I will be joining Mckinsey as an Implementation associate in upcoming three months. I wish to be prepared to start working there maintaining a faster learning curve and getting productive quickly. Can the prep lounge community advise me on how to prepare? (like read some specific books, learn some skills like MS excel, do some training etc.)
Hi there,
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Know that no-one can perfectly prepare for the job and that's the point: You will mess up, you will learn, you will be trained and supported. That's OK!
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First: Read the 25 tips in my consulting handbook (message for a link to the article)
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Second: In terms of things you can learn/do to prepare beforehand:
1) Daily Reading
2) Industry deep-dives
3) Analytics tools
4) Excel
5) Powerpoint
6) Presentation skills / sharp communication
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Third: In terms of doing well in your role when you're there:
1) Understand the context/prompt (what role are you in, what company, who's watching, etc.)
2) Understand the objective (what, specifically, is expected from you...both day to day, and in your overall career progression)
3) Quickly process information, and focus on what's important - Take a lot of information and the unknown, find the most logical path, and focus on that.
4) Be comfortable with the unknown, and learn to brainstorm - think/speak like an expert without being one
In summary, there will always be a flood of information, expectations, competition etc. and not enough time. Find out which ones matter when. (i.e. be visibile and focus efforts on the things that people care about)
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Fourth: Here are some great prior Q&As for you!
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-hard-is-it-to-excel-in-top-consulting-firms-6762
Hi there,
Congrats on the offer and starting soon!
My advice would be to just chill and enjoy life, but that doesn't seem to be what you're looking for.
So, instead, let me share with you a couple of articles to help you become a distinctive consultant in your first year:
Best of luck!
Cristian
Hi! I was also an implementation consultant, and you’ll soon learn that there’s not a huge difference between implementation vs generalist. So, think about what you’re most nervous about for the role (someone mentioned excel and that and ppt are HUGE on the job) and do some prep courses on that. While there may be great on-the-job training in a post-COVID world and given staffing is slower right now you may get some time on the beach, on busy projects (aka all of them) you’ll be glad you got some excel and ppt skills down so you’re not learning how to walk, chew gum, do jumping jacks, and spin around 10 times all at the same time.
Congrats on the offer!
The best thing you can do is rest and enjoy your time!
You can already see this consistent answer here and this is what someone close to you would say as well. You will also find people trying to sell you things though.
As Andreas said, you will receive the base knowledge in trainings when you start and one day in consultancy life will be worth five days of preparations ahead.
Having said that, the most important thing to take with you when joining McK is high energy.
And for last, my mentor at Bain used to say: “enjoy the time you can when you are not being asked to work because when we need you to work, you will work a lot”
Hi there,
First of all, congratulations on the offer from McKinsey!
I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:
If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best practice your Excel and PowerPoint skills beforehand, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Congratulations on landing a job at McKinsey. The best thing you can do is to take some rest, clear your head and do something fun. At McKinsey you will receive world-class training that prepares you for your job. You do not know which first project you will be staffed on. Therefore, coming with an open mind is the best thing you can do.
Hey,
Congratulations for your offer !
I agree with Andreas, have some rest, if you have been selected you will succeed :)
Nevertheless if you want we can have a 30 min session where I can give you the tips to succeed in the first 3 months.
Cheers,
Hi,
congratulations on the offer!
I would advise (as other expert say)
1) Relax, have fun, prioritize sleep - you want to start in the best shape you possibly can
2) Preparation-wise: based on my experience (But dependent on your profile details )
→ Brush up on excel if you have not in the past been an excel dragon
→ Familiarize with PPT slide making and storylining -multiple resources available in this platform
Hope this helps.
Expert case by
