What first made me consider joining a management-consulting firm—and especially McKinsey—was that the problems one tackles are at a high level in our client businesses.

Choosing McKinsey

At the onset of my university studies, I expected to join an industrial company when I graduated. What first made me consider joining a management-consulting firm—and especially McKinsey—was that the problems one tackles are at a high level in our client businesses. They are difficult problems of great concern for the client and make a big difference for the companies when solved.

As I got to know McKinsey better, I became very motivated to join the firm and apply for an internship for two other reasons as well. Most important was the people I met and the culture I got to experience. My experience until then, and also now, is that my colleagues at McKinsey are very nice, pleasant, and enjoyable people. Also, there seemed to be a strong culture of collaboration, with high team morale and colleagues who help each other and like to have fun together outside of work, too. Furthermore, I appreciated the diversity of the firm, where competent, genuine, and driven people from all types of backgrounds come together and use their perspectives to solve complex problems. The second reason was the firm’s focus on leadership development. The track record of McKinsey alumni in managerial positions, which seemed to me a token of how the firm is able to nourish the leadership skills of its employees, is something I was, and am, very keen to experience.

Expectations for McKinsey

My expectations about working at McKinsey were high. On the one side, I had read about the firm in business courses and was especially impressed by a case study that my strategic-management professor had done on McKinsey’s knowledge-management system. On the other side, I had also enjoyed getting to know the firm a little better during McKinsey Adventure in Oslo and after having a great day with interviewing. However, all my expectations have been more than satisfied. I am always equally impressed that the firm is professional in every respect and that everything an organization should implement is already in place.

Rewarding and meaningful experiences

My first project with the firm, after finishing my studies, was the perfect project for me and a greatly memorable and meaningful work experience. It hit the spot thematically: working with a big energy company on a renewable-energy strategy and the transition to a more sustainable climate. This was exactly the type of project I wanted to work on—cleantech, renewable integration, and the energy transition. I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to experience a project of this type and, more important, get to know some of the partners working on these issues. In the end, I hope I can use my time with the firm to help businesses figure out how they can make money in a more climate-friendly manner and to make some small contribution to solving one of the greatest problems humankind faces in the coming century.

Education

Norwegian University of Science and Technology
MSc, environmental engineering, electric power engineering
MSc, technology management, industrial engineering