Katy
Business Analyst
Pleasant Surprises
My first day at the firm I was afraid that everyone was going to be too smart to waste their time with “new” people. Instead I found the exact opposite. Everyone was interested in getting to know me and wanted to know how they could support my success at the firm. Another surprise was that the culture of feedback actually lived up to what I had been told before I joined. Within my first week, I must have been given a hundred bits of on-the-spot feedback from my engagement manager and fellow team members. Everyone I work with, from my peers to the most senior partners, is genuinely interested in my success and happiness at the firm, and that makes for a rewarding place to work.
“Within my first week, I must have been given a hundred bits of on-the-spot feedback.”
Creating a Cohesive Recommendation
My studies have been varied since I joined the firm: helping to create a strategy for a consumerpackaged goods company, working to improve the logistics and communication between separate business units at a trash/recycling company, and identifying opportunities for another consumer packaged goods company. I’ve gotten to work closely with clients to validate findings and bring the right people together to translate analysis into actual changes “in the field,” to help build capabilities to make sure changes last, and to conduct interviews and workshops to gather input across the client organization. I have also researched competitors, customers, and overall trends in innovation. Bringing together multiple perspectives and inputs to create one cohesive recommendation for our client is both challenging and rewarding.
Office Fun
Frequently on Friday afternoons a group in the office has planned a happy hour at a local bar or one in the office common area. Everyone stops working around 4pm and starts the weekend by enjoying a drink with co-workers. This spring, the entire Southern Office (Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Houston, and Dallas), along with our significant others, went to a resort in Florida for two days. We had two professional programs focused on balancing work/life and leadership, and the rest of the time we could choose from various activities (e.g., golf, sail boat tour, tennis) and have a good time getting to know our colleagues better.
Goals for the Future
In 10 years, I hope to be working at a non-profit that is focused on creating a better future for children. I think that McKinsey will help me reach that goal through the non-profit consulting experiences available, the fundamental skill development provided, and the opportunities to make contacts with people involved with non-profits within their own communities, nationally and internationally.
Personal Favorites
Favorite book: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Favorite Movie: "The Breakfast Club"
Hobbies/interests: Cooking dinner with friends, running/walking, and shopping
Something fun/crazy/special/unique about me: I have my Coast Guard license.
Favorite place traveled to, and why? Traveling to Hawaii was my favorite trip. It is such a beautiful place with perfect weather and so much to do. I went snorkeling, took an ATV tour, went to a luau, learned to surf, and just relaxed on the beach. Everyone was extremely friendly, and the food was delicious, especially the fresh seafood and locally grown produce. This trip was also a special treat because I was able to get my plane ticket for $130 round-trip (normally $700!)—I took advantage of a brief airline pricing error.