Solution associate vs generalist associate at McKinsey

Hi there,

I'm a fellow dad and former scientist who worked as a Generalist Associate at McKinsey with a focus on sustainability. 

Seems like a reasonable decision to pursue the solutions path, but it will still be demanding. Here's my take on your very relevant questions :

1. How does career growth look like for both roles? What are the next levels? 

It's up or out for the generalist role with a predetermined path to Partner. As for Solution Associate, it's not so much up or out, which is good. Path is the same and you can eventually become a Solutions Partner.

2. How does travel compare between the two?

The solutions people that I know at McKinsey do travel but not as much as generalists. The role is generally less client facing and can be done remotely, especially since focus is mostly digital. You will be connected to CSTs who are actually on the ground and client facing.

3. The pay seems to be the same for the two roles - why is that?

Remuneration is tricky because there's many elements to it besides salary and bonus. You could be getting a car plan or other perks in the general role, which you may not in the other. However, generally speaking, remuneration should be similar because the roles are the same e.g. Associate / Solutions Associate up to Partner / Solutions Partner.

Hello!

I loved your consideration to your full-time family in the post, it really made me laugh. A good friend of mine is in the solutions track and he is delighted, and lives like a king. PM me and I can connect you. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hey there, good to see your question. Family should be the priority :) as we seek career challenges. 

The levels are similar ( pay is also similar at each level) , progression tends to be faster in generalist track if you are a high performer, on the other hand up or out is not applied as stringently to expert track roles. 

Travel would also be relatively less if you are in solutions track 

Thanks