Flexibility and choice
Work options beyond the traditional full-time arrangement
Often, men and women considering joining McKinsey wonder whether anyone works other than full-time and, if so, whether these individuals are successful at the firm.
The fact is, McKinsey has been supporting flexible working arrangements, including a variety of part-time options, for more than 15 years. Since the firm started formally offering flexible programs in 1992, more than 900 consultants have spent time on part-time programs, with more than 40 of them having been elected partners while doing so. Learn more about how flexibility is supported.
While part-time programs are often top of mind when thinking about career flexibility, flexibility at McKinsey also includes a myriad of other options. (Click on each item to read about someone who has taken this option.)
To learn about other unique career paths at the firm, visit Many Paths to Success.
Tucker
Role: Engagement Manager
Location: Washington, D.C.
Flexible option: Taking a leave of absence
When consultants have important personal or professional opportunities outside of McKinsey that they wish to pursue, a temporary leave of absence can make sense. Tucker took advantage of this option as an associate.
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Ellie
Role: Associate Principal
Location: Minneapolis
Flexible option: Working a part-time schedule
Depending on what’s going on their personal lives, consultants take advantage of ramping up to a part-time schedule. This was Ellie’s experience when she returned from maternity leave.
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Franz
Role: Associate Principal
Location: Rome
Flexible option: Working fewer days per week
Having a day or two outside of work each week helps some consultants better balance their personal and professional goals. Franz works on an 80-90% schedule since January 2006.
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Maia
Role: Partner
Location: Cleveland
Flexible option: Switching to another "track" (temporarily or permanently)
Moving to a role that focuses on knowledge building (and on bringing that knowledge to clients) really appeals to some of our consultants, and can provide greater flexibility. Maia combined her roles in professional development and in the Operations Practice with a reduced-days-per-week schedule.
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