McKinsey Korea

Why McKinsey

“What is my next step?” This was a question that had been plaguing me for a while as I was about to finish my PhD course work. Like everyone else, I was looking for a job but I wanted to do work that would also make some positive impact on society. It was the Insight Asia internship program by McKinsey that provided me with the answer that I was looking for.

To my joy, I discovered that both people working at McKinsey and those who wanted to work there shared the same passion and aspirations. Despite our different backgrounds and personalities, we all desired to help not only clients but societies. We wanted to create impact that could change the life of people for the better. The program gave me a taste of how a diverse team was molded into a unit that develops unique approaches and solutions for a given problem.

Upon joining the firm, I really have come to understand why McKinsey is what it is, namely a place with great people who strive to have lasting client impact all over the world.

McKinsey cares about people

There are many companies that employ great minds with great capabilities, although I believe that alone isn’t sufficient to be a truly successful company. McKinsey proves this point. Regardless of location, very talented people actively share with each other through various forms (such as workshops) ideas and expertise without any regard to hierarchy. They respect each other and are willing to help any colleague who has trouble with a problem. I certainly learned a lot whenever I talked to partners or experts in other offices, seeking wisdom in different areas. Although I was only in my second month with the firm, everyone in our global network tried to help me in getting familiar with the inner workings of the firm. It is this culture that nurtures McKinsey people and results in the synergies of ideas and solutions that help our clients.

McKinsey encourages development

We all strive to become better. I certainly do, but it helps if I am motivated by others as well. In this context, McKinsey is probably one of the best places for development because culturally we are always encouraged to challenge ourselves and deliver the best to our clients. There is one-on-one feedback and coaching in our teams as well as mentorship by leaders that help me know my strengths and weaknesses. I do a lot of problem solving. Sometimes I struggle, but I can easily find great support from my colleagues and leadership. Knowing exactly what I need to improve has helped me grow as an individual in various ways.

McKinsey supports our society

One of the projects that I worked on really made a lasting impression on me. Our team was serving a local government in creating strategic initiatives to achieve the vision of the city. The project provided me with a chance to think about our social problems and possible solutions—much as with the mindset of a city governor. McKinsey has continuously been involved in similar projects, as the firm believes in having a shared responsibility to support our society and be a responsible member of it. This is true for all McKinsey offices around the globe.

For me, my time at McKinsey is very much like a journey of constant learning but also giving to others. Had I not joined the firm, I wonder whether I would have had the kind of experience elsewhere that I am having here.

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