McKinsey Southern US

After nine years at ExxonMobil, I decided to join McKinsey to broaden the industries I knew and also because of the firm’s global reach. In four amazing years, I have been able to pursue these goals and passions. I am just finishing a project in the Middle East helping one of the largest oil companies in the world improve drilling efficiency. One of my clients said recently: “This project must succeed, because if war starts we will have to accommodate lost production.” Wow. Is there bigger global impact?

In 2011, I worked on a growth strategy project for a Russian oil company. While my Russian is non-existent, it was amazing how the McKinsey team was able to help the client consider the strategic options and create a program to quadruple EBIT in 10 years. We felt that we delivered on a huge challenge.

Hard hat, big impact

Not all of my projects have been global. I balance international travel with local work with major oil field services companies, chemical plants and refineries where the work is very diverse. There is nothing like wearing the hard hat and steel toe shoes in the morning, discussing an issue with an employee in an aluminum smelter shop, and then presenting to the CFO in the afternoon. The work is fun and challenges me to employ different communication strategies and styles.

One contrast between working in industry versus McKinsey is the sense of excitement that comes at the end of each project. I find tremendous satisfaction, and at times astonishment, that I was part of something with massive impact and much larger than myself. In addition, it is exciting to decide what to work on next when you can choose among half a dozen new projects across a variety of industries and functional topics. McKinsey deals with huge, global challenges.

Working at McKinsey also gives me opportunities to work with fantastic partners and develop deep executive relationships. I know I’ve had opportunities over the last four years unrivaled by any other company or firm. The unique global experience with amazing clients, the daily feedback and coaching, and the formal training programs prepare me to pursue my career passions.

Past experience

Education