Atul
Engagement Manager
I’ve always had an interest in the public sector, so after serving as a business analyst with McKinsey in Cleveland, Atlanta and India, I spent two years working for a foundation developing a program to help low-income families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit that in its first year processed over 10,000 tax returns and over $17 million in tax refunds. I rejoined McKinsey in Washington, D.C., after getting my M.B.A. My wife and I both wanted to live in Washington because we’ve always had an attraction to the city for its history, beauty, and dynamic environment.
“Part of what McKinsey has taught me is that the culture of an organization is as important as the strategy.”
McKinsey supports my goals
The work can be intense at times, but having the kind of relationships with partners on a team that enables me to talk frankly about my personal and professional goals makes a big difference in my life and career.
With any new study at McKinsey, your life can change dramatically for a while. You may have to travel or temporarily work really tough hours. At times, you may not want to do that, so you have to feel comfortable discussing your priorities with your colleagues. The firm has always supported my goals. For instance, when my wife was pregnant with our daughter, I told the office I wanted to work on a study in Washington so I would be in town to be with her. Everyone helped me to make that happen – staffing coordinators as well as the office manager.
I’ve learned to be a good listener
Establishing good relationships with clients is difficult to do. It’s important to listen and not force your agenda on them. I’ve had good role models at the firm. You subtly learn what it takes to become a leader. I’ve learned that listening to my clients and responding to their concerns and issues is the best way to win their trust.
McKinsey has given me confidence
I’d been to India many times with my parents, but it was very exciting to go there for six months on a client study. We were helping build an M.B.A. school in India and there were some prominent CEOs on the board. It was intimidating, but McKinsey gives you credibility because people know the caliber of work we do. McKinsey has given me the confidence to interact with senior people.
Working with people should be fun
At McKinsey, when we talk to our clients, it’s not all about work, work, work. It’s about, “How’s everything going in your life? Let’s go out to lunch. Let’s enjoy what we’re doing.” You develop great relationships with some clients. On my first study, I went to lunch with my client every day because we enjoyed each other’s company so much.