Akash
Why you joined McKinsey
As I was nearing graduation from college, I had spent considerable time studying and working in government, finance, and even in the arts. But no single place seemed to offer the diversity of experiences and training that I desired.
“McKinsey taught me how to make complex problems easier to understand and then solve.”
A friend suggested applying to McKinsey and soon I (miraculously) received an offer. I went back and spoke with my mentors in each of the fields I was interested in. I was surprised to hear each one say, “Go to McKinsey, they’ll make you even better prepared this field.” They mentioned some of the work the firm had done with them as well as the alumni that were now part of their organizations.
For a single firm to open so many doors and to have such a wide range of opportunities, I thought that was incredible.
Communication and confidences
On my first study, we were traveling to eight different markets in Asia to determine a growth strategy for an American financial institution. Not only did residents of each country have different standards of living, but they saw banks in different ways. We had to communicate a cohesive market entry strategy that took into account the nuances of the financial system across borders. At first you wonder, “Is it even possible to gather so much information, create a synthesized view and communicate it an actionable way?” On that first study and every project hence, my colleagues and mentors continue to teach me how to do those very same things.
Client impact
As a firm, McKinsey serves some of the largest organizations in the world—corporations, government agencies, nonprofits. But in my day-to-day job, I realize that I am advising an institution as well as people—real people who are looking for good advice and have lots to give as well.
One client of mine had been with his company for over 30 years. After working closely (and often intensely) with him for nearly five months, he took me aside one day and said that this project and type of cooperation we had engendered had rejuvenated his career.
Variety of experience
Part of the reason I joined McKinsey was to build a diverse skill-set from a wide range of experiences. My work has taken me from advising a nonprofit on how to better connect with high-school students to developing a new business unit for a major financial institution to working with a leading public sector institution on how to improve its core operations. From the types of clients to geography to the kind of work, I feel like I’ve had consistent opportunities to grow and expand my skills across a wide range of situations.
Office connectivity
One of the nicest surprises I found at McKinsey was the wealth of opportunities beyond consulting studies. We are expected to shape the office with our ideas and make contributions to the entire firm.
I got heavily involved with my university recruiting team helping to design and expand our outreach program. Then one day, I got a call from a partner asking me to join a new standing committee that was to look at opportunities to enhance the BA experience. In these opportunities and many others, I feel that I am leaving my own mark on the firm and hopefully making it a little bit better along the way. That feeling of closeness to your colleagues also goes beyond one’s own office. Through different studies, retreats, and training events, I feel like I am part of a broader BA network that spans across the world. Sometimes it seems just as easy to know people in an office across the globe as it is the next state over.
Personal favorites
Favorite book: "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh, "The Great Game" by Peter Hopkirk
Favorite Movie: "To Catch a Thief," "The Bourne Identity"
Hobbies/interests: Writing (fiction mostly), tennis, reading political gossip
Something fun/crazy/special/unique about me: I co-authored a book with my brother when I was in college
Favorite place traveled to, and why?: Egypt. It's amazing to think of an ancient civilization that could build something that inspires so much awe even today (especially when you secretly climb the grand pyramids at night!)