Mckinsey Associate vs Jr Associate?

Hello,

First of all, congratulations for the offer. Regarding your questions:

1. For sure you will be more senior than the other members of the team, but do not focus too much on the "junior" part since it's usually a tranitional position that does not last more than one year.
2. Local language is not required just in those countries where clients speak english fluently, such as Nordics countires. ANyway, if you don't have any experience in consultancy, I doubt that you could receive a project manager role offer unless you don't apply for second and third tier companies

I would suggest to understand what you would like to do and do not worry so much about the roles. The career as consultant is really fast and if you perform well you won't have the problem in a couple of years.

Luca

Hello!

Good luck with the 2nd!

My thoughts:

1. Difficult to say without the knowledge of what you did in those 8 years, can you elaborate a bit?
2. In Europe, the classical is London, and some times in nordic countries

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hey there,

I would definitely take the opportunity to work at McK. A few thoughts:

• Even as a generalist, you can work on McK Digital engagements and develop a strong career trajectory in that direction. After all, it's called 'build your own McKinsey'
• You did not specify your role as a generalist. Would you join as a Sr. Associate or Engagement Manager or at the same level as for the McK Digital position?

Cheers,

Florian

(edited)

It's hard to suggest other options without knowing your profile and what specifically you are looking for. However, I'm a little suprsied that language issue is not also true for McK Digital as well as joining as a generalist consultant. There are definitely European offices (e.g., UK&I, Nordics, Amsterdam) where you can get away with English but assuming you have not interviewed at any of these locations, it will be challenging to move your application at this stage.

It comes down to how focused you want to be with Digital. 8 years of experience for a JA is definitely on the higher end but it is also typically a transition role where many find themselves promoted to ASC within 9-12 months.

Hi there,

1. It depends on your opportunity cost. What are the alternatives to that position?
2. English only at McKinsey is possible in London and Nordics. Amsterdam is feasible for Bain, but not for McK or BCG without Dutch or very particular conditions

Best,
Francesco

Hi there,

First, congratulations on the offer even if it wasn't exactly what you hope for.

In my opinion, while the JA role at McK sounds overly junior, it should still be a great stepping stone.

If the interviewer thinks you don't have anough experience, then you don't! As such, this is a "state of the world" or a reality. This is your value at the moment, and the rest of the market would judge accordingly in terms of jobs. As in, you could make it as consultant at a "lesser" firm, but it is a lesser firm.

As such, given this is your current value, why not get that value maximized at a firm like McKinsey? Yes, you'll be a JA, but if you prove yourself you'll be promoted in a year. Then, after 2 years you'll be an Engagement Manager with some incredible training + experience under your belt.

In order words, you could be a project/engagement manager for the world's leading consultancy in 3 years.

For reference, I knew a 30yo guy with 7 years work experience in law who joined BCG as a Junior consultant. He's an absolute gun and is not far from being promoted to project lead (2.5 years in). He didn't regret the move one bit.

My vote: McKinsey JA

Hi,
I confirm junior asc role only lasts 1y

Regarding the country UK, Nordics and often Netherland and Switzerland are interested in international candidates

Best
Antonello

Hi,

It's a bit unclear from your message:

1. Are these the roles proposed to you and 100% confirmed?
2. Is the 2nd option an associate role?

In any case, you can transition from a junior associate to an associate in less than a year. I would not worry too much about the title. Just move forward with the role / location you enjoy most

Best

Hi there,

IMO, the option of working at McKinsey as a jr. associate for one year is not that bad. For the seniority, at the end it's not that uncommon and if that's your dream, I would go for it.

Cheers, GB