Biggest Challenges Faced By An Associate At McKinsey And Company
Jacqueline's biggest challenges as a McKinsey Associate are the "dynamic aspect" of constantly learning new skills on each project and the demanding "pace of work," though these are also aspects she enjoys. The significant travel required, a "personal challenge," adds another layer of complexity to the role.
Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges, Fast-Paced Environment, Travel, Steep Learning Curve
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jacqueline Pageau
Associate
Mckinsey & Company
Queen's University
UCLA Anderson
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Energy & Utilities
Consulting
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The dynamic nature of the role and steep learning curve on each project. This is both a challenge and a source of engagement, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.
2. The fast-paced work environment. While intellectually stimulating, the high frequency of tasks can be demanding and require strong time management skills.
3. The extensive travel required for client work. While offering perks and frequent flyer points, it presents a personal challenge and requires adaptability and effective time management to maintain a work-life balance.
Transcript
Q6: Biggest challenge in your role?
What is your biggest challenge in your current role as an associate?
I think the biggest challenges are the same as the things I like the most. The dynamic aspect of the role is so engaging and fun. You work on all these different project teams.
This can also be challenging because you're never coming into something saying, "I've done this before." There's a very steep learning curve on pretty much every project you start. It can feel daunting until you understand that that's just how it works as an associate.
The second challenge is the pace of work. While it's great and keeps you engaged, interested, and intellectually stimulated, it can become taxing when you're operating at such a high frequency.
The last piece, and this was a personal challenge of mine, is the travel component. Typically in a consulting role, you're traveling Monday to Thursday on the client site. If the client is in Houston and you're based in Los Angeles, you travel to Houston on Mondays and home on Thursdays. There are a lot of perks associated with that, but it was one of my biggest challenges.
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