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Alex

Engagement Manager, Toronto

I quickly found a home in McKinsey’s Consumer and Retail Practice in Asia, where I met sponsors who have supported me throughout my journey here.

My path to McKinsey

I joined McKinsey Vietnam right after graduating from business school. Given my previous consumer product goods industry experience, I quickly found a home in Asia’s Consumer and Retail Practice.

I’ve also been given the opportunity to work in various other industries. In the past year alone, I have served clients across real estate, digital transformations in the public sector, organization, and economic development.

Choosing McKinsey

From my first phone interview when I applied for McKinsey in New York, all the way until my welcome gathering when I joined in Hanoi, I have always found connections with colleagues in the firm. It has been a privilege to work with driven, intellectually curious, and humble people every day.

Finding support

I remember worrying if joining as an associate I’d feel equipped enough to lead workstreams independently. However, the training provided before I even began my first project was a huge help. I was also paired with an experienced colleague during my first project who shared applicable tips and tricks. Along the way, I also discovered that the key to navigating the firm is to be willing to open up and share challenges early. You will always find people who are more than happy to set aside time and help you.

Working with clients

Having worked on several projects in the firm, I have received my fair shares of farewell gifts from clients. I consider them as ‘trophies of good work’ and reminder that as consultants, our role goes beyond just serving institutions but transforming people in the organization.

Discovering new skills

I was involved in a Robotic Process Automation project last year where I had to code—a skill I had never fully developed. Yet, after this project, I found my passion for digital and analytics and decided to take multiple courses on it. I’m now preparing for upcoming client projects in related spaces.

Education

Yale School of Management, US
Master of Advanced Management (MAM)

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Ireland
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Foreign Trade University, Vietnam
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business Administration