I’m Naomi, and I’m an engagement manager in our Tokyo office. I joined McKinsey about two years ago, after finishing my MBA at the University of Columbia. I stay at McKinsey for several reasons; here are the most important:
Exposure to different business sectors
During my time at the firm, I’ve worked in disparate industries, from heavy machinery and automobile manufacturing to retail and telecommunication.
It has been a pleasant surprise to discover new fields through my project work. Each engagement brings an encounter with new clients and new business segments that allows me to take new perspectives. For example, before I worked on a marketing and sales strategy for a global automobile company, I wasn’t interested in vehicles; now I enjoy going to car shops or shows on weekends to check out the latest models.
Learning from different leadership styles
Another aspect I really appreciate about life at McKinsey is working with different teams. People on each team have been inspiring and powerful in their own ways, and has given me a lot of meaningful feedback to help me develop. For example, one team member taught me to leverage the people around me rather than trying to solve all the issues by myself. Another pointed out practical tips to make my presentations clearer. It is true feedback is a gift, as people in the firm often say, especially when it comes from team members who work closely with you every day and truly have your best interests in mind.
In these ways, McKinsey has let me work in different worlds, which has made consulting life more exciting and helped me to continue learning.
Find out more
If you’re a first–year business student – like I was a few years ago – and you’re not ready to give up the huge learning and awesome people you’ve found in b–school, consider consulting at McKinsey. Several of my colleagues from offices across Asia Pacific and Greater China will be coming to the US to meet with you during networking receptions in October. Check out the details at: http://www.mckinsey.com/global-connect