Sean

Associate Principal

What prompted you to investigate a career in consulting?

I had been planning for a career in either the Foreign Service or working with international institutions, but I decided after my M.Sc. in international relations that I would have more to offer if I addressed my complete lack of business understanding. At the time, I had no idea it would turn into a career!

What training and support have you received since starting?

I've had amazing training, from Basic Consulting Readiness—where I met fellow London new joiners who have since become valued colleagues and friends—to my most recent, Engagement Leadership Workshop, which was all about learning how to develop my own style of leadership that would be true to me.

What has been your greatest moment of satisfaction while at McKinsey?

Organising the global GLAM (Gays and Lesbians at McKinsey) conference in Berlin during my third year at the firm. It was inspiring to bring together such a talented group of people from around the world, and then humbling to see how it could be done even better the next year!

How did you manage the transition from your previous career to McKinsey?

Having worked in investment banking just before McKinsey, I had to learn how to work less. Seriously! On my first study I used to work on my model every weekend, until I realised that no one was expecting me to do so or asking to see it first thing Monday morning. I stopped working on the weekend, everything was fine, and I was shocked how much better I felt.

Was McKinsey what you expected? What has been your biggest surprise?

The high level of professionalism and challenging nature of projects we take on were as I expected, but I've been surprised by the amount of fun that I've had at McKinsey—whether at an office retreat, a training event, or just day to day in the team room or the office. The people I work with are what keep me motivated and enthusiastic about the firm.