My path to technology consulting started in high school. Back then, I was focused on technical internships, in front-end development, data analysis, robotics, and other highly technical, hands-on work. However, I was most excited during strategic meetings with the leadership team where we discussed the business challenges and goals and how technology could transform the business.
Then when I was at Washington University in St. Louis, I attended one of McKinsey's info sessions and learned about their Digital and Analytics practice, which seemed like the perfect fit for me. I applied for and was hired as a summer business analyst intern in our Chicago office. After graduation, I worked in Paris as a product owner for a company in cloud-based data storage. Then about three years ago, I returned to McKinsey full time as a business analyst. I am now an engagement manager in Casablanca in the Digital and Analytics practice.
An accelerated career path
At just over a year, I was managing people and high-tier projects with CIOs, CTOs, and CEOs. Outside of my client work, I help lead and manage a few of our internal practices, including our Core Tech and Africa practice, as well as our Cloud Program Management and Realization practice globally. And I'm helping organize our European Cloud Leadership Forum.
Now, just three years into my career, I have worked in at least seven different countries and continents, and McKinsey recently sponsored and supported my transfer to Casablanca, as well. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and one I don’t think I would have experienced elsewhere. At other organizations, promotions and opportunities are often based on tenure, but at McKinsey, advancement is based on skills and merit.
My role as engagement manager
I lead a team of up to five consultants focused on a wide range of studies in the digital analytics space. I do most of my work in core technology, such as cloud or enterprise architecture, or for McKinsey Leap, which is our new business-building practice. I'm frequently working with consultants of different skills and backgrounds, for example, tech leads or designers, in addition to more classic consultants. My days vary a great deal, which keeps it fun.
I work mostly with private medium or large companies across industries, and I’ve done projects in banking, logistics, pharma, telecom, and more. We do a range of work, including larger scale cloud migrations, but we also work with clients to build their own sovereign cloud. Additionally, we’re helping clients who want to build cloud native apps, but don’t have the infrastructure or the knowledge to do so. At this point, I don’t feel rushed to specialize in an industry. I think that’s one of the biggest value propositions of working at McKinsey. I can apply my expertise across industries, people, places, and contexts.
Lastly, I also research, write and publish articles, and host podcasts on core tech and cloud.
Meaningful work with a powerful impact
My favorite project so far falls at the intersection of McKinsey Leap and cloud. It was mid-pandemic, and we helped a company that did preclinical trials launch a new cloud native application. It took us six months, and we were immediately able to onboard existing customers who were working on vital research and COVID vaccination development. This app helped them improve their research and advance their science to help solve a critical world-wide problem, so it was highly rewarding.
I was the product owner for the cloud engineering squad responsible for standing up their cloud infrastructure from scratch. I was on the ground with the team, and seeing something go from ideation to launch so early in my career had a big impact on me.
Rapid growth and development
Companies hire McKinsey to help them with their most important objectives, and we are constantly facing new technical challenges. The learning curve can be steep, but we’re given the resources to succeed. My colleagues, partners, and senior partners have helped me to hone my problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
McKinsey also provides ample technical training. As an integrated consultant, I'm usually not working directly with specific technology, but it’s important for me to understand how it works. My first year, McKinsey sponsored my training on DevOps, paid for my examination, and gave me dedicated days to study, so I could earn the certification. Right now, I am in the process of earning my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification the firm is sponsoring so I have the knowledge base when working with clients who are transitioning to AWS.
The learning possibilities are limitless here.
More about me
I help lead our Digital & Analytics Women affinity group, planning a series of events, programming, speakers, and social events to offer both educational and networking opportunities. I am also involved in GLAM, which is McKinsey’s network for LGTBQ+ colleagues, and I am promoting its presence here.
I'm also an avid soccer player, and I’ve played competitively my whole life, including for my university team, where we won a national championship. I even play in the McKinsey World Cup, where different offices play each other.