McKinsey Korea

Why McKinsey

Without fully understanding what management consulting was about, I joined McKinsey back in 1998 when the consulting industry itself was relatively unknown in the country. Looking back, McKinsey’s dynamic atmosphere and exceptional professionalism has attracted and kept me at the firm throughout the years. You see these characteristics every day, and I really enjoy working in this kind of environment. For me, knowing that my support is part of a greater effort to achieve true impact and add value to our clients—work that often expands into the public sector as well—is truly fulfilling and gives me a sense of great satisfaction.

What I have seen and experienced firsthand while working with our consultants and other colleagues has certainly improved my skills as I have adopted many of the great traits I see in them. Prior to joining the firm, concluding a task with a “good enough” grade was acceptable but McKinsey taught me that one’s best performance is the standard for finishing a task in the firm. Over the years, through various coaching as well as learning from seniors and colleagues, I have pushed the boundaries of my skills and work scope and gradually evolved my role. As they say within the firm, I am, “shaping my own McKinsey.”

A second career

After two and a half years with the firm, I decided to begin a second career in accounting and finance. Having learned from my peers and seeing how others constantly push themselves to get better, I discovered my own desire to try a different role in a completely different area. I believe the professionalism that I acquired at McKinsey had become a catalyst for me to strive to become a CPA and venture out into another field.

Being a senior accountant at McKinsey requires me to collaborate with several stakeholders in the firm as we work together on various firm initiatives. Under the one-firm principle, all local offices are closely linked and it is essential that we share knowledge and expertise with global colleagues. Needless to say, those exchanges and interactions with coworkers from around the world have enriched my career at McKinsey and added to my experience.

Global network

McKinsey is truly the right place to see how a global firm looks like and operates. The finance functions in Asia are all addressed as a group, so relevant emails and updates about outstanding issues are shared with everyone. Through active sharing of experience, I can maintain the firm’s standard at our local location and expand my knowledge as well. We all aim for the same goal, namely to streamline different approaches under the one-firm principle that guides life in McKinsey. For me, my experience at McKinsey has been truly a joyful journey as I am constantly learning new things. The firm has fueled my own desire to develop and grow further.

Education