what's the difference b/w practice specialist vs. associate in Mckinsey Operation team

Hi Anonymous,

practice specialists are experienced professionals who join McK as “subject–matter” experts. They have typically worked in a particular industry or function long enough to acquire significant expertise and choose to focus primarily in that area. At McK, they become consultants associated with a specific practice area, working across a number of client teams to problem solve in their area of strength and passion (as opposed to practice affiliated associates who are staffed on ONE project at a time). 

Cheers, Sidi