Analytics to Consulting (McKinsey)

Question

Hi all, I’m here to ask for career Advice.

I’m entering a final round interview with McKinsey. I never thought I would be McKinsey competitive so this really pleasantly surprised me when initially a recruiter reached out to me around a month ago to start this process. As I didn’t think I would make it this far, I didnt think too much about it, but did prepare appropriately. Now that I’m going into the final round, it really got me thinking of the possibility.

I’m a data scientist technical analyst (title is manager of analytics but Im really just a one man team managing a bunch of client analytics) at an actuarial consulting firm where my day to day involves stats, Econ, and mostly coding in Python, SQL (all in spark). Essentially I work directly with big data. The initial salary for McKinsey is around just 10% higher than what I am making now so salary is not a large area of concern although I believe McKinsey raise/year is higher.

Do you all think transitioning to consulting would be a good career move? I understand I would still be analytics but I would no longer be coding directly and I’m torn if that may actually hinder my career although I imagine the ceiling of my career is higher with McKinsey on my resume (if I pass the final round).

Anyone else transition from data to consulting?

Answer 1

Even as a technical specialist after a while you have to decide on whether you want to remain a technical expert, or you want to start managing people and clients. All careers have this same issue.

So the career path is the same - at some point you have to outgrow from pure technical capabilities, and if you don't your career will reach a plateau.

Do you think that Sergey Brin or Bill Gates still code? They don't. Do you really think it hindered their career?

Or you can compare Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (he chose to remain as an engineer). In your opinion who had the most succesful career? Who would you prefer to be?

Answer 2

Hi there,

Honestly, “good” and “bad” career move is totally subjective here.

It depends on what you want for yourself!

Analytics to consulting can be a good move, as can consulting to analytics!

What do you enjoy doing? Where do you see yourself? What are your skills?

This answer is pretty much impossible to answer for you (especially via a Q&A). Try and network and talk to people in these various roles of interest to see what seems to speak to you best.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I completely understand that you would be torn if you don't get to code directly - and it is true. With consulting - you would further be distanced from the dark-side of programming.

However, you need to evaluate this decision in term of career growth and trajectory. If you desire to continue in the blissful world of code then you'd rather climb up the ranks in that domain. If you go the consulting way - you are looking at a career trajectory that leads you in selling, client management, leadership, business development etc. etc. which is a completely different set of skills.

Happy to discuss your choices in more detail over message.