Deepa

Associate Principal

Tell us a bit about your career before McKinsey?

Before McKinsey, I worked for 5 years with Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young in their accounting and tax practice. During that time, I also qualified as a Chartered Accountant. I focussed on clients in the financial services industry and specialised in corporate tax and regulation. 

What made you decide to leave accountancy?

I wanted to broaden the scope of my advisory services and as well as elevate it to touch strategic problems being faced by clients. So I decided to leave accountancy and decided to pursue an MBA at the London Business School to facilitate a career change. 

How did you come to apply to McKinsey?

During the MBA, when I was considering management consulting as career option, I applied to McKinsey as it was my first choice. My choice was driven by the overall reputation of the Firm as well as the people that I met during the recruitment process. 

What did you find most challenging about the interview process?

As the case interview process is quite different in comparison to other interviews, I found it challenging at first but with practice started enjoying it. 

How has you background as an accountant helped you at McKinsey?

My background as an accountant has provided me with a solid grasp on corporate finance and accounting issues as well as helped me build credibility with senior clients in the finance function like CFOs (who tend to be accountants).