McKinsey Portugal

From science to consulting

I never imagined I would work for McKinsey…growing up I always felt torn between pursuing a career as a doctor or a physicist, so I ended up getting an undergraduate degree in physics and a PhD in medical physics. Both experiences were immensely rewarding, particularly learning from the best at MIT and Harvard, doing research in functional imaging in a cutting-edge environment, rubbing shoulders daily with Nobel prize winners (then as well as those who were in the making) and spending 3 months working as an intern in a hospital. Nothing prepared me, however, for the fast-paced, intense environment at McKinsey—to be constantly pushed out of my comfort zone and the tremendous personal and professional growth this experience has entailed.

I joined McKinsey as a junior associate, with zero experience in the “real world.” In fact, I learned “profit equals revenues minus costs” when preparing for my interviews. And then, suddenly, I was working alongside clients with years of experience in industries I knew nothing about and to my surprise, I was adding value.

Memorable projects and the McKinsey Hospital Institute

Of the many projects I was involved in three were really special to me: doing a business plan for a nonprofit nursing home, optimizing processes in the surgical wing of a general hospital, and working in the public sector at a moment of crisis in my country. All of these projects were about much more than increasing the profitability of a company; they were about enhancing people’s lives.

Additionally, I had the privilege of working at the McKinsey Hospital Institute, contributing to the firm knowledge base and returning to the hospital environment, but this time, in a management role.

Overall, working at McKinsey has been a very rewarding experience—I get the chance to do complex quantitative and analytical work (which I love!), while helping clients structure and solve problems—and I make friends in the process.

Advice to potential candidates

Take the opportunity. McKinsey will give you the skills you need to succeed in your professional life. Your life will never be the same and you will have a lot of fun.

Education