Mckinsey Analysts - Energy Insights

Question

Hello,

I had a few questions about Energy Insights analysts at Mck.

1. What are the main differences between the career paths of a typical business consultant and an energy insights (EI) analyst at Mckinsey? How does the career progression differ? Is there a big difference in terms of compensation and benefits?

2. Is an EI analyst position considered less ‘prestigious’ than other typical business consultant positions?

3. Do EI analysts typically have a client-facing role or is it more of an internal supporting role?

4. What are the odds of making a shift to the typical business consultant path after 1-2 years?

5. Finally, is the interviewing process any different than the typical consultant role? Is it less stressful/harder from the business case perspective? Should the interview preparation be any different?

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

Answer 1

In general, McKinsey has three categories of employment:

Client Service Professional (CSP)
Engagement Service Professional (ESP)
Firm Service Professional (FSP)

CSP are consultants, either generalist or on an Expert path. This is probably the “high prestige” role you are thinking of. ESP are a mix between internal and client-facing. For example, many research professionals have taken on more client-facing, consulting-like work and thus a couple of years ago they were able to decide to be an ESP or go full-on CSP (higher comp, but higher expectations).

The role you are describing could be ESP or CSP. That's a question you could ask them.

Yes, ESP can become CSP, but you have to go through an application again. However, having been an ESP for 1-2 years will make this much easier. I'd consider it a viable option to get into McKinsey.

In general, any industry- or knowledge-spice specific kind of roles tend to have a higher risk of no existing anymore 3-5 years out. I've heard several stories along the lines of “I was hired into xyz team, which ceased to exist for whatever reason”. But then you usually find another ‘home’ within the company, nobody would be terminated because of this.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Jan's description of CSP, ESP and FSP is spot on. Typically Energy Insights analysts would be an ‘expert path’ hire as opposed to a traditional consultant hire. The real difference is that your role in a project will not be that of a generalist consultant but more to contribute in your area of expertise (which will be something related to energy).

Prestige is a made up concept - what you really want to know is how being an EI analyst impacts future recruitment outcomes. The answer is that it is not as broad as a generalist but you will get amazing roles in any energy related fields.
It is likely that you will do most of your work outside of client engagements with a broader McKinsey team, but you may also be staffed on projects depending on the need and your skillset.
In terms of shifting to the generalist consultant path - it can happen but it is very difficult. You will need Partners to sponsor you and and senior people in the firm to push for you to become an Associate. It is more likely in years where demand for consultants is high and recruitment is not going well.
Interview processes vary but will most likely include some form of casing, PEI and interviews with regards to your knowledge in the energy field. Make sure you get the full details from HR for the interview process.

Best,

Udayan

Answer 3

Hi there,

The first/short answer is you need to ask them yourself! Pick up the phone and talk to HR and/or talk to people at the firm. Ask these questions on the phone and you'll get a much clearer answer!

Ultimately yes the EI Analyst position is less prestigious and focuses more on research/support (If I'm thinking of the right role). You will not be able to shift to consultant 1-2 years in.

Again, speak to people specifically at that firm+office to better understand where you'd fit in!