cross-functional |
Work on a client study
Everyone has a chance to engage with a practice by working on a client study. It’s an opportunity to explore a new field by immersing yourself in an industry or function, typically for two to three months. Most new consultants build their management consulting skills by participating in client studies across many industries. |