I started working when I was 17. I worked throughout my time in college, taking jobs of almost any type. I worked as a ski instructor, a physics and math tutor, and even as part of a construction crew. I was studying civil engineering, but wasn't working there as an engineer; I was one of the guys fixing furniture! When I first heard about McKinsey, I didn't have a real idea of what management consulting was, but when I learned about the possibilities that a career in consulting offered, I was intrigued.
I joined McKinsey as a business analyst and worked here for a little more than two years. Then, I left to do my MBA at Columbia University. I always knew that I wanted to come back to McKinsey. It offers so much flexibility: I can do exactly what I want and do it with the people I want to work with.
Senior-level colleagues
What I liked about McKinsey was the chance to have impact very early on in my career. When I was a business analyst, I worked with one of the world's largest telecommunications companies. The CEO of their Spanish division was preparing to present plans to the investor community, and I was working with him directly. We went over all of the possible questions that the investors might ask, and I was responsible for coming up with the answers. I met with him at least once a week, going over all of the information. I was 26 years old and I realized that this man, a CEO of a very large company, was really listening to me and paying attention to what I had to say. In the end, he was very comfortable with the presentation, and did a great job. All of the investors were very pleased with his performance, too.
A natural leader
During my early years at McKinsey I gained confidence, and that's one of the reasons that my transition to engagement manager was a natural one. I learn more during each study, and bring what I learned to the next study. People rely on me to get things done, and they are placing their confidence in me. Every three or four months I look back and realize that I have already been acting the role of a more senior person, and haven't even noticed it. It just comes naturally.
My own path
What I like most about McKinsey is the amount of flexibility that the firm offers. McKinsey presents you with so many possibilities, everything is open. I can choose what kind of work I do, where to do it, and the people I’m going to work with. I wanted to travel the world, and I've gotten that chance, having worked in more than ten countries with McKinsey. I also wanted to work primarily in the telecoms field, and I've been able to do that more than 90 percent of the time. At times, I may have questions and worry about not knowing if I can do something. But through working at McKinsey, and getting amazing support from my colleagues, I've realized that anytime I want to do something, all I have to do is try.
What I do in my free time
I love to travel; I've been to more than 55 countries. I play tennis and I ski. And when I'm away from Spain, I try to cook. I really love food and if I can't find the food I like, then I make it myself.
Offices
Education
| Columbia University - Graduate School of Business |
MBA, Finance |
2007 |
| Universidad Politecnica de Madrid |
Ingeniero, Civil Engineering |
2003 |
| Imperial College London |
MEng, Civil Engineering |
2002 |