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What is the difference between MCK capability & insight analyst vs. research analyst

BCG McKinsey and Bain McKinsey McKinsey & Company McKinsey Global Institute McKinsey Research
New answer on Mar 09, 2022
2 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Mar 08, 2022

Dear Community,

I applied for a capability & insight analyst role at McKinsey and have gone through 2 rounds of interview till now. The interview is quite similar to the ones for generalist (PEI + one McKinsey style case). I am quite interested in this role since I found part of myself still want to do research and might want to go back to academia later. At the same time, I enjoy my current job which is more client-facing and project based. 

My question is more about the career path and compensation package of this role. I found that on Mck career site, there are both C&I analyst and (junior)research analyst on hire now for similar industry and are of similar requirement. May I know the difference between those positions? I understand there is a wage gap between BA and RA, but is there a big difference between C&I A and RA? 

Thank you guys in advance for your answer.

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Ian
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updated an answer on Mar 09, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Congrats on making it this far!

Now, there are 2 things you need to do to get a full answer to this question:

  1. Network and speak to people at the firm. Actually pick up the phone and talk to people
  2. In your interviews you need to interview them as well! At the end they should ask “do you have any questions for me”. That's when you should ask! Now, given that you're at the end of the process I wouldn't do that. However, when/if the offer letter comes through, ask HR for a call. Ask them these questions to between understand the role
  3. Compare the actual job and role descriptions online. Read through them to understand what's expected.

(edited)

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Moritz
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updated an answer on Mar 11, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Hey there,

I wouldn't expect a big difference between C&I analysist and research analysist in terms of package. It will be higher for BA, for sure!

As for career paths, this depends on you. You could stay in the research domain or push into the client facing consulting domain after a year or so. It really comes down to your drive and ability to "make your own McKinsey", which the Firm encourages.

What I am not sure about are your preferences. If you like client facing work, why not apply for a BA role? And if you want to go to academia, don't mistake McKinsey research for scientific research - they couldn't be more different!

Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck!

 

(edited)

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Ian

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