Maria
Business Analyst
Growing Up on Two Continents
I am half Polish and half South African. I was born in Krakow. My parents met at the university there; my dad is originally from South Africa and was doing his doctorate in Poland during the apartheid regime. We moved back when Mandela was elected (I was about 8 at the time) so my dad could help shape the country as part of the ANC government. My dad’s role has helped me realize that impact can be made by the little people – and that I could make a positive change in the world, too.
I’ve worked with people from different countries and different parts of the firm, different specialists and experts… I think that’s the most fantastic thing in the world.
Why McKinsey?
Up to my final year of studies at the University of Cape Town, I was set on going into accounting. But after interning with a couple of auditing firms, I realized I wanted to be more actively involved in shaping companies and helping them face challenges. Around that time McKinsey hosted a recruiting event on campus. I met a couple of Business Analysts who stressed the industry exposure, learning opportunities, and the chance to travel within Africa that you get at the firm. (Of all the consulting companies, McKinsey has one of the biggest networks in Africa.) I made the decision to apply.
Learning to Fly
In the three months that I’ve been at the firm, I’ve been on four different engagements in four different industries. I did a branding study for a consumer goods company. I’ve worked in mining procurement. And currently I’m working in the travel infrastructure and logistics industry.
The most memorable study has to be an aviation growth strategy for the national airlines of two African countries. The document we were preparing was discussed by two heads of state. I had only been working at McKinsey for 3 weeks, and I was getting that type of exposure. It was quite an unbelievable experience.
Looking Ahead
I look at McKinsey as an opportunity to figure out what industry I would eventually like to venture into – and pick up even more skills and insights into that industry – before I move into something a bit more entrepreneurial. I would like continue to build upon the exposure working in Africa that I now have. And I’d love to do a third year in my birthplace in Poland, where McKinsey has an office. I haven’t been there since I left, and I feel lucky that the McKinsey network is there.
Free Time
I enjoy going out with friends, reading, and going to the movies. I jog pretty much every morning and am quite passionate about wine. I also hang out quite a bit with my fellow Business Analysts from McKinsey – the group here in South Africa is so great; you can’t help wanting to spend more time with them! Recently a bunch of us BAs went on an overnight camping trip 30 minutes outside of Johannesburg.