Can you describe the experience of working as a business analyst in the first months?
From the very first day of work, business analysts are full-fledged members of an engagement team. McKinsey business analysts meet senior executives of major companies, take part in team discussions, and prepare the documents that our clients rely upon when making decisions. We support our business analysts and provide them with the resources they need in order to succeed, including support from subject-matter experts, research and information professionals, and graphic designers. We encourage independence and strive to hire people who are ready to solve complex tasks from the very first day at McKinsey and work collaboratively with our clients.
What is it like joining McKinsey as an experienced professional?
McKinsey recruits an increasing number of experienced professionals, leading to rich communities and networks of professionals from many different industries and backgrounds. Our clients value the diversity of knowledge and insight that experienced consultants bring to engagements and it is common for more experienced professionals to play key leadership roles on project teams.
What can I expect when starting with McKinsey and what is expected of me?
Solid consulting skills are very important for a successful career at McKinsey. The focus for most of your first year is on building and rounding out core consulting skills, such as structured problem solving, client communications, influencing, and analytics.
Before working on client engagements, consultants take part in training programs that introduce these core consulting skills. Once you begin client work, we try hard to provide experiences that will be optimal for your development. While we usually try to place you on projects that draw upon some aspect of your background, we will intentionally give you opportunities to solve problems that you may not have encountered before. This helps to build the general problem-solving skills that will contribute to your success over the long term.
What does a week in the life of McKinsey consultants look like?
Not every day is the same at McKinsey. See examples of what a week in the life of our consultants looks like.
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Is it possible to choose which projects to work on?
We encourage consultants to steer their professional development and specify their preferences among available projects. Our staffing specialists try to meet these preferences. However, staffing depends on a variety of factors, such as available projects, client needs, the specific skills required and the professional-development needs of consultants.
Do consultants specialize in certain industries or functions?
Most newly hired consultants begin as generalists. On reaching the position of engagement manager, they usually choose to focus more on areas that interest them. However, consultants who join a dedicated department work solely within their chosen area.
How long do client projects last?
Individual client engagements can run from 6 weeks to 6 months.
Are there opportunities to work in an international office and take part in international projects?
There are several options for participating in international projects. Our consultants often work in multinational teams or are involved in Russian-based projects for major international companies. Quite often such projects entail travel to other countries. We also hold training programs in different countries. Working with McKinsey starts with the Basic Consulting Readiness program (BCR), which may take place in Stockholm, Prague, London or another European city. Our consultants also travel abroad to participate in industry- and practice-specific knowledge-sharing events as well as corporate events.
Consultants interested in working globally can take advantage of our mobility program. Members of this program work for 6 to 12 months on projects in select McKinsey offices around the globe.
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working around the world on our global careers site.
What is the typical experience and educational background of your consultants?
We value diversity. Our consultants have various educational and professional backgrounds. The richness of our experiences gives McKinsey the range of expertise we need to tackle our clients’ most complex problems.
How does the Moscow office support women and working mothers?
We make every effort to create equal professional-growth opportunities for all consultants and colleagues. The share of women among the ranks of partners and engagement managers at McKinsey proves that we respect the interests of working mothers and help every person find the optimal balance between work and spare time. McKinsey’s Moscow office provides opportunities for consultants to take parental leave and work reduced schedules in order to meet family obligations.
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flexibility options on our global careers site.
What does the McKinsey Moscow office do besides work?
The atmosphere at McKinsey is informal and friendly. During the week most consultants work on location with clients, but on Fridays we get together at the office and have a chance to spend time with one another. The firm often holds special lunches or other events on these days. In addition, at the start of new projects, teams often decide to hold special events to get to know one another—it can be a joint weekend trip or a dinner with the team. Many consultants also take part in our Buddy Program, helping new colleagues get acquainted with everyone and make friends.