When I went into university, I dreamed of building a flat-pack furniture company to cater to our ever-shrinking living spaces. I couldn’t pursue that after graduation, so I joined a company as a tech product manager. I was constantly irked by how some tasks were being done, and management gave me the green light to research what I could do to help them automate. From then on, I wanted to build tech solutions to cut inefficiencies.
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McKinsey_Website_Accessibility@mckinsey.comRebuilding my career
I had been in the workforce for five years when I decided to leave my comfort zone and follow my career passion. I took a sabbatical and went for a one-month intensive coding bootcamp in Silicon Valley. I wanted to see if after coding all day for 28 days straight, I was still interested in coding.
The answer was a definite yes, so I attended a coding academy with an instructor who both taught me new tech and assisted me in securing a job.
After chatting with my career counsellor about roles and organizations where I could work on a variety of projects across many markets, I decided to join McKinsey’s Digital Apprentice program. The fact that I would have new challenges to solve for many different types of clients sold it for me.
Interviewing with McKinsey
I used two crucial bits of advice to prepare for my interview. The alumni speakers at the coding academy recommended I do coding challenges online and continue to brush up on the basics. My recruiter recommended I review the interviewing section on McKinsey’s careers page for insights on how the interviews could go. As a result, I felt prepared.
Admittedly, for each interview, I was nervous not knowing what questions they were going to ask, but my nerves quickly melted away. I was surprised at how relaxed the interviewers made me feel. It felt more like a conversation, and they seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. I didn’t have to work hard to sell myself.
Realizing McKinsey was the right fit for me
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McKinsey_Website_Accessibility@mckinsey.comThroughout the process, everyone I spoke to showed an interest not just in my technical skills but what else I could bring to the firm. They cared about the excitement I had for building solutions. They asked how I wanted to grow professionally, and they were invested in how I could develop. Instead of turning away when I said I didn’t have much experience in some areas of tech development, they gave pointers on what I could continue working on.
After the interview, I was convinced McKinsey was the right place for me to start my journey into a new career.
My best advice for candidates applying from a coding school
Before applying and interviewing, think of what you would like to do with your time at the firm and what impact you want to bring to the world.
Don’t only focus on your tech skills, which can be honed over time. Bring your whole self and think of who you are besides a budding techie. Are you a leader? A problem solver? A detail-oriented person? An outstanding communicator? McKinsey is looking for the whole package.
Definitely do your research and check out the McKinsey careers site—the interviewing section is particularly useful. And, finally, be authentic, confident and enjoy it.
Apply to the Digital Apprentice program
More about Kalya
Kalya is a junior analyst with McKinsey Digital based in Singapore. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National University of Singapore. Prior to McKinsey, she was a fleet executive and a business analyst for Lumens Auto Pte Ltd.
Outside of work, Kalya is an avid puzzler and sports enthusiast. She loves to travel solo, speaks three languages, and is a former competitive swimmer.