Ryan

Careers

Before I came to McKinsey, I heard stories about consultants getting to travel abroad and working in different cultures. I heard about the obligation to dissent, how I'd be free to push back with my own opinions, even if I was dealing with a partner or someone who's very senior in the Firm. And I heard that I would be challenged and pushed, and would be able to take ownership over my work, and that I would be presenting in front of senior executives. I thought maybe one percent of people actually get to do all that, but all of these things have happened for me. I've been pushed and challenged and given more of those opportunities than I could have expected coming in.

A World Away

International travel was something that was very important to me, and I had a phenomenal opportunity to spend four months in South Africa. I was working with a beer company on their brand management while on a four-months study in South Africa. The analysis our team did really changed the way the company targeted their consumers. Together, we came up with a regional plan to completely shift their geographic focus, bringing one of their beer brands to more regions of the country than they had previously considered. It was an amazing experience professionally because I was able to lead the clients to a new strategy, which was only possible because of the trust they had in me. And personally, it was just a very cool experience because every weekend, I would get to go on a Safari, or go to Mozambique, or travel to a completely different country in Africa. It was something I'll never forget.

Questions and Answers

The HLCSS community offers a great way to connect with people throughout McKinsey; it allows you to meet a number of people who you likely would not have met otherwise. And these are people who want to be there, and want to help and support you, and can serve as a sounding board for issues that you're facing. At a recent HLCSS conference, one of the more senior members got up and opened up the floor to all types of questions. It was just so helpful to have that ability to ask lots of questions, and to know that you now had all of these people to call if the need arose.

What I do in my free time / my hobbies

I really enjoy being outside and I enjoy exercising; I do a lot of yoga and running. I also get a lot of energy from other people, and enjoy hanging out with my friends and the great class of BAs I met at McKinsey. Together, we've been exploring the city, going to dinners, and planning events and parties.