This article summarizes a conversation with Lon Zang, a former McKinsey consultant, offering valuable insights into the world of management consulting. It covers topics ranging from the characteristics of successful consultants to exit opportunities and the realities of work-life balance.
Is Consulting Right for You? Key Traits to Consider
Several key characteristics may indicate whether a career in consulting is a good fit.
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Commitment Issues (in a good way): Consulting is ideal for those who thrive on variety and continuous learning, as projects change frequently, exposing consultants to new industries and challenges.
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Intellectual Curiosity: A strong desire to understand how things work is crucial. Consultants often grapple with complex problems and must be analytical and inquisitive.
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People Skills: While not necessarily requiring extroversion, enjoying client interaction and professional service is essential for success. Communication and relationship-building skills are paramount.
Hyperfixation & Consulting
Lonnie uses a great example of intellectual curiosity by sharing how she wondered as a child why brands rebranded packaging. Or in another example, while visiting Woodsworth, she became hyperfixated on understanding how elevator algorithms worked.
A Look Inside McKinsey: Work-Life Balance, Compensation, and Culture
Work-Life Balance at McKinsey
Work-life balance varies significantly based on the project, ranging from standard 40-hour weeks to demanding 100+ hour schedules. Factors influencing balance include project length, team leadership, and client type. Longer projects, supportive leaders, and clients in industries with regular business hours tend to offer better work-life balance.
Compensation Structure at McKinsey
Entry-level compensation for undergraduates typically starts around $100,000. The most significant aspect of consulting compensation is its rapid growth potential, with salaries potentially doubling every two to three years for high performers. Resources like levels.fyi provide public compensation data.
Compensation Gap Between Consulting Firms
A significant compensation gap exists between different types of consulting firms, particularly between MBB (McKinsey, Bain, and BCG) strategy firms and other firms, including the consulting arms of the Big Four accounting firms. MBB firms generally offer higher compensation due to the premium services they provide.
Leaving Consulting: Timing, Reasons, and Exit Opportunities
Why Consultants Leave After a Few Years
Many consultants view their time at a firm as an extension of their education, providing diverse learning opportunities before pursuing a specific career path.
Common Reasons for Leaving
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Pursuing further education (MBA, graduate studies).
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Seeking opportunities in private equity or other finance roles.
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Transitioning to public health or other mission-driven fields.
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Taking a break or "entrepreneurial sabbatical".
Evaluating Exit Opportunities
The "best" exit opportunity is subjective and depends on individual priorities, such as career goals, financial aspirations, work-life balance, and personal circumstances. It's crucial to define personal priorities to align career choices with desired outcomes.
The McKinsey to CEO Pipeline: Why So Many Alumni Become CEOs
Several factors contribute to the phenomenon of McKinsey consultants becoming CEOs.
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Self-Selection: Individuals with CEO aspirations may naturally gravitate towards McKinsey.
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Talent Pool: McKinsey recruits top talent, potentially indicating future success.
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Exposure to Leadership: Consultants gain early exposure to high-level executive work, participating in strategic discussions and building valuable networks.
Consultants as "Expensive Scapegoats"?
The notion of consultants as scapegoats for CEOs is overly sensationalized. While risk management is a factor in hiring consultants, the decision to engage a firm is typically tied to value creation and subject to rigorous scrutiny by shareholders and boards.
Key Lessons Learned at McKinsey
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Executive Presence: Developing business acumen and the ability to build relationships with senior leaders is crucial.
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High Performance: Consulting fosters the ability to produce high-quality work quickly and efficiently under pressure.
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Self-Discovery: The demanding lifestyle and exposure to diverse perspectives accelerate personal growth and help individuals clarify their priorities and boundaries.
Advice to an 18-Year-Old Self
If Lonnie could go back in time and speak to herself at 18, she would advise prioritizing well-being, mental health, and friendships. She would advise to not be hyperfixated on your career at the expensive of your health and social life. She would also advise to get into intramural sports in college.