International staffing at McK

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, I would highly advise you to directly reach out to current consulting staff in your home office. Without further context, it is very hard to provide a meaningful answer. Chances are high that some of your colleagues in your office have already been on international projects and can talk about their experiences.
• Generally speaking, though, your chances of being staffed on an international project increase the more demand there is for your specific profile in the target country, the less demand there is for you in your home country, and the better your relationships are with the team in the target country.
• Lastly, I would highly advise you to revisit your initial motivation for joining your current office. While it might be tempting to visit different regions and countries while at work, you will unfortunately not have sufficient time to do so when working in strategy consulting. If, however, there are temporary personal reasons for your wish to be staffed in another country, I would advise you to ask for a short-term transfer.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

This really depends on your home office. If you are coming from a large country (US, China, Brazil) the chances of being internationally staffed are quite smaller vs. being from a small country (most of europe). 

But in any case, analysts tend to be more home based than experienced consultants, as one wants people in international assignments to already have a good domain of the consultants toolkit.

Hi there,

I can speak from experience having worked for McKinsey and having been staffed on international projects across industries and practices. Here's my take on it:

• How easy is it? This depends partly on the desirability of your profile compared to local candidates for the kinds of projects you're referring to. In the US, most profiles are typically represented but they may not always be available for local projects, in which case you might have a shot. In other locations with a smaller talent pool, your profile may rank higher. However, it also depends on your ability to create pull. Having the right profile isn't worth much if people don't know about it so networking with staffing, Partners, APs, etc., in your target location is key.
• How recommendable is it? Depends on your context. However, if you're based in location A and want to have a long term career in location A, you shouldn't focus on getting staffed in location B, C, D. That's because you won't be able to build the relationships in your home office that are necessary to advance in the firm. So make sure you balance exposure with making a name for yourself where it matters.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

International projects at Mckinsey are certainly possible but not ‘easy’ to get. There are many factors at play

1. It is easier to get staffed internationally if there is a demand for someone with your background for the project

2. It usually requires building a relationship with people in the country you want to be staffed in so that they will support your request to be staffed there

3. There are additional considerations such as your daily rate that can be charged to the client as this can differ significantly by country. Which is why it is more rare to see someone from US staffed in Kenya vs the other way around.

4. Another alternative is to consider a short term transfer (for a year) which has a much more defined process.

Do the chances differ across practices and functions? Yes absolutely they do - if you specialize in Oil and Gas for example then you will be most valued for projects that require that expertise which also happen in specific countries.

Best,

Udayan

Hi there, 

It's rather easy. 

You just have to keep trying until you begin to form an international network of consultants. If you perform well, they will request you more often on their projects. 

You can also use the following two guides if you're a fresh joiner:

• Free Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Free Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian