Help me be ready for success as an associate in Mckinsey

Hi there, 

Congrats! What an amazing journey ahead of you!

I wrote already two articles on PrepLounge that tackle your questions and more. You can find them HERE and HERE. 

Let me also take your questions one by one. 

1. What are the top items to purchase?

Travel back, suit, shoes, second pack of toiletries (that will always stay in your travel bag). Don't get remarkable or any IT related stuff. You'll receive everything you need, plus you can't use these other devices both for security, confidentiality as well as due to compatibility reasons. So don't bother. 

2. What are the things I should focus on in the first few weeks. Any tips of how to secure the right mentor/sponsor/PD? Is it my choice or they will assign?

The first link I added above will answer directly to this questions in detail. You will get assigned a more senior consultant as a buddy and an even more senior person as your DGL. They will be in charge of overlooking your progress over the coming years. 

3. How to secure a good project. What should be criteria of choice. Location/topic etc. are parameters of decision making but what should be most important parameter?

Don't worry about this in the first couple of months. Staffing will take care of it because it's assumed that since you're new and have no clear value proposition, you're not going to bring significant value on any sort of project. They usually staff you for free for the first 3 months and only afterwards start charging the client. So you'll be taken by whichever project wants to take you. Rarely do you get the chance to pick in the beginning. Then with time, as you build a network, you'll get to choose. 

4. Any courses I should prepare?

In case you're not familiar with Excel and Powerpoint and don't want to spend the time until you start work hanging on a beach or reading a book, take a course on how to handle spreadsheets and presentations. Again, it's assumed that you'll learn on the job, but if you're already decent with them it's going be slightly easier. 

Best,

Cristian

Hi there,

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Know that no-one can perfectly prepare for the job and that's the point: You will mess up, you will learn, you will be trained and supported. That's OK!

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First: I have a consulting survival guide handbook with 25 key tips for surviving the consulting world. Feel free to message me for it!

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Second: In terms of things you can learn/do to prepare beforehand:

1) Daily Reading

• The Economist, The Financial Times, BCG/Mskinsey Insights

2) Industry deep-dives

• Learn, in-depth, how the industries/companies your office advises, work. (PM me for an industry overview template)

3) Analytics tools

• Alteryx, Tableau, etc.

4) Excel

5) Powerpoint

• Best practices/standards
• Different layouts
• Quickly editing/updating slides
• Thinking in PowerPoint

6) Presentation skills / sharp communication

• There are some online/virtual classes for this

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Third: In terms of doing well in your role when you're there:

1) Understand the context/prompt (what role are you in, what company, who's watching, etc.)

2) Understand the objective (what, specifically, is expected from you...both day to day, and in your overall career progression)

3) Quickly process information, and focus on what's important - Take a lot of information and the unknown, find the most logical path, and focus on that.

4) Be comfortable with the unknown, and learn to brainstorm - think/speak like an expert without being one

In summary, there will always be a flood of information, expectations, competition etc. and not enough time. Find out which ones matter when. (i.e. be visibile and focus efforts on the things that people care about)

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Fourth: Here are some great prior Q&As for you!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-makes-a-good-consultant-how-to-get-a-good-review-6790

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-hard-is-it-to-excel-in-top-consulting-firms-6762

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-become-an-engagement-manager-and-partner-quickly-6722

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/need-to-learn-skills-in-the-ample-free-time-before-starting-at-an-mbb-what-should-i-do-6774

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer with McKinsey!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for a lot of users, thus I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• In terms of items to purchase, it's a good idea to invest in a high-quality bag that can support your work and travel needs. The Remarkable 2 is a popular digital note-taking device that can be useful for consulting work, but it's not essential. In terms of a bag, you may want to look for something that is durable, spacious, and has good organizational features. It's also a good idea to check with your team or other consultants to see what they use and recommend.
• In the first few weeks at McKinsey, it's important to focus on getting to know your team and building relationships with your colleagues. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your new role, and it can also open up opportunities for mentorship and sponsorship. In terms of securing a mentor or sponsor, it's typically up to the individual to initiate this relationship and approach potential mentors or sponsors directly. You can also ask your team or HR for suggestions or introductions.
• In terms of securing a good project, the most important parameter is typically the quality and fit of the project for your skills and experience. You should also consider factors such as the location and the topic, as well as the potential for learning and growth. It's a good idea to talk to your team and other consultants to get their perspectives and advice on project opportunities.
• In terms of courses to prepare, it's a good idea to review and refresh your core consulting skills, such as problem-solving, data analysis, and communication. McKinsey may also provide training and development opportunities as part of your onboarding process. It's a good idea to take advantage of these opportunities and continue to develop your skills throughout your time at the firm.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on what to do in your specific situation, please feel free to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

Many congratulations on the offer!

To answer your questions:

1. I would recommend getting a handbag that can accommodate your laptop/charger/notebook, etc (the firm will you a backpack as well). I'd also suggest having a cabin-sized carry on at the ready of you are in a travel intensive geography.

2. This is a great question and the answer, to be honest, is that it is a little luck dependent. You are typically asked if you want a certain kind of mentor (e.g., someone with a similar educational background, someone of a specific gender, etc.). The PD team will try to assure that you find someone similar to your requirements, but that might be tough in some cases.

3. Staffing is more of a demand/supply game than a preference-oriented one, given the current macro-economic conditions. If you don't have a single vertical/horizontal in mind, I would suggest asking for case leadership that is well known for their mentorship/apprenticeship. Also, you might to ask for your case leadership to be from your home office.

4. Finally, take the time to enjoy now rather than prepping hard. If you are new to Excel/PowerPoint, I would suggest taking some introductory courses. However, much of what you would need will be taught to you in firm-sponsored training and on the job. 

Hope this helps. Once again, well done - congratulations!

Best,

Oindrilla

Hello,

Congrats on joining McKinsey.

Other coaches have given terrific answers and I agree with them! Enjoy the journey :)

All the best!

Rushabh