Tiffany
Production Systems Design Center Analyst
Choosing the Operations Practice
I was excited to get an offer from the McKinsey Operations practice, but I did not accept immediately. One concern was the fact that I would have to make some lifestyle trade offs I was not sure I wanted to make—I was hoping to move to Chicago, but the Production Systems Design Center (PSDC), a part of the Operations practice, was only in Orange County at the time. McKinsey connected me to consultants and partners from around the firm to give me a perspective on life as a Business Analyst, a woman, someone in the Orange County office, a minority, and a member of the Operations practice. By the time I had finished all my calls and my office visit, I felt like I had a true picture of what life at McKinsey would be like. The decision was then quite easy—I realized that joining McKinsey and the Operations practice would be a great way for me to get exposure to a wide variety of industries and great people.
“The number of things that can get done in 24 hours here is amazing!”
Seeing the World
Working at McKinsey has given me a chance to see the world in both training and client situations. In the past year, I’ve traveled to South Africa, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Thailand, Australia, and Japan (not to mention lots of great cities around the United States, like Austin, Texas, and Fishkill, New York). Getting to see so many places both domestically and abroad has provided me with the opportunity to learn about new cultures and try a lot of great local dishes. In every place I’ve been, the business culture is just a little different; figuring out the best way to get things done has been a challenge I’ve enjoyed every time.
Anything is Possible
One thing that I’ve learned here is to be more persistent and challenge the status quo. Just because a client tells you that’s the way something has always been done does not mean things have to stay that way. Thinking outside of the box is a valuable skill that I know will help me in my next career and in my personal life as well. Since working at McKinsey, I’ve also learned that the number of things that can get done in 24 hours here is amazing! “Not possible” is a phrase no Engagement Manager or Partner wants to hear, and I’ve removed it from my vocabulary.
Transforming Clients
On my first study, I saw a great transition in one of the front line managers I was working closely with. When we first began the study, he was afraid to speak up in front of the management team. He would shuffle into the meetings and try to hide in the back. By the end of our 5-month study, he had transformed into a totally different person, preparing updates on his initiatives and presenting them to the group. His manager looked at him in a new light and gave him greater responsibilities. It was a wonderful feeling to know that I had helped him get to that point.
Working in the OC
The Orange County office is relatively small, so we have a lot of opportunities to interact with one another. Friday lunch is always a great time to catch up with everyone and hear stories about the week with the client. Over the past year, we’ve had many happy hours, a trip to Disneyland, a retreat with the other West Coast offices to Las Vegas, and numerous goodbye and welcome parties. We also celebrate all of the major holidays together, like St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. Besides our activities in the OC, we are affiliated with the Los Angeles office and have larger activities with them, like the holiday party and trips to sporting events.
Personal Favorites
Favorite book: I pretty much enjoy everything that I read, but A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is one that I would definitely recommend.
Hobbies/interests: I love to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family.
Something fun/crazy/special/unique about me: I got teary-eyed at the end of my first study—after working together for 5 months, I was sad to leave the client and my team.
Favorite place that you’ve traveled to, and why? My favorite trip so far has been to Cape Town, South Africa. I had great company (a couple of the people that I was traveling with were from McKinsey) and even though I was only there for a few days, I managed to see whales, taste wine at a vineyard, visit Robben Island, hike around Table Mountain, and hang out at the beach. It was an unforgettable experience.