Got offered Junior Associate instead of Associate

Question

I'm a recent MBA grad and I just got my offer from Mckinsey for the Junior Associate role. However, I actually applied for the Associate role and I thought that usually, all MBAs start at this level. Is there a mistake or job role depends also on experience?

Answer 1

I totally agree with Francesco & Giulia - reach out to HR, find out why they thought a JA role was more appropriate.

What I would add is to treat the conversation as the start of your Professional Development. Unlike promotion cycles in Industry, McK promotions are not based on any maximum number or amount of time you've been at the firm. And they are reviewed every 6 months. So, if you show within the first 6 months that you are working at an Associate level, then you can get promoted very quickly. I saw this happen with a number of JAs.

All the best! And congratulations on your offer. It is an amazing (!) company to work for.

Yewande

Answer 2

Hi,

I don’t think it is a mistake, if they offered you that position, it means that they think it is the right one for you. It can depend on many factors, but for sure previous experience is one of them.

I also knew that post-MBA are usually hired as Associates, but post-MBA usually have 5 years or so of experience prior doing MBA, maybe this is not your case...?

You can always reach out to HR and ask why you were offered this position and not the Associate one, there is nothing and they’ll not retire the offer for that :)

Answer 3

Hi Anonymous,

new MBAs indeed normally join McKinsey as Associates. As mentioned by Giulia I would clarify it with HR, there is likely a rationale for that and I guess HR will be happy to explain it.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Hi,

Please clarify with HR. I can see two reasons:

Lack of pre-MBA experience
Weak interview performance

Anyway - I would check it with an HR and define the clear expectations of how soon you can be promoted

Best