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Shikha

The supportive, close-knit culture at the firm encourages us to bring the best of ourselves to work and build meaningful relationships with our colleagues.

Wearing multiple hats

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering and an MBA in operations management, and in the early part of my career I worked at an IT consultancy. But what I really wanted was to work for an organization that offered opportunities for worldwide collaboration on complex challenges. This is why I applied to McKinsey—and I am so glad I joined the firm.

In my role, I wear a number of hats. I spend part of my time on client engagements and part of my time leading and coaching a team. The problem-solving aspect of my client-facing work really energizes me, and at the same time I get great satisfaction from enabling colleagues on my team to achieve their goals.

Solutions to complex challenges

Each of our clients brings a different set of challenges, and I find it hugely rewarding to help develop tailored solutions. For instance, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked with senior McKinsey leaders to generate insights that would help our clients navigate this difficult period. The firm launched a global survey to understand how businesses in different sectors were affected by the pandemic. Based on this research, we designed and conducted webinars that offered practical guidance to client executives.

A close knit, caring culture

During my time with the firm, I have learned you can truly shape your own path—in other words, “make your own McKinsey”. The supportive, close-knit culture at the firm encourages us to bring the best of ourselves to work and build meaningful relationships with our colleagues. Everyone is given an equal chance to put their ideas forward, and all input is valued.

The art of work-life harmony

Achieving work-life harmony is an art. Our work at McKinsey is fast-paced, but we are given the support we need to reflect, recharge, and achieve balance. I’ve been able to prioritize my responsibilities at work, which has helped me maintain this critical balance. I make sure I set aside enough time to focus on my interests outside of work, including sharing time with my family and engaging in my personal passion—gardening! I spend time in the garden every morning, and I start the workday refreshed and rejuvenated.