Which complexity does the Junior Associate/Associate Role emobody vs. the Business Analyst Role at McKinsey ( or Visiting Associate vs. Sr Visiting Associate/Consultant at BCG) ?

Question

Alberto · Accepted Answer

Hi there,In my experience working with all these profiles at McKinsey, I would say there are 3 main differences of the (Junior) Associate role compared with BAsYou lead your own workstream within a project and you are fully responsible for defining and delivering work, including storylining, analysis, client relationship and tailored recommendations, ensuring high quality standardsYou start leading and coaching 1-2 BAs or client team members to deliver the work within your workstreamYou start contributing to the Firm beyond the project work, including developing proposals and collaborating with an office practiceBest,Alberto—Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Cristian · Answer

Hi!Great question. Actually, the Junior Associate role doesn't even exist in most geographies. It only exists in some, where it's a transition role between BA and Associate. For a detailed breakdown of what the role requires (in case you are already in the firm), check out the briefing from PD that explains the specific expectations of this role. High-level, a BA is more focused on analyses, whereas an Associate is more focused on insights. A BA has a carve-out of a workstream or a workstream under closer supervision of an EM, whereas an Associate is self-standing. The Junior Associate role is in between. Sharing with you two guides with tips on how to be effective in your first year in consulting. Hope you'll find them helpful:Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive ConsultantExpert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in ConsultingGood luck!Cristian

Nikita · Answer

Hi,The nature of consulting work across all the positions below the project leader / engagement manager roles is more or less the same. But the more senior you become:1. The more important & challenging work streams you are expected to undertake;2. The more autonomy you are expected to have;3. The more (senior) client exposure you will get.PL & EM roles are different, since there's more project management work involved.But it all varies depending on the project. Sometimes BAs can pick up the work streams previously done by Associates / Consultants etc.Hope this helps,Nick

Ian · Answer

Hi there,While it's mostly the same tasks, the level of oversight you have changes.Additionally, you generally start to get more exposure to the client (leading interviews, driving solutions/frameworks, etc.)Remember, this also will change regionally AND, importantly, based on YOUR performance and how much they trust you!