McKinsey West Coast

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The most compelling reason to join McKinsey is the opportunity the firm provides to accelerate personal and professional growth. My experience is that this development is well-timed and continuous across career stages.

Applying an engineering PhD in the business world

In my first year, with an Engineering PhD background, my teams helped me apply my analytical thinking and problem solving skills in the McKinsey business context. I started by using my strengths to solve a new set of problems that were important for our clients. As I progressed from a first year to a second year Associate, I was coached and trained to develop my softer skills. Specifically, I learned how to best work with and build strong relationships with colleagues and clients, skills that are critical to delivering the lasting impact the firm wants to have.

Learning to coach and counsel clients

In my third year, I transitioned to the role of engagement manager. That transition was the most challenging, yet also the most rewarding. As a new engagement manager I became the “owner” of the problem and learned how to bring all the McKinsey resources available (talent, tools, research, experience) together to solve the client’s problem at hand. After my engagement management skills were fairly stable I focused more on building lasting client relationships, moving beyond the existing engagement and becoming more of a coach and counselor to clients and developing high performing teams made up of McKinsey colleagues from the West Coast office as well as elsewhere. This was really gratifying because it broadened my perspective on the firm and consulting generally.

Creating ongoing improvement and impact

Now I am in my fifth year, and as a new associate principal I am always concerned with sustaining improvements and having continuous impact for my core clients across a range of topics.

I continue to be amazed at the growth journey I have taken in just five years, both personal and professional, while at McKinsey. I feel grateful for the opportunity. It truly is unparalleled.