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Mck role consideration: Implementation and generalist associate

Implementation Mckinsey
New answer on Mar 24, 2020
4 Answers
1.5 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Mar 23, 2020

Hi, I’m currently going through recruitment for mckinsey implementation as an experienced hire. Wondering would it be possible to be considered for both the implementation and generalist associate role? They have both roles open and it seems the PEI and case part are fairly similar for both. How do I go about making such request if possible? Thanks!

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Daniel
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 23, 2020
McKinsey / ex-Interviewer at McKinsey / I will coach you to rock those interviews

Hi!

Usually, if you are an experienced hire, you need to choose from the beginning whether you interview with a practice or for generalist track. Because they will try to get somebody from that practice (in your case – Implementation) to interview you during your interview process. But honestly, once at McKinsey it doesn't matter that much – as an associate within implementation practice you need to do a certain percentage of projects (if I'm not mistaken it's 50%) with implementation focus. But this focus is defined very very broadly – a lot of projects have implementation focus. So, I wouldn't stress about it that much at this stage. And after spending 6 months at McKinsey you are more or less flexible to jump around and to choose any other affiliation (additionally or instead) if you feel like it.

However, if you want to switch to a generalist track now during your interview process, just flag it right now to HR, I don't think it will be big of a deal.

Best,

Daniel

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Clara
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replied on Mar 24, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Two different considerations here:

  • Interview process: you need to decide from the beggining which path you are interviewing for, even tought, as you recall, the processes are very similar. The reason is that you will have to be tested with an implementation case or someone from the practice.
  • Job itself: at associate level is not that different, since the people in the Implementation Practice not only do those engagements. Furthermore, in those engagements, you also staff part of the team with general consultants.

At this point, think what it´s more appealing to you -in terms of job description long-run, exit options, what passionates you, etc.-.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Antonello
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replied on Mar 24, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, the process is comparable, but you cannot be considered for both. I recommend clarifying with HR your preference.

Best,
Antonello

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Francesco
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updated an answer on Mar 24, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

you will have to choose one of the two processes. If you prefer the general practice, I would contact HR and clarify if that option is available at this stage.

The recruiting process is indeed similar but you normally have operations/implementation cases as part of the process for the implementation practice, while you won’t necessarily have them in the generalist process.

You should also be aware that exit opportunities for the implementation practice are not as broad as for the generalist track, as will be influenced by the type of projects you will work on, which will be mainly implementation-related.

Best,
Francesco

(edited)

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