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Mckinsey Middle East associate to senior associate

Is it normal to not get promoted from associate to senior associate in the first year in mckinsey? Is this movement considered a promotion or it is just 2nd level associates call themselves senior associates. Please advise? 

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Top answer
on Nov 20, 2023
Top MBB Coach | Most Awarded ex-McKinsey Coach on the platform

Hi!

It's rather unusual for the promotion to happen within less than a year. 

The first evaluation cycle when you join is by default 'tracking'. And then even if you are ‘distinctive’ on the next one, you'd really have to be a stellar case to be promoted so early. 

In most geographies, Associate to Senior Associate is a formal promotion, but I've also come across situations when people give themselves this sort of title on LinkedIn. 

Good luck!
Cristian

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edited on Nov 30, 2023
FREE INTRO I exMcKinsey EM I exKearney consultant I High Success Rate I Official Coach for HEC (160 coachees in 2022/23)

Hi,

Usually time to promotion for the first levels is 24 months, so no worries. Just continue to focus doing a good work and you will be promoted.

Cheers

Raj
Coach
on Nov 20, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

In McKinsey, it is not common for associates to be promoted to senior associates within the first year. Typically, the promotion from associate to senior associate occurs after a minimum of two years, and it is considered a significant milestone in one's career progression at the firm.

Pedro
Coach
on Nov 20, 2023
Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge: Bain | EY-Parthenon | RB | Principal level interviewer | PEI Expert | 30% in October

It is a promotion. Yes, most people will be promoted but it is not a guarantee and does not necessarily happen after 12 months. Most of them will be later.