What does a Junior Associate do?

Go with their recommendation. 

Let me explain. I've seen this happen a few times. 

MBB is a tough and demanding environment. 

Everybody that goes in, often takes one step down from the role they previously had in the industry. 

The reason they suggest you to take this more junior role is for you to have more time to adjust to the culture and the ways of working. 

Once you prove you perform well, they'll fast track your promotion. 

McK recruited a few years ago the CTO at a client I was serving. He was C level in one of the largest global software firms. They started him off as Associate :) Within 4-5 years he made Partner. 

Now, if they would've made him directly Associate Partner for instance, I can already see why it would've been a disaster. 

I've also seen this play out at more junior levels, with candidates negotiating for a more senior role (e.g., not Junior Associate, but Associate). 

Go with their recommendation. I've not yet seen a situation when it didn't make sense. 

And if you really want to push against it, get some expert advice on how to do it so you don't run a losing battle.

Best,
Cristian

Are they suggesting an entry level that does not reflect her experience? Yes, they are.

Does it still make sense to join the firm? Yes it does. Career curve is fast and if she's able to perform she will get a fast track promotion. Even if that doesn't happen, in 1-2 years she'll be a consultant and in 2 years a manager. Career progression is fast. It is not like in a regular company where if you enter at a low level it will take 5-7 years to move up. At MBB, doesn't make a huge difference.

It also has the advantage of de-risking a bit the “up or out”. Basically she'll get more time to learn the ropes, with less pressure. So… lower risk, lower return, but at the end possibly a better value proposition.

Hi there,

Q: Would you consider this role change as several steps back in her career, considering her experience, or a Junior Associate in an MBB firm is still a great start point worth the shift?

I believe you are referring to McKinsey, where the Associate role is the post-MBA role (as at BCG/Bain, the Associate role is the first entry-level point).

It really depends on her goals. From a purely numerical perspective, one can reach the Junior Associate role after 2-3 years post-graduation by working in the firm from the start. So, technically she is exchanging 8 years of experience for 2-3 recognized. However, if the MBB brand will open doors she cannot currently open, it might be worth the switch.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Go with what they say.

If you perform well in the case they might change you back to associate.

It's on you to prove your ability to work at a higher level.

That said, if they see you at JA, then that's where you should start!

Move through the interview process and, at the end, see what they offer. At that point make the decision.

Hi there,

If you have been in senior management, starting as a Junior Associate seems to be a lowball offer.

While it's common for McKinsey to have people start below their original tenure compared to other firms, usually, you would be asked to apply for this role with 3 years of work experience and limited leadership experience.

The normal entry level with 8 years of experience and senior management on the resume should be EM.

Do you have significant leadership experience?

You could just reach out to the recruiter again and ask what the decision is based on!

All the best,

Florian