I came to McKinsey as an experienced hire. Before joining, I spent 10 years as a supply chain management professional and about eight years working in development in Uganda. I mostly worked in natural resources and spent time in the UK, Africa, the UAE and other countries. I really enjoyed seeing a project or program through from design to operationalization.
I was attracted to McKinsey by the opportunity to continue to help people in different industries design and implement new processes and organizational cultures. McKinsey Implementation, in particular, seemed to offer the chance to apply my experience in an entrepreneurial setting within an established, global organization – a rare opportunity to start a third career and continue to learn, grow, and rapidly progress.
Now that I’ve been here about three years, I can say the best part has been the support I receive. I’ve participated in fantastic leadership trainings and taken advantage of the firm’s databases of knowledge, industry and functional experts, presentation and analysis support, etc. to do more of what I love. My team regularly shares actionable feedback and creates opportunities for me to practice new skills, which has helped me improve. At least two of my more senior-tenured mentors have taken time to help me choose projects where I can succeed and focus for learning.
Of course, the projects have been very interesting, as well. I most enjoyed a pro-bono engagement during which my team improved partnerships between major donor agencies and faith-based groups to improve development initiatives. I interviewed a fascinating cross-section of leaders from both types of organizations, which helped us shape an action-orientated agenda for a World Bank conference and influence how faith-based groups achieved sustainable development goals.
Working at McKinsey has given me renewed energy – something that’s refreshing professionally and personally.