Generalist vs expert

Question

We’ve hired McKinsey and have been working with them for the last seven months or so. I’ve built a pretty solid relationship with the team, and recently the senior partner asked if I would be interested in joining them. He explained that I would come in as a client to expert rather than a generalist (he didn’t really go in depth on the difference) and that he’d want me to be an AP, as he believes I would be good in both “sales” and knowledge. He told me to think about it, as it is still similar to the industry I’d be in, in terms of the “track” (still trying to adjust to consulting lingo lol), but he knows consulting would be a different industry for me.

Please, can someone first explain what an expert is and what the difference is? Second, what is the role of an AP? And third this might be a dumb question but why me? No, I’m not saying I’m not qualified, but more so I want to know what he saw that made him want to recruit me. I just want to understand what traits and qualities senior partners usually look for.

Answer 1

Good question.

Generalist consultants at AP level have normally come up through the ranks, done many types of projects, and then 'settled' on a few areas where they have some sector expertise. They may have joined as a BA straight out of college, or an Associate post-MBA, and worked at McKinsey for several years. I was a 'generalist' AP at McKinsey and worked across many different sectors before settling on a few that I enjoyed.

Expert consultants at AP level are normally experienced hires with previous sector knowledge, and are very focused on a specific sector and topic where they will work pretty exclusively. For example, I know expert APs who will only ever do operations work for major Oil and Gas companies, which is a very specific niche.

The differences between the track are as follows:

Generalist path almost always has a quicker path to Partner, since generalist APs are often able (and expected to) build a broader client base and sell more projects across a few sectors and areas of functional expertise
Expert path APs are expected to sell projects within their niche, but also contribute industry knowledge via asset-building and playing the role of a 'CD' (content director - basically an on-call content expert for other McKinsey teams working on topics in the AP's field of expertise).

Both types of AP are also expected to lead McKinsey project teams, and provide guidance and problem-solving support whilst also owning senior client relationships.

I expect you've been picked because the Senior Partner can see that you have deep sector expertise and network, with strong problem-solving capabilities - i.e., the core toolkit for an expert AP.

As I mentioned above, I was a generalist AP until April this year. Let me know if it's helpful to chat in more depth.

Answer 2

Here my thoughts on your questions :
1. What is an Expert vs. Generalist at McKinsey?

Expert: Deep knowledge in a specific area (e.g., marketing, supply chain). You’re brought in for your specialized industry insight.
Generalist: Rotates across industries and topics. Focused on broad problem-solving.

2. What is an AP (Associate Partner)?

A senior leader responsible for:
- Leading engagements
- Selling work to clients
- Building and scaling expertise
It’s the step before full Partner, where you get to be accountable for the content on 2-4 projects (usually).

3. Why you?

Obviously we cannot say without being there, but it could be because you likely showed:

Deep subject-matter expertise
Strong client presence and communication
Ability to build trust and shape thinking
Value that’s immediately useful to McKinsey’s clients

Answer 3

Hello!

not a dumb question at all! at McKinsey, generalists work across industries/functions and build broad problem-solving skills, while experts go deep in one domain (like supply chain, healthcare, AI etc.) and bring that expertise to client work. experts often have prior industry experience and join client-to-firm, like in your case.

AP (associate partner) is a leadership role, typically responsible for driving parts of client work, managing teams, and contributing to sales, especially if you bring in unique expertise. it’s a step before full partner.

as for “why you”: senior partners usually look for client presence, trust-building ability, strategic thinking, and deep content knowledge. if he saw you as strong in both sales and knowledge, that’s a big compliment, means you’re credible with clients and can help grow the firm’s business, which is exactly what makes a great AP.

happy to help you think this through if you’re considering making the jump!

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 4

Hi there,

On top of what was stated, you’ll probably being consider for your connections and ability to influence future clients engagements, in this company, for instance, or in others within this sector. That can be due to your network, relationship with senior management, expertise and ability to communicate / convey it, etc. He is not doing you a favor, he is seeing you as a potential future partner whose job is to build and maintain clients at the firm.

Best,

Mari

Answer 5

Hi there!

Congrats! It means you must've really impressed them.

Let me take your questions one by one.

Experts are those who tend to work only on a specific area of expertise. They tend to do almost all of their projects within that practice (industry or function). The value proposition that they have and the reason why they are recruited has to do with the knowledge they've accumulated in previous roles.

An AP is the role between Engagement Manager and Partner. Compared to an EM, as an AP you work across projects and are not responsible 100% for any of them. However, you are not yet a Partner, as in a shareholder of the firm. It's almost like you are practicing the Partner role, and building your own platform of clients.

They likely suggested to recruit you because they felt you were McKinsey material. Have an honest conversation with that Partner and ask him to put you in touch with other people in the firm so you get a sense of the role and what the transition would mean. When you decide to go for it, then take a step back and develop a proper application and prep strategy. To being with, you might find this article helpful:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the strong relationship you've built with the McKinsey team and especially the Senior Partner!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, the main difference between generalist and expert is focus. Generalists rotate across industries and topics, while experts go deep into one specific area and usually join with prior industry experience.
Moreover, an Associate Partner (AP) is a leadership role just below Partner. They are expected to lead several teams and own client relationships.
Lastly, as for why you were approached: it’s likely because you showed strong sector expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect with people. I would advise you to see this as a signal that you already act like a consultant in many ways.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Generalist vs expert

Here my thoughts on your questions : 1. What is an Expert vs. Generalist at McKinsey?

2. What is an AP (Associate Partner)?

3. Why you?

Here my thoughts on your questions :
1. What is an Expert vs. Generalist at McKinsey?