After conducting research for several years on the effects of human activities on the chemistry of particles in the air, I was ready to get out in the world and be part of change that matters. Believing that businesses will be crucial players in driving our transition to a low carbon economy and a cleaner future, I wanted to be part of that revolution through a career beyond academia. With sustainability and renewable energy topics growing at an accelerated pace at McKinsey, joining the firm felt like the right move to simultaneously pursue my passion and gain business experience. The fast-paced environment and the opportunity to work on a variety of topics were also quite appealing to me. So, I finished my PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering, packed my things in Boston, and drove across the country to join McKinsey in Southern California.
Following my passion
Since joining McKinsey, I have mostly served clients in Global Energy and Materials (GEM). I have helped clients in North America and beyond answer questions such as, “How can I improve the reliability of my power assets?” “How can I increase the productivity of my solar panels salesforce?” “How can I optimize the production and lifetime of my ore production facilities?" Within GEM, I focus on electric power and natural gas issues. Taking advantage of the different paths within the firm, I recently started a rotation with our Power Solutions group that leverages digital tools and advanced analytics to help utilities solve their most pressing challenges, from decarbonization to reliability or climate resilience. This specialist role is giving me experience in a start-up environment within the firm, while I’m working at the intersection of science, technology, and the industry.
Insights and advice for recruits
Beside feeding my fascination for solving complex problems and honing my analytical skills, this job has taught me much about agile execution, project management, team dynamics, and other soft skills. McKinsey has been an incomparable school on these dimensions. One of my favorite things about the firm is that I’m surrounded by incredibly smart and hard-working people who push my limits and help me use qualities I did not even know I had.
As a woman working in industries typically dominated by men, I would love to see more women join and work in my area. As a Latina, I would love to see more minorities apply. McKinsey has a great support system, including affinity groups such as the Hispanic and Latino Network, through which I have met many fellow Brazilians and other Latin Americans. Particularly for those who are part of a minority group and do not have a business background, as was my case, I know the selection process for a management consulting job can be intimidating. My advice is not to see this as point for concern or lower confidence, but as an asset and point of distinction.
About Suzane
Suzane is an associate in the Southern California office. She earned her PhD in environmental science and engineering from Harvard, and her BS in chemical engineering from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. Outside of work, Suzane enjoys playing beach volleyball, biking, hiking, salsa dancing, and drinking wine while watching the sunset. She loves traveling and learning about astronomy, philosophy, and the mind & consciousness.
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