Dear PrepLounge Community,
I am an incoming BA at McKinsey Middle East. Part of the offer mentions 3rd year in a different geography if you apply.
Is doing the 3rd year as a BA at McKinsey in a different geography dependent on your performance? Ie if I wanted to do my year in New York or London would I get the choice?
Additionally - do McKinsey expect you to go on and do the MBA or can you be directly promoted to Associate if you so choose?
Thanks
Hi there,
Unfortunately no you would not automatically get your choice. This is really dependent both on what's available during that time and how well you performed.
In terms of the MBA, it's actually not expected! You can absolutely keep rising up the ranks without and MBA.
To maximize your chances of a successful move to another geography
1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx
2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.
2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!
3) Look out for opportunities - Look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)
4) Practice patience and be flexible - This might take a year or two. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.
Hi,
yes, 3rd year exist in Mckinsey, but every local office can decide to agree to this initiative or not, thus you should first check whether your office concede third years:
1. Yes, it definitely depends on your performance. Not for your local office (they just send your application to the relevant office), but for the destination office. Every destination office has different requirements, but having a high ranking usually helps to decide which candidate to take in and which not
2. linked to the previous, London and NY are the most competitive offices in the world. They have the 3rd year option for sure, but many people apply every year and they can't accept everyone (just to give you an idea, it's going to be 1 every 10 consultants). Ranking is a good way to put you on top of the list, other requirements are an interest in the main sectors of the local office, strong motivation to move exactly in that office, internal networking, etc.
hope it helps!
Hi
Answers below
1. Yes absolutely! For top offices you need to be distinctive or tracking plus to be considered. Exceptions are there if a senior partner is asking for you so definitely build those relationships
2. Yes - US offices all allow DTA or direct to associate (In fact that is now the standard progress path, there is not longer a need to do any graduate degree and the top performers go on directly to EM role!). Some offices like India it is not standard but you can still do it with partner support. McKinsey was the first to move away from the MBA track as it realized the MBA wasn't a value add degree for current BAs that wanted to remain in the firm
All the best,
Udayan
Hi, if you are a good (not necessarily top) performer you can choose to spend your 3rd year in another office, in a company, or in an MBA program. In the case of joining another office I recommend starting to build some strong relationships with your target office (with at least EM seniority)
Best,
Antonello
Hi Anonymous,
1) Yes it's dependent on your performance for the most competitive offices like New York, London, ...
2) I believe there is no global uniform policy on that, but for most countries you can directly go to Associate. To be sure, best grab your phone and ask your HR contact to avoid speculation!
Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!
Robert
Dear A,
Yes, you need to show an outstanding performance in order to do an office transfer and be in top 20% of the BA cohort.
With regard to your other question, you are actually expected to leave McKinsey and do an MBA/ PHD and then come back. It's valid for most of the offices. However some offices like Moscow might be given you an exception way and you could be directly promoted.
As for Middle East, normally most of the people go for an MBA or leave.
Hope that helps,
Best,
André
Hi there,
I agree with other experts. If you are a good performer, you have a choice to get into another office, do the MBA or be promoted. It's up to you.
If you choose to apply to another office, don’t forget that the offices in New York and London are the most competitive and hardest to get into.
Do you need any further help?
All the best,
GB
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