McKinsey London Associate

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Based on your background, it could be appropriate to apply for either a Junior Associate or Associate role at McKinsey London. The Junior Associate role is typically for candidates with less experience, while the Associate role is for more experienced candidates. However, your specific qualifications, experiences and skills will be considered by McKinsey to determine the most appropriate role for you.
• McKinsey Associates are responsible for leading project teams and working closely with clients to deliver results. Associates are also involved in project management, including managing the project team, budget, and timelines.
• The level of project management responsibilities varies across the different roles within McKinsey, and also depends on the specific project and the client's needs. However, Associates are expected to have a good understanding of project management and to be able to manage projects effectively.
• In summary, you should apply for the role that best aligns with your qualifications and experience, and you should be aware that Associates at McKinsey are expected to have some project management skills as part of their role.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there, 

You have a cool profile! 

Let me take your questions one by one.

Would it be more appropriate, based on my background, to apply for a Junior Associate or Associate role?

Associate. Basically, if you have a PhD, you're already considered for an Associate role even if you don't have work experience.

Also, do McKinsey Associates do project management or is this solely for EMs?

They do, as JEM (Junior Engagement Manager) which is not an official position, but more of a transition role. However, you're only meant to do this once you have at least one year experience or so. They won't ask you to do this right after you join (unless you have significant work experience and you ask for it).

Many thanks,
Cristian

Hi there,

Honestly, I could see both working (leaning Associate). This will depends on the conversations you have with HR/Recruiting. It might also depend on how well you perform.

Make sure to sell yourself in both the networking calls and the interview/screening calls. The amount of experience/professional maturity you demonstrate will really matter here.

Entry-level associates won't project management, but as they get closer to promotion they will be given more management responsibility. In regards to your module though (a mini project), you are expected to manage/drive that yourself.

My experience is that HR may try and put you in the junior associate category, mostly so you have a less aggressive ramp up. Given your past experience, it could make sense for you to push for associate with your consulting experience. You won't really be doing so much management at the start but it will come with time depending on how fast you progress.

Hello!

I think that the fact that you have a PdH makes you somehow too senior for a BA role, and hence either associate or jr. associate would be the right fit. That is going to depend on your experience prior to the PhD. 

Apply to any, and then recruiting will move you to the right position as you progress in the interview funnel 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

Would it be more appropriate, based on my background, to apply for a Junior Associate or Associate role? Probably Junior ASC but you can always aim for ASC and let recruiting re-assign you Junior ASC, if they deem that more appropriate.

Also, do McKinsey Associates do project management or is this solely for EMs? You will start co-running projects as an experienced Associate and you will be referred to as Junior EM, which is not an official title. If you do well, you will be confirmed as EM and start running projects solo.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Moritz

Hi there,

1. I would see you more in an Associate role.
2. As a more senior Associate, you will transition more and more into a (Junior) Engagement Manager role and manage parts of the project or even a whole team. This is not something to be concerned about when you start though.

Cheers,

Florian

With this maturity you apply to a Junior Associate role. You are not expected to manage projects, but are expected to have a decent degree of authonomy in your analysis.