Mck role consideration: Implementation and generalist associate

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

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

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

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

Best,
Antonello