Q&A with Rachel
What led Rachel to McKinsey was her passion for China–which included hitchhiking over 8,000 miles across the country on long-haul trucks for her Fulbright project (view Rachel's photo-essay of China's long-haul trucking industry). Once she made the decision to join McKinsey, she was fortunate to go right to Shanghai, taking on a fascinating project almost from day one. Beyond her professional growth, Rachel talks about the powerful effect that McKinsey has had on her self-presentation and self-confidence.
Interviewer: Your decision came down to McKinsey and another consulting firm. Why did you choose McKinsey?
Rachel: The choice was obvious. McKinsey represented the most diverse group of people, in terms of interests, backgrounds, geographies. Plus there was a focus on bringing in folks who had done really unique things.
Interviewer: There are many roads that lead to McKinsey as well.
Rachel: No doubt. There is no one track that people take, and more than ever the new classes have had all types of experiences that aren't necessarily traditional. There’s also a really strong social conscience in the class.
Interviewer: As I understand it, your decision was also motivated by a strong desire to work in one specific part of the world.
Rachel: I have a deep interest in China and had spent significant time there. That includes a lot hitchhiking, since I was researching the trucking industry in China on a Fulbright grant. I knew McKinsey would offer the most opportunity for me to work there–and it did happen! My first study was in Shanghai!
Interviewer: Even though you researched McKinsey extensively–you’re that kind of person–were there still surprises?
Rachel: The sheer number of different things that we do. It's not a job where you can describe any kind of "regular" tasks or daily routine.
Interviewer: Time for a quick vocabulary assignment. What three adjectives best define the firm? What three verbs?
Rachel: Adjectives: energetic, committed, team-oriented.
Verbs: debate, communicate, grow.
Interviewer: When have you most felt like you were making a contribution that made the world a better place?
Rachel: Right now, with my work at the World Economic Forum. The forum and McKinsey are collaborating on a research project on digital media, examining how digital media is changing the way the governments, businesses, and citizens interact. We’re hosting workshops in London and Jakarta, bringing people together who would rarely otherwise sit at the same table, helping them hash out issues related to freedom of expression, privacy, and intellectual property.
Interviewer: How has working at McKinsey helped you grow individually–come out of your shell, if I can put it that way?
Rachel: It's fast-tracked my transformation from student to professional. As a student I was very comfortable interacting with peers and professors within the structure of my university, Brown. But I was easily intimidated by older adults, and I was quite shy in terms of seeking out help and opportunities outside my familiar school setting.
McKinsey helped me break out of those limitations, teaching me to speak with a new level of legitimacy, and giving me the confidence to ask questions no matter who I am talking to.
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