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
CHARLOTTE DAVIS - Business Analyst in Sydney
Tell us about your path to McKinsey
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), First Class Honours, and Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Music), University of Auckland and Lund University
Prior to joining McKinsey, I worked in various engineering internship roles and coordinated a Sports for Development conference at the UN in New York. I initially applied for a Women in Leadership Scholarship at McKinsey because a friend working in the industry encouraged me. I studied a conjoint Arts and Engineering degree, and having already completed my engineering work experience, I had an ‘extra’ summer for gaining some more experience. I had never heard of management consulting but based on my friend’s recommendation, decided I had nothing to lose by applying. It was easily one of the best decisions I made, leading to a great summer and then on to a full-time role after graduating.
What is the most exciting part about working at McKinsey?
The amazing people you work with and the incredible opportunities on offer. One exciting experience I’ve recently had was successfully pitching an idea on social enterprise to the manager of the Australian office. I’m really interested in ways to apply traditional business models to help improve social issues, so being given the freedom to pursue this with office support is a really exciting prospect.
How would you describe your office's culture?
I think McKinsey is a great place to work because it genuinely cares about its people. The Australian Office is very non-hierarchical and much like an extended group of friends. The lack of hierarchy means even the most junior members of the Firm can feel comfortable having a coffee with the most tenured leaders of the Firm—even the most senior individuals will make time to catch up with and support all the other colleagues. There are great systems in place to ensure you are enjoying your time and developing as an individual. Even more importantly, the relationships between employees are incredible, with a huge amount of support and mentorship.
What are you passionate about outside work?
Social enterprise and international development.
Why did you choose McKinsey over engineering?
The exposure to such a broad range of industries and fast-tracked development.
How has your study and/or work background helped you become a successful management consultant?
Engineering has helped me with logical thinking and feeling comfortable with numbers. Arts has helped me with structuring and effective communications.
What advice would you give to students considering McKinsey?
Do not hesitate to apply! There is simply no better way to launch your career, and it’s an eye-opening and unique experience.
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BRETT GREHAN - Principal in Sydney
Tell us about your path to McKinsey
Education background:
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, First-Class Honours, University of Sydney;
Master of Business Administration, Distinction, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
Career highlights to date:
I started off as a Business Analyst at the Sydney office, and have since experienced different offices and roles within the Firm:
- 1993-1996: Business Analyst, McKinsey & Company, Sydney. Worked on numerous projects spanning mining, electricity, packaging and building materials.
- 1998-2000: Associate, McKinsey, London. Worked on numerous projects spanning consumer goods, oil, high tech and automotive.
- 2000: Engagement Manager, McKinsey, India. Helped Indian family businesses build 'first generation' off-shoring businesses.
- 2001-2006: Engagement Manager/Associate Principal, McKinsey, Atlanta. Primarily involved in marketing and sales capability building programs in paper packaging, consumer goods and electricity.
- 2006-Present: Principal, McKinsey, Sydney. I'm a leader in the firm's Marketing and Sales Practice in Australia; I lead the 'b2b' marketing for Asia; and I serve clients across a range of sectors.
What is the most exciting part about working at McKinsey?
Helping my clients and watching them succeed.
Why did I choose McKinsey over engineering?
I wanted to be involved in the larger business issues early in my career, and I didn't feel that real 'design' jobs were available in engineering in Australia.
How has engineering background made me a good management consultant?
Through the sharp, analytical problem-solving skills and clarity of thought that engineering taught me.
