What are the dos and don'ts for a rookie in the first months at McKinsey?

Hi there,

congratulations on your offer! I worked at BCG, however there are no particular differences in terms of best practice in major consulting firms in the first months. I would recommend the following:

1. Take notes when your manager tells you something – this will help you to remember details and will show you care about them to the team.
2. Always double-check. The first impression is very important in consulting: if you show you are reliable from the beginning, you create a reputation of a reliable person. Double checks should be done on expectations for your job, your Excel analysis, your slides – basically everything.
3. Define priorities before starting any set of tasks. The majority of the results usually come from a subset of activities – this is true also for your tasks in consulting. You have to identify which they are and prioritize them – the application of the so-called 80-20 rule or Pareto Principle. Alignment on priorities and expectations is particularly important with your manager at the beginning of the project.
4. Socialize with your colleagues and start to build a network. Consulting is a people business and you should build a good network both within and outside the company. A good start is key to develop good relationships long-term
5. Organize your private life activities. You want to organize your calendar to leave some space for personal activities (sport/ friends/ family). This is not easy but can be managed if you organize well, and long-term will be critical to keep a balance between work and private life. Also, it is better to align with your manager/teammates from the beginning on your core needs, so that there are no surprises later on.
6. Ask for feedback every two-three weeks – this will show you are proactive and willing to learn.
7. Ask for help when you don't know what to do – better to let know you are in trouble with meeting a deadline then missing the deadline.
8. Be social and respectful with the support staff – these people are great and influential as well in the company.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

This is a question could be applicable across companies. A few points to add on:

- Do raise your hand and ask for help early when you get stuck; don't wait til last minute and drop a bomb to your manager

- Do sanity-check all the numbers before sharing to the team; don't have simple mistakes in your output as it would make it hard to build your credibility

- Do ask clarity on delivery timeline

- Do go to your manager with your own thinking/proposal of how you want to solve a problem; don't only ask "what to do"

- Don't ask others simple questions that can be googled

Hope it helps,

Emily

Dear A,

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Good luck,

André

Hello!

The lovely thing about McKinsey is that they invest a lot in feedback.

Hence, by following the advises you will be provided in this sessions you will be fine.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara