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Heidi

AssociateLuxembourg

I underestimated how much I would learn from working with colleagues representing diverse backgrounds, ranging from technical skills, like building models and creating compelling presentations, to developing interpersonal skills when working with different clients and teams.

What made you choose McKinsey?

I have travelled a lot during my time at university as part of multiple exchanges and international internships, and really wanted to continue this in my professional life, as I love to learn about different cultures and I always get inspired from being in a new environment. Consulting spoke to me as it offers the opportunity to travel. For example, I actively reach out to international teams to participate in projects abroad. Prior to COVID-19, consultants typically spent Monday to Thursday at the client site, often located abroad. On Fridays however, we used to return to the office and spend time with our colleagues. This was a great way to balance local network with international experience. Consulting allows me to work on a wide variety of topics with different clients; even during COVID times.

Is life at McKinsey what you expected?

It has truly exceeded my expectations! I anticipated to travel, but I never thought I would work in ten different countries across the globe in my first three years. I did expect to experience a steep learning curve from getting to know many industries in a short period of time, but I underestimated how much I would learn on top of that from working with colleagues representing diverse backgrounds, ranging from technical skills, like building models and creating compelling presentations, to developing interpersonal skills when working with different clients and teams. I met the most amazing people along my journey, many of whom I still consider my close friends.

How has the firm supported your interests?

I had a background in fashion and start-ups, but when I joined McKinsey, I started broadly and worked in many different industries, including banking, public sector, and logistics. After a while I decided to move back to my passion, and I now happily spend the majority of my time in the consumer sector, particularly in fashion. One of my favourite projects was working for the Global Fashion Agenda, where we worked toward a publication about decarbonization in the fashion industry by 2030. Because sustainability in fashion is a passion of mine, I absolutely loved that I could contribute to such an important topic.

What difference does it make to work at a global firm?

McKinsey is one global firm, and it allows me to serve clients from all across the world. I spend a fair share of my time on networking with partners and teams from other offices to stay in the loop of project opportunities, so that I can join international teams and clients when there is a staffing opening that fits. Even during COVID-19 times, networking remains key. From junior associates to partners, everyone makes time for quick catch-ups and coffee chats over Zoom; this is something that’s embedded in our culture.