Referral and position level

Referral
New answer on Sep 13, 2021
8 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Sep 12, 2021

Hi all,

Was referred to McK. First received automated email, then an email with a link to apply to the position of associate. I am just finishing a PhD (with 1.5 years of professional experience) and my referee said they didn't put in a particular position level. I was surprised as I expected post-PhD to be Junior Associate and am worried if I apply it will foreclose success as i'm not qualified for Associate so will automatically be rejected.

I've messaged recruiting to check (not sure if this was a good move…)  but does this suggest a HR screen thinks Associate is the correct position level for my profile? If I don't hear back should I just apply through the link and then they will recalibrate my application to JA if necessary?

 

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Calvin
Expert
replied on Sep 12, 2021
Experienced interviewer | Roland Berger Project Manager| Cambridge University | Super intuitive approach

Hi there,

  • You could also check with the person who referred you to discuss his/ her opinion on your appropriate level
  • In any case, McK (and also other firms generally) would re-calibrate your level if needed. E.g., after your interview, if they feel you are not ready for Associate but could be considered for Junior Associate, your interview process will proceed accordingly. It is a waste of talent if companies reject candidates that could have been suitable for another level :)

Hope this helps! Good luck with your application :)

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 13, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

The position you join after a PhD depends on the country. It could well be that in your case your PhD and experience position you as an Associate in your country.

I would wait for the reply of HR but would expect they confirm this, after that you can apply without worries.

Best,

Francesco

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Ian
Expert
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replied on Sep 12, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I think you should start as an Associate!

 That said, it wasn't a bad idea at all to message HR - checking with them won't hurt in the least. 

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Anonymous B replied on Sep 13, 2021

I have the same profile as you. In certain offices, non-traditional field PhDs are admitted as JA instead of A, and that's what happened to me. I'm interviewing for JA position at the moment.

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Florian
Expert
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replied on Sep 13, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

I second Anon B's statement. Depends on the office and unfortunately is handled differently across geographies…

All the best with your McK preparation!

Cheers,

Florian

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 12, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

Not sure why you say you are not qualified for Associate level with a PhD and some experience. Sounds perfectly legit. I've seen many PhDs in BCG entering at Consultant level (equivalent to Mck Associate)

That said, writing to HR/recruiting about such issues is never a bad idea.

Finally, yes depending on your performance they may recalibrate at a later stage - but in order to be sure you should check with HR and recruiting as well since they have the final say on these matters.

Relax!

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Sofia
Expert
replied on Sep 13, 2021
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

I believe it is common for PhDs to apply for Associate positions, though this would certainly vary by office/geography. I think messaging HR was the right move. It is probably the appropriate referral, but if not, it should be straightforward to recalibrate it on their end.

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 13, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

I think you made the right decision!

You can then apply for JA if they believe it is the most appropriate path for you.

Best,

Anto

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