Interviewer: Why did you apply to McKinsey?
Tanvi: Graduating from university, I applied to several top global consulting firms; they all promised me opportunities to work on cutting-edge strategy for a plethora of clients across sectors. What stood out about McKinsey was the sense of belonging I felt. McKinsey’s people were passionate about their work and united by strong values and culture. That made a huge difference; it made McKinsey feel more like a home than a house.
Interviewer: What keeps you here?
Tanvi: Two things: McKinsey lets me explore and learn about different industries and functions. In the 10 months I’ve been here, I’ve served clients in automotive, consumer and healthcare on topics ranging from R&D, to strategy, marketing and due diligence. Second, McKinsey cares for and values me and my colleagues. People take time to help me develop as a professionals and an individual. My mentors and teammates provide frequent feedback that highlights ways for me to use my strengths to grow. McKinsey has become like a family to me.
Interviewer: What is your typical day at McKinsey like?
Tanvi: I wake up around 7:30am, get ready, eat a quick breakfast, and leave for the client site. On my way to work, I go through some emails and read the newspaper. My team begins its day around 9:00am. The four of us (one manager and three associates) check in with each other to discuss our deliverables for the day. I spend the rest of the morning structuring my workstream, running some analyses and setting up any necessary client interviews. My team usually breaks for lunch around 1:30pm. During the second half of the day, I continue my work and conduct client interviews and meetings. I briefly touch base with my engagement manager to share my progress and raise any issues I need help to resolve. In the evening, we sometimes have a problem solving session with our leadership (McKinsey partners on the engagement) to discuss our findings and recommendations to date and our plan for further analyses, interviews, etc. Afterwards we check out as a team and grab a quick snack or early dinner at around 7:30pm. I usually wrap up by 9:00pm and head home to spend an hour or two with my family and friends, read a book or watch some TV. Before bed, I review my schedule for the next day and update my to-do list. I usually head to bed by midnight.
Interviewer: What have you been involved with outside of client work?
Tanvi: There are so many options for how you get involved in the firm community. I’m working on BA Day, an initiative aimed at bringing together the business analysts in our Indian offices to help us all better understand how to make the most of our role and our time at the firm. I’m also actively involved in recruiting, acting as a buddy (informal mentor) for candidates applying after their graduation.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to others who are considering McKinsey?
Tanvi: Be yourself; the people make McKinsey the great place it is. Get to know us and allow us to get to know you. Our interview process is designed to let you get a feel for who we are and the work we do and let us learn more about you. If you join, know your McKinsey journey will be filled with opportunity so give every second your all.