UoA Law Students, McKinsey & Company like to tell you a bit about how McKinsey & Company presents a more unconventional employment option to industry-based work, yet allows your newly gained knowledge to be put into practice in a consulting environment.
While you may not have considered the option of a career in management consulting, McKinsey offers a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge across a myriad of industries and to expand your overall skill base. At McKinsey you will be exposed to exciting challenges that affect the globe, and be supported in the choices you make to take on development prospects in your career path.
We profiled some staff members who emerged from university with a similar degree as yourself, and asked them to give an insight into why they chose McKinsey. Please read their stories below - and if you are ready to jump on your own journey of continuous learning and exploring the McKinsey world of options, remember to submit your application by Sunday 28 February 2016 at https://careerhub.adelaide.edu.au/students/jobs/detail/934684/business-analyst
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ISABELLA CHENG - Business Analyst in Sydney
Tell us about your path to McKinsey
Education
2009-2014: Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) and Laws (Honours) at UNSW
2011: International exchange at Manchester Business School
Work Experience
2009-2011: Cadetship program at KPMG
2012: Summer internship at Macquarie (Risk Management Group)
2013-2014: Clerkship (and paralegal) at Gilbert & Tobin
2015 onwards: Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company
What is the most exciting part about working at McKinsey?
The diversity and people. My first year with the firm has given me exposure to four drastically different industries on four unique problems. It is this continued variety and diversity that excites me about working at the McKinsey. On top of that, my learning at the firm has been enriched through working alongside and learning from the mentorship of some of the most interesting and intelligent people, with an amazing range of backgrounds.
How would you describe the office's culture?
Diverse yet connected. Despite the vast differences in backgrounds, the culture of the office in Australia is remarkably close-knit. People are never too busy to chat, and will often go out of their ways to mentor, coach and support my learning at the firm.
What are you passionate about outside work?
Entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Why did you choose McKinsey over law?
McKinsey offers an opportunity to be involved in the “what” and “why” questions, not just the “how”. In addition, the ownership mentality and client interaction from day one is something that is truly unique to the value proposition of the firm.
How has your study and/or work background helped you become a successful management consultant?
My law degree has also equipped me with some key skills that are critical to management consulting. Most importantly, my law degree has taught me how to structure a problem, as well as the ability to break down a question into its components and apply an evidence-based approach to problem solving.
What advice would you give to students considering McKinsey?
If you enjoy solving difficult problems with interesting people—this is the place for you!
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BEN FLETCHER - Partner in Sydney
Tell us about your path to McKinsey
Education
MBA Stanford University
BA/LLB (Hons) Auckland University
I started my professional career as a lawyer, working from 2000 to 2004 at Chapman Tripp Sheffield Young. I was a Barrister and Solicitor in the Litigation department of this top tier New Zealand law firm. Work included advising clients from telco, energy and government sectors on a range of corporate law matters, with court appearances at all levels—High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council. I used my MBA in the US to help change career, joining McKinsey on completion of my degree in 2006, and then working my way from associate to partner. I currently head up the Marketing & Sales practice in Australia/NZ.
What is the most exciting part about working at McKinsey?
The ability to truly make a difference every day—whether in terms of shaping the direction of major corporations or the careers of clients and colleagues alike. All from the very first day you join the firm. And realising that this is not just a privilege, but an obligation of being a member of the firm.
How would you describe your office's culture?
The Australian office (or AUO as we know it) is a unique place even within McKinsey. We are a bit of a family—we love coming together and are highly supportive of each other. We are incredibly diverse—sometimes it is hard to find an Australian (which, speaking as a kiwi, is clearly a good thing!). We are all focused on delivering impact to our clients and innovating how we work—we are incredibly proud of our history of ‘punching above our weight’ within the firm and continue to grow this legacy. And, we are all very focused on balancing work and home—our leaders all have young families, which helps!
What keeps you here?
There are two main reasons. First, I have never had a day at work at McKinsey where I wanted time to go faster. Not once. Now yes, the fact that we are often working on the most complex problems and have rather a lot to do could have something to do with it! But largely it is because every day is a new challenge—whether it is a new industry, a new function, a new team, a new client, or a new problem, it never gets boring!
Second, and this may sound strange, is my children keep me here. And not because they are such troublemakers! But the hardest thing about this job when you start is that you feel like you can always do more. And you want to. Having kids balanced out my priorities, making me more effective at work.
What are you passionate about outside work?
Apart from my family, I love the beach, am a hacker of a golfer, and have a soft spot for my native New Zealand (and hence deliberately seek out occasional NZ based studies to have firm-funded trips back to see my homeland!)
Why did you choose McKinsey over law?
My wife is a lawyer. So too is my brother, my sister-in-law and the bulk of my friends. And my mum is a judge. So I am the first to point out it is a great profession for many people. But it was never for me, despite spending nearly 5 years in a law firm. I wanted to work in teams (versus largely on my own), bouncing ideas off others, on problems with uncertain outcomes (versus being given the answer to defend/attack), working with clients sitting in their premises (versus sending emails ‘over the fence’). And, although this only became apparent to me after I joined McKinsey, I wanted to be an equal voice at the table (with an ‘obligation to dissent’) from an early age, to develop on a much faster trajectory.
How has law background helped you become a successful management consultant?
I write good emails. Seriously, law does teach you to become very structured in your communications (especially written). It’s not the most top-down form but it is very structured and gives you a useful leg-up throughout your career.
What advice would you give to students considering McKinsey?
Talk to current firm members—you will quickly get a sense of this place (they will give you the good and the bad!). But my advice is if you are looking to be challenged, professionally grow faster than you could ever hope, and work with some of the most interesting people (both our staff and our clients) then our firm is likely to be perfect for you.
