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Dietary Restrictions?

Diet
New answer on Jul 17, 2020
5 Answers
670 Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 16, 2020

Probably a very stupid question but I was wondering if it would be difficult for a person to pursue consulting with dietary restrictions. For instance, if they were vegan, would it be difficult for them to socialize, find food etc or is it common for people to have different diets?

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Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 16, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

In most projects nothing to worry about - over the last 2 decades even MBB has learned that healthy diets increases your productivity. And usually it's not the worst restaurants you are hanging out at .. so should not be an issue at all to fulfill your dietary requirements and personal preferences.

However, exceptions apply - think about projects in the mining sector or oil industry in the middle of Russian nowhere territory. Food supply can be limited and not at all according to your preference .. but possible to work around that limitation and arrange for that yourself and bring your own food for a couple of days. Is it fun? Not always, but you'll survive this first-world-champagne problem.

Hope that real-life insight helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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Sidi
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replied on Jul 16, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

It is quite common to have diverse teams with different dietary requirements. There is an institutionalized process within MBB teams to make these things explicit (along other needs, such as family related requirements) in order to make it work in the daily project work. In McKinsey, the term for this initial meeting is "team learning", but there are similar things in BCG and Bain.

Cheers, Sidi

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Clara
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Content Creator
replied on Jul 16, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Not at all, nothing to worry about!

In consulting, your have great diets and great restaurants, with multiple choices. Furthermore, in the office there is always plenty of options, very very respectful not only with veggies, vegans, etc. but also with people with food alergies.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous replied on Jul 17, 2020

Dear A,

There is nothing to worry about. Vegan diet, Veggie, non-lactose, gluten free diet have become so popular nowadays, so have follow such prefernces in society is normal and to find special options in restaurants, cafe and breakfast in the hotels it's ok.

But, keep in mind that some cultures are not so used to it, but I'm sure you will find an options in this cases.

wish you best,

André

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 16, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Not at all!

Honestly, with a per diem of ~$80-100 you can pretty much eat whatever you like :P

Remember, you'll be staying in 5-star hotels, etc...the elite are picky, pay a lot to be picky and the travel industry knows how to meet pretty much any need!

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