I didn’t originally plan to become a consultant. I studied law in Switzerland and Spain, obtained my master’s degree in Zurich, and spent a while as a legal assistant with a Swiss law firm. Law helped me structure my thinking and improve my problem solving, but after I finished my studies I wanted to work in a more international environment and learn more about business.
When I heard about McKinsey, it seemed like the perfect match: a place where I could have real impact on big organizations, face new professional and personal challenges every day, and immerse myself in a multicultural working environment.
Gaining experience
Something I really appreciate about working here is that I have a lot of freedom to choose my projects. If you want to work in a particular sector or function, you can make it happen. Before I discovered how much I like consumer goods and retail, I enjoyed exploring a range of industries: banking, pharma, retail, telecom, real estate, and high tech.
Going deeper
In my current retail project, I lead a team of five consultants and we work with a core team of 10 or so client executives. Our goal is to increase the profitability of two product categories from end to end, including value proposition, pricing, assortment, store operations, supply chain, and logistics. When I’m faced with such wide scope, I have to prioritize and think like an entrepreneur. What would I do if it was my business?
Making a move
As well as deepening my insights into different industries, I also wanted to broaden my horizons by working abroad. I’ve worked in several European countries and the US, and spent six months in South Africa and more than a year in Dubai.
I’ve also been on a transfer to our Amsterdam office. Opportunities for transfers are open to all consultants. The process is easy: I wrote a memo outlining why I wanted to take up the transfer, the Zurich office agreed to it, and then the Amsterdam office accepted me. I’d already worked on a project there so I knew some of the people, which helped me build up a support base.
Making the arrangements for the transfer took only a couple of weeks because McKinsey sorted out the immigration requirements, organized the move, and helped me find an apartment. When I got to Amsterdam, they paired me up with a buddy who helped me integrate socially and professionally.
Building knowledge
McKinsey also gave me practical support when I decided to further my education by gaining an MBA. They provided information about various business schools, put me in touch with alumni, and granted me a week’s paid leave to prepare my application.
While I was doing my MBA at INSEAD, spending nine months in Singapore and two in France, McKinsey paid me a generous living allowance. They also paid all my course fees on condition that I came back for two years afterwards.
Relishing the variety
One thing that stands out about life at McKinsey is the variety. The people I meet and work with are always very smart and driven, and they come from many different backgrounds and cultures. It’s the international mix and the great cross-section of experiences and perspectives that makes working here so stimulating and so much fun.