Is the direct to EM path similar to finance in terms of comp?

I have a friend at McKinsey who graduated class of 2019, and made EM this year in September. He was compensated almost $250k cash and then 401k might have bumped that up a bit too to almost $270k. That seems to be more than An2 comp…..

Not to mention if he makes AP in a couple years he could be making North of $500k, and then if he’s elected to partner that could also go up. 
Curious to hear people’s thoughts because it seems like this could be a comp trajectory that keeps pace with tech & finance, and from what I hear McK is short on EMs and might be looking to promote high performing BAs sooner than before. 

4 Comments
 

Does the lag still exist for two year BA -> EM? That's an interesting point about specializing though, I thought it was the standard process for all rockstars (~ top 5%).

 

Yes, since PE megafunds pay 300+ to new associates after their 2 years in IB. You could always adjust for COL, since most of those megafund jobs are in NYC, whereas a McK EM could be in a low COL city, but that's a reach and only relevant for people who don't want to live in NYC.

Getting to EM in 2 years is less about being top 5% and more about working with the same set of partners, who can watch your development and will be willing to staff you as an EM before other partners do. Standard for all BAs is about 3 years (and some take 4+), but many people take breaks (business school, secondments, etc.), slowing down the timeline.

 

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