Must have gadgets / gift ideas for future McKinsey consultants?

Hi,

Sharing the top useful gadgets in my consulting career:

1. Travel charger
   • These are lighter version of the laptop charger and save alot of weight and space (it all adds up quickly)
2. Jabra wireless speaker
   • Typically not issued by IT, but very useful because the quality of the audio and microphone is great and people won't strain to listen to what you are saying
3. Wireless presenter/clicker
   • Sometimes issued by IT for your case (depends on firm) but then you have to return them
   • I always kept one in my bag and it was useful on multiple occasions
4. Travel folder/wallet
   • This is something like a long rectangle wallet folder with multiple ‘slots’ or ‘pouches’
   • Useful for storing various foreign currency and more importantly receipts

Hope this list helps anyone facing a similar question!

(edited)

Hi there,

How kind of you! most suggestions below are sensible, but I disagree with wireless usb presenter - this is almost definitely already available from the office IT department, so redundant to give as a gift.

Personally, the thing that makes nost difference to my life as a consultant is a nice, light carry-on luggage, ideally with 4 wheels so you can drag it alongside you vs behind you. Suitcase should also have a good place to put folded shirts. In a perfect world, suitcase would also have a place to put folded suits, in case your brother doesn't like travelling already suited up (definitely a thing for long-haul flights).

Depending on your budget, a nice add-on gift is a laptop bag / briefcase with a strap that can be put around the handle of the carry on luggage. This makes travelling even lighter and easier, especially when waiting in line at security or walking through the airport! - see what I mean here https://www.everki.com/products1/briefcases/flight-checkpoint-friendly-laptop-bag-briefcase-fits-up-to-16-detail

Hi there,

Noise cancelling headphones are a must, specially for frequent flyers :)

Best,

Alberto

I would suggest a power bank or a set of iPhone/USB cable chargers or noise canceling headphones. All these three items are usually not provided by the firm itself. No to cuff links (not practical at entry level).

hope it helps,

andrea

Maybe a wireless usb presenter? So he can switch slides during a presentation.

Wish everyone had thougtful siblings like you :D