Solution vs Expert Path at McKinsey

Question

Hello,

I am confused about the difference between the solution and expert paths at McKinsey. (Note: by solution path, I do not mean the solution delivery path which is completely different)

What is the difference between both paths?

How to identify if a specific position is on either path?

I noticed that some employees at McK have titles such as Solution Associate, Solution Leader/Manager, Solution Associate Partner, etc. but have also seen employees within the same practice that have a title such as Specialist, Expert or Senior Expert. Also, I was told that those who have the ‘solution’ prefix are typically involved in internal research and modeling (50% of the time) while the other 50% is spent on client projects. But my understanding is that this is also the case for the expert track.

Also, do these tracks offer the same pay, WLB, career progression, prestige and exit opportunities when compared to the generalist track?

Answer 1

Hi,

The McKinsey Expert track can either be a solution track or that of an expert

Solutions are McKinsey's proprietary tools that they deploy for specific analysis - for example the Healthcare analytics tool. In this role, you will be responsible for deploying the tool and running analyses on it and also suggesting developments to it to improve performance based on new data/coding etc.

As an expert - you will be staffed on projects based on your expertise. So for example if you are a marketing analytics expert, you will be staffed as a client team member on marketing analytics projects either as an Associate/EM etc. or as an SME

The titles for both tracks are on the website - and you progress from Analyst to Expert Partner. The time frame can take longer than a generalist track maybe 10+ yrs vs the typical 6+ for anyone that joins as a generalist Associate.

Best,

Udayan

Answer 2

Hi there,

It is actually very simple:

Solutions ASC, EM, AP are consultant roles within the “Solutions” function of the firm
Solutions Specialist, Experts, SE, are expert roles (support staff) within the “Solutions” function of the firm

While both (mainly) work on Solution-focused engagements, consultants are doing so within the normal job description of the consulting track (not different from generalist consultants) and experts on the normal expert track (e.g., supporting multiple teams at the same time, much less frequent travel, mostly better working hours,…).

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi there,

I can't beat Udayan's answer - he's spot on and well-articulated here :)

What I will say, is get networking! Yes networking is to try to get referrals, but it's also about understanding the day-to-day of roles and figuring out which makes sense for you.

Nothing beats actually speaking with a person live!