McKinsey Consulting vs. McKinsey Research
You guys are probably aware that McKinsey has 2 divisions that they hire in: Consulting and Research (supporting the consultants). A friend of mine received an offer from McK "Knowledge Network" as a Junior Research Analyst, and wants to know how good are his exit opportunities.
I assume not that good, correct? He's not doing any client facing work, brainstorming or anything like that, he will just collect and analyse data that consultants will need/use. I also have a feeling is much easier to get into McKinsey as a researcher than a consultant, it just doesnt have the same prestige, event though its McK, right? Its like the difference between FO and BO in a Bulge Bracket.
Now that he got this offer, I'm actually thinking about applying there myself just to get that "brand name" on my CV, as I bet not too many people outside MBB know about this Research division, and they would probably think I've worked as a McKinsey consultant :) I, personally didn't know about this difference (thought that when people say they work for McK they are consultants. ie. the real deal) and when he told me he got McK, I was like no way , especially because he's non-target, average GPA, average CV, nothing spectacular but then he told me about this Research division, as "backdoor" of entering McK, so yeah I want to hear your thoughts on this particular career route!
Can I go from McKinsey research to a consultant at McKinsey
Our users have shared a variety of different opinions regarding whether or not you can successfully transition between the research role at McKinsey and the traditional consultant role. It seems as if the career change is possible but not easy or guaranteed. Our users shared their thoughts below.
User @kalice123" shared that it is a very doable transition to make:
kalice123I know for a fact that it's doable. There was one girl who went to a non-target school, didn't get any consulting jobs out of college but landed McK research; did that for about a year or so, and converted to a Business Analyst in her second year. I believe she stayed for a third year and is about to go to one of H/S/W MBA. That was her strategy all along because she knew she wanted to do consulting, not research, but had to do that as a stepping stone.
User @chucanes" shared that it is possible but not common:
chucanesI worked 2 years in an European office of McKinsey. I had a friend that was offered to join as a first year analyst track after 2 years as a research analyst. This is exceptional and he had been previously staffed in some engagements so he could make the transition. I would certainly not consider that a normal path...
User @m2" shared that it is a very difficult transition to make:
m2The wall between FO and BO in consulting is much harder than between FO and BO in S+T. I think it's borderline impossible to make this move directly -- I have never heard of this happening.
If you think that McKinsey Research gives you a 'brand on your CV' this is right, but only among people who really have got no clue about how the business works, not really PE/startup/corporate management!
What Does a Research Analyst at McKinsey Do?
raider4ever - Private Equity AssociateMcKinsey research analysts, at least those in an industry group and not at a knowledge center, are client facing, with a per diem paid for by clients, and are a source of profit for the firm, not an expense like operations.That being said, it is definitely not operations/administration work.
If you want to learn/have a passion for a specific industry, I would suggest there are few better opportunities than doing this with McKinsey. Also, as a BA you are a generalist, therefore you work maybe 5 months on a study in oil & gas, 6 months on a study in Insurance, 2 months on a study in consumer goods, 4 months on a study in Pharma, etc, etc...and then you leave and get an MBA without having gained in-depth industry experience. That isn't a bad thing, obviously, but research analysts in industry groups, while not getting the broad experience, get staffed on and develop expertise in the specific industry they cover, as they are immersed in this 24/7.
From people I know, if you want Pharma or Retail or whatever, this is a great launch into that specific industry and the people I know who have done it have gone on to MBA's at UChicago & Columbia. MBA creds are probably slightly less than a BA, but the McKinsey name still carries with you and partners wrote rec's for these people. After b-school (depending on where you go), things even out and you can go back as an associate or move into the industry you like or go do whatever.
I've heard the main reason it isn't well known is because there are actually very few of them and it isn't a direct campus hire-recruitment program like the BA.
You can read more about McKinsey on the Wall Street Oasis Company Database.
Read More About McKinsey on WSO
- How To Get A McKinsey Interview
- Don’t Waste Your 20s At Google Or McKinsey
- Choosing McKinsey V Bain MBA Internship
Need Help Preparing for Consulting Case Interviews?
Land at an elite consulting firm with the most comprehensive case interview prep in the world. The WSO Consulting Interview Prep Course has everything you’ll ever need to land the most coveted jobs.
The wall between FO and BO in consulting is much harder than between FO and BO in S+T. I think it's borderline impossible to make this move directly -- I have never heard of this happening.
If you think that McKinsey Research gives you a 'brand on your CV' this is right, but only among people who really have got no clue about how the business works, so maybe hot chicks, not really PE/startup/corporate management!
I remember reading reading on their site that it's a very rare transition.
I know for a fact that it's doable. There was one girl who went to a non-target school, didn't get any consulting jobs out of college but landed McK research; did that for about a year or so, and converted to a Business Analyst in her second year. I believe she stayed for a third year and is about to go to one of H/S/W MBA. that was her strategy all along because she knew she wanted to do consulting, not research, but had to do that as a stepping stone. i don't know her personally, and don't know how many others, but everything i said is a fact.
best of luck.
its doable, i personally know a couple of people that did
of course its better if you can land a consulting gig directly, but if you do not have any offers then go ahead
I worked 2 years in an European office of McKinsey. I had a friend that was offered to join as a first year analyst track after 2 years as a research analyst. This is exceptional and he had been previously staffed in some engagements so he could make the transtion. I would certainly not consider that a normal path...
I worked 2 years in an European office of McKinsey. I had a friend that was offered to join as a first year analyst track after 2 years as a research analyst. This is exceptional and he had been previously staffed in some engagements so he could make the transtion. I would certainly not consider that a normal path...
I worked 2 years in an European office of McKinsey. I had a friend that was offered to join as a first year analyst track after 2 years as a research analyst. This is exceptional and he had been previously staffed in some engagements so he could make the transtion. I would certainly not consider that a normal path...
I worked 2 years in an European office of McKinsey. I had a friend that was offered to join as a first year analyst track after 2 years as a research analyst. This is exceptional and he had been previously staffed in some engagements so he could make the transtion. I would certainly not consider that a normal path...
McKinsey Research Analyst (Originally Posted: 02/13/2007)
do you get any respect? are there any exit options?
or are you just a huge tool who will be considered a 2nd class citizen...
ive heard of bain guys going to PE shops and there are some PE shops out there that look to hire consultants..dunno about McKinsey but id imagine the exit opps would be the same as bain though i do know the kids who went to McKinsey and completed a few years there went to bschool right after.
research analyst is a researcher... How much do you like research?
its for the consumer goods practice which is a sector I have a lot of interest in. I don't see myself as a career researcher; 2-4 years in and an MBA is my current line of thought. I was hoping someone could shed some light on this.
Is to ask people who are in the program now what their exit options or b school opportunities were. I can't imagine that they are that great for just a researcher...
McKinsey Research Analysts (Originally Posted: 04/27/2007)
Can anyone elaborate on these positions? I guess the are somewhat "back office", but they seem far more interesting than operations.
What is the compensation and hours like? Is there much travel, if any?
Are there good exit opps to Equity Research or IB after covering an industry for a few years as a McKinsey Research Analyst? What about b-school?
Your frat brothers and alumni should be able to get a BA job. Don't give up on front office just yet.
McKinsey research analysts, at least those in an industry group and not at a knowledge center, are client facing, with a per diem paid for by clients, and are a source of profit for the firm, not an expense like operations.
that being said, it is definitely not operations/administration work.
If you want to learn/have a passion for a specific industry, I would suggest there are few better opportunities than doing this with McKinsey. Also, as a BA you are a generalist, therefore you work maybe 5 months on a study in oil & gas, 6 months on a study in Insurance, 2 months on a study in consumer goods, 4 months on a study in Pharma, etc, etc...and then you leave and get an MBA without having gained in-depth industry experience. That isn't a bad thing, obviously, but research analysts in industry groups, while not getting the broad experience, get staffed on and develop expertise in the specific industry they cover, as they are immersed in this 24/7.
From people I know, if you want Pharma or Retail or whatever, this is a great launch into that specific industry and the people I know who have done it have gone on to MBA's at UChicago & Columbia. MBA creds are probably slightly less than a BA, but the McKinsey name still carries with you and partners wrote rec's for these people. After b-school (depending on where you go), things even out and you can go back as an associate or move into the industry you like or go do whatever.
I've heard the main reason it isn't well known is because there are actually very few of them and it isn't a direct campus hire-recruitment program like the BA.
I'm of the belief that no matter what you do, it is what you make it. My two cents...
I've been told the roles would not be client facing, and I would be working out of the McKinsey office pretty much 90% of the time. I'm not sure how the billing works out and who picks up the tab for the research, but I'm guessing you probably know more about this than I do and you're right. Can you elaborate on what you meant by client facing?
Lastly, I've heard this is a 40 hr/week type job. Is this also correct?
Is the interviewing process as intense as the standard McKinsey interviewing process for BAs?
From everything I know, the job is definitely not 40 hrs a week and you have the opportunity to serve on client teams & know explicit-confidential info. on what's going on with clients (therefore client facing as opposed to back office support)
I believe it varies from role to role, industry to industry. I also heard those in knowledge centers have more of a 9-5, no frills experience while those in industry groups are relied on much more heavily as they will most likely know more about the industry than the generalist pre-partner consultants.
I know my friends had to take the multiple choice test, had case interviews, etc.
what/where is the job you have interviewed for?
Thank you for all of the useful advice.
The job is within an industry group, not at a Knowledge Center. I don't want to give out more details as I don't have an offer yet.
I think this job would hold excellent exit ops to B-School like you said, and I feel the work would be intellectually stimulating on the daily. We'll see how it all pans out.
like i said, of the people I know, one went on to Columbia B-school & the other is at Chicago GSB.
Pay is light and some there will be plenty of bs work I'm sure(like every entry-level job everywhere and much more than some people would care to admit) but it sounds like a slam dunk if you really like that industry and plan on moving on to b-school in 3-5 years, regardless.
Research Analyst at McKinsey (Originally Posted: 03/24/2008)
Research Analyst at McKinsey: how different is the recruitment process from that of consulting? how long is this program (2 or 3 years)? how is the prestige of this gig? exit opps to other positions (maybe consulting)? exit opps to MBA? is the pay the same as in consulting?
thanx for the info!
1) Recruiting process is different in that you do not come in with a class like BAs or Associates. There are significantly fewer research analysts and recruiting happens as positions become available/a need arises. Additionally, not all practices are identical in what they look for opposed to generalist BA/Assoc; some are more ambitious in wanting someone smart with quant/qual abilities akin to a BA, others place more weight on research background and industry knowledge. Otherwise, still do screening & case interviews, along with the written exam.
2) Not a set program length, though seems most people stay 1.5-3 years: some use it for an education in business/exit ops and others are lifers who enjoy it & want to grow into practice expert roles.
3) Externally - as long as you are ambitious, presentable, and knowledgeable, you work for McKinsey and everything that entails, period. Internally, you are likely to be considered "below" Consultants; however, performance is the great equalizer. A great research analyst trumps a decent BA and is more visible and sought after by Partners. However, if you work at a "Center" (not in a Practice) then - internally, speaking - this topic becomes a bit more difficult to market.
4) At senior levels, the Knowledge path merges into consulting (see #2). Until then, options for b-school and pre-MBA buyside or strategy positions are certainly available within your sector, IF you've utilized what McKinsey offers and built up the right skill set. Further, seems headhunters are still after these folks, as well.
6)Of the people I've know who have done it at a junior level and left for grad school: two went to Kellogg; one to Chicago GSB; one to CBS; one JD at Georgetown.
7) Base is akin to BA at junior level, but does not increase as dramatically unless one moves into a Specialist/Expert role, at which point pay structure is identical to consulting. Ultimately, for a research analyst staying a few years vs. a BA - you won't be paid nearly as much.
I know it's been a while but can you elaborate more on, "However, if you work at a "Center" (not in a Practice) then - internally, speaking - this topic becomes a bit more difficult to market."
What's the difference between a 'center' and a 'practice'?
Thank you for the great comment!!!
McKinsey Research Analyst vs. Big 4 corporate finance ? (Originally Posted: 03/08/2012)
Hi guys, my goal is to break into IB or PE after a few years of work, or probably go to one of the top B-School for an MBA before that transition.
Which of the following positions would provide better exit options such as IB jobs or MBA?
Research Analyst dedicated to Auto Industry at McKinsey & Company. This is more of "back-office" role at McKinsey, but I'm expecting to build expertise in one industry or sub industry.
corporate finance (Financial Advisory Services) at Big 4 firm. PPl at this division usually work on M&A Due Diligence and Forensic.
Thanks for your opinions.
McKinsey no question
Agreed. McKinsey is a great name.
Also, the auto industry is something that is very interesting in my opinion.
You'd be surprised at what you can learn sub specializing in any industry, so I'd jump at that opportunity. Congrats!
frankly, McKinsey research is not top bschool material. I might be wrong.
bschool actually would appreciate a consulting role at a smaller consulting firm much more than a research role at McKinsey.
I'm at McK and I'm not sure I'd advise you to do the research analyst thing. They are back-office and it doesn't seem like it would be very fun. I try not to be abusive but there are definitely some consultants that will ask for ridiculous things with extremely tight deadlines and it is generally expected that the RAs will get it done regardless. Just be sure you understand what the job entails.
I don't know exactly what you will do at McK, but it's like working in back-office at GS I guess. If I were you, I will take corporate finance at big 4 and try to move to IB within an year or so. I've seen it before. At least at big 4, you will develop modeling skill, which is really important to IB.
McK any day of the week. It will give you the best opportunities for MBA. Look at any McK office and look at their teams, 90% have an M7 MBA
Research is not consulting. I'd tell you to do Big 4. You don't build any expertise as a research analyst, you compile research reports, industry data, etc, and email it off to teams when they request it. You most likely won't learn anything on the job thats useful for IB or PE.
Thanks guys.
Let me sum up the above:
Yes for McKinsey: 1. the brand is gold, 2. the power of McKinsey alumni, 3. possible (maybe illusionary and thus useless) expertise in Auto industry.
No for McKinsey: 1. it is back-office role, therefore no client-facing opportunities. 2. It is not consulting, therefore there is barely any chance fo me to build up (strategic) modeling and case analysis skills. 3. Big 4 Corp Fi seems more relevant to IB jobs, especially for M&A advisory team.
Would it make any difference if both of these jobs are based in Asia ? Again, I really appreciate your insights. Let the thread flow.
Asia means a more definite "no" to McK.
McKinsey Junior Research Analyst (Originally Posted: 01/26/2016)
Hi Everyone!! I'm a college senior I've recently applied for a McKinsey research analyst position. the HR informed me that my graduation date is in May and they look for people who can start immediately. However, I've seen posts on this forum before of people receiving McKinsey research analyst offers as college seniors.
I'm seeking help here---Do you think it is possible now to break in McKinsey research as a senior student? If so, any advice? Thanks!!
It sounds like you hit the wrong recruiting window. I'd ask the recruiters re: what timing should look like for you given the May graduation, express interest and follow-up at that time. Not familiar with recruiting for that particular role, but what you heard is what we tell people when they apply for something too early or are otherwise ineligible at this time.
what location did you apply for? generally speaking, i think the jobs that they hire immediately for are the knowledge centers, of which there are only like 6 in the world
it really doesn't help that McKinsey is huge
Research analyst at Mck? (Originally Posted: 09/08/2008)
is this a back office role? provide support for consultants? what're some career prospectives in this role?
Depends what kind of research. If it's Equity/Fixed Income etc. might be a good way to build a foundation in the basics of analysing capital, and could be a good stepping stone to banking after b-school. McKinsey brand opens a lot of doors too.
Veniam sunt itaque consequatur. Impedit placeat laborum omnis ex voluptatem.
Voluptates quia dignissimos deserunt aut. Sequi non incidunt id. Facere eligendi blanditiis nihil dolor voluptatibus nobis.
Est tempore odio nisi ratione perspiciatis veniam quibusdam. Aut numquam iste aut nam neque aut enim. Quis veritatis reprehenderit eos illum molestias. Et odio quo minima ducimus voluptatem magni. Accusantium repellat nam mollitia ea earum. Omnis nisi maxime debitis quam consequuntur ea. Harum quasi fuga vero ratione qui.
Est voluptatem est minus nostrum consequatur ea corrupti. Autem non consectetur soluta explicabo. In omnis voluptatibus consequatur magni molestiae minus dicta id. Voluptatem omnis voluptas aspernatur est occaecati.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Natus eligendi quasi eaque quia quaerat. Sit fugit eveniet tempora. Est ut vel eius libero quo aut. Officia quidem et dolorum et aperiam adipisci nihil odit. Molestias rerum dolor in velit quam. Natus suscipit quis eos cumque rerum rem.
Modi vel nam consectetur possimus rerum ea. Numquam modi dolor eveniet nemo.
Cum alias numquam et porro esse ad. Animi quibusdam rerum expedita esse voluptatem ad aut non. Aut ipsa quia cupiditate corrupti ut quaerat consequatur. Est assumenda et adipisci reiciendis.
Quia illum quaerat architecto natus repellendus velit iusto fuga. Tenetur distinctio doloribus et vel aut eum. Non voluptatibus quis quae atque asperiores quidem nisi. Ea fugiat eum deserunt numquam eum. Ad nisi maiores qui omnis.
Temporibus dolor inventore blanditiis mollitia eveniet. Aut dolores fuga laboriosam ex. Illum sint quia dolor ratione deserunt numquam. Perspiciatis ipsa necessitatibus incidunt non. Ut deleniti beatae rerum. Perferendis fuga assumenda necessitatibus repellat consequatur ullam nisi.