Junior Specialist Role

Question

Hello Everyone!

I recently just got a job offer for a junior specialist - sustainability role in Germany for McKinsey. I've gone through glassdoor and understand to a certain extent the salary I will be getting.

I do have a couple of questions I hope you guys can answer

1) I was wondering what are the pros and cons of a junior specialist vs specialist vs junior associate role.

2) I was also wondering if sustainability, digital etc all have different salaries?

3) Your opinion on what my expected salary should be.

I'm coming in with some experience and an MSC.

Thanks everyone for your time!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congrats on the offer! Hope you'll have a great time there!

Let me take your questions one by one:

1) The core difference between a specialist and an associate is that the specialist works mostly within a certain type of projects (e.g., digital) whereas an associate is a generalist consultant working on virtually anything. Then the difference between a specialist and a junior specialist is just a matter of tenure. The former is more experienced and has a bigger salary. It's basically the role you'll get promoted to from junior specialist.

2) Different practices do have different salaries, yes. These also differ by region / office, so unfortunately I cannot help you with precise numbers.

3) Very close to that of a Junior Associate / Senior BA in the same geography.

Hope this helps,

Cristian

Answer 2

Hi there,

Congrats on the offer!

1) I was wondering what are the pros and cons of a junior specialist vs specialist vs junior associate role.

Quite literally, the pros and cons pretty much go hand-in-hand with the work. You are specializing in one industry/topic for one. While for the other you are getting a wide exposure. The pros and cons here are quite self-evidence! (and relative to what you want).

A few other things: salary + career progression is rumoured to be a bit lower/slower, and, it's almost impossible to move from specialist to generalist (whereas it's easier/expected to move the other direction)

2) I was also wondering if sustainability, digital etc all have different salaries?

Yes, but within a range. Careful with glassdoor data - it's not very good! Ultimately, no matter what the offer is you should negotiate!