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Incoming Business Analyst at McKinsey - Salary is too high

I know this seems like a weird concern, and I am not complaining, just confused.

I am 1 year out of college. I applied for a business analyst role within the risk group. The job posting asked for 1-4 years of experience. The contract states my role will be a business analyst, not a senior business analyst.

The base salary is about $30k higher than what the salary for a business analyst straight out of undergrad would be. Are there tiers within the business analyst role? Does it pay more because it is within the risk group?

What will be expected of me that is not expected of a business analyst straight out of undergrad? Any information on the subject is appreciated it

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Top answer
on Sep 01, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congrats on your offer. I agree such a large difference seems strange. Are all the other components the same (eg benefits, bonuses)?

Expectations will be higher since you have some seniority, however I don't think you have to worry about it - you already showed you have the potential to do the job.

Best,

Francesco

Ken
Coach
on Sep 01, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

It's not unheard of that the same business analyst role within different groups (and offices) at McKinsey are paid slightly differently due to the profile of candidates it is looking for (in your case 1-4 years of experience).

You clearly already meet the expectations if you have an offer. Perhaps something to be mindful of is the type of work you will be expected to focus on and the people you will be working together in the risk group. It really depends on project demand but a typical frustration for group/practice dedicated consultants, is the lack of flexibility beyond their focus, especially during high demand. That may not be a bad thing for you and I have definitely seen many risk business analysts (and associates), especially in large offices/regions, work more broadly beyond their group during their time at McKinsey.

Hope this helps and most importantly, congratulations with your McKinsey offer!

Ian
Coach
on Sep 01, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

It's a fair question and the summary is: don't be concerned!

This is definitely because they're hiring you with work experience, not fresh out of undergrad. The expectations for you should actually be about the same.

In terms of preparing for the role now, take a look at this Q&A!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/one-month-to-start-consulting-job-what-to-prepare-now-7028

Anonymous
on Sep 01, 2020

Dear A,

Congratulations to your offer!

Yes, it may seems big difference, but you will be expected more. But don't worry about it. 

Wish you best of luck,
André

4
on Sep 10, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, congrats for the offer. What office are you talking about?

Best,
Antonello

Luca
Coach
on Sep 02, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

It sounds quite a huge difference for being justified by only 1 year of work experience. Do you know anyone working in the same group? Salaries and contract are standard and they could help you to understand if you have misunderstood something.

Best,
Luca

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