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McKinsey & Company Hi all! Any fishes at BCG and/or McK have time to chat sometime within the next few days/weeks?
I’m a consulting analyst at Accenture, really interested in strategy work (mainly tech/software clients but open to all backgrounds) hoping to make the jump some time next year. I’d very much appreciate connecting to understand your journey with the firms and the work you do.
Thanks in advance, and happy holidays!
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Hi fishes,
Currently I am working in mulesoft technology in big 4 but would like to work in faang companies in future..what would be appropriate road map to learn relevant technology so that I can easily switch into faang companies.. appreciated your quick response.
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Depends on the reasons and how it compares to your peers. Eg is everyone in the same boat which means work isn’t selling or just you, which means you either don’t yet have a brand or are not good.
I suspect this so because you don’t yet have a brand and possibly don’t understand SM expectations in professional services. On the first point, for SMs, I generally see 6-12 months for a transition and foundational brand. Another 6-12 to establish themselves as a known brand. On the second point, SMs typically don’t get staffed in the same way as junior folks (unless you’re on a technical track or whatever PWC calls that), they usually align with a partner or two and focus on supporting them, and then of course sell their own work.
My advice is have a clear conversation with your practice leader or Partner you report to re: expectations and ask for constructive honest feedback on what you maybe not doing. I would also have a clear and actionable plan as well as asks on how to get there. Do you need introductions? Do you need regular touch points? Ask. It’s not just on you but at this level we expect you to drive it vs being a wallflower. And then of course network with partners and peers, and start working on developing your own team.
For those of you who are considering switch at this level, you should do this before you start and have clear plan on what the firm will be responsible for in supporting your transition. It’s harder to come in at senior levels without brand, team or executive support.
Good luck, grasshopper!
Thank you! Appreciate you sharing these words of wisdom.
I’d have a call with your talent consultant and get a list of all your PPMD’s in your segment. Start scheduling meetings so they can get to know you. Schedule a meeting with your relationship leader also and ask for advice on building your brand. While you aren’t very utilized, show you’re taking initiative by asking for work, doing trainings, or writing whitepapers/articles. Get involved in the AICPA or ABA, if you’re a CPA or JD. Keep a running list of all the PD and business development work you’re doing so next CRT it supplements your utilization.
Thank you. Good ideas
Coming in from industry to consulting at the SM level is incredibly hard. Partners want to staff who they know and it takes time to build a reputation. Likewise, SMs have to staff their own projects and you’ll need juniors who want to follow you.
My advice is to get involved in a lot: pursuits, recruiting, practice development, white papers, etc. Hopefully you will build a rep quickly and be thought of when something sells. Also, when round tables happen you’ll be able to say you’ve been busy even though your utilization is low.
Thank you. All good points!
With more proposals comes great responsibility. Continue down that path and consider increasing. While you build up your sales revenue, you’re also networking, and then if any drop, you’re auto-staffed, since you sold the work - could consider adding yourself as key personnel and adding a clause that at time of award, KP may be unavailable… blah blah blah.
Also, you’ll be expected to run 2, maybe 3 projects at once to increase utilization and still work proposals.
Good luck OP!
Post this in the consulting bowl as well.
PwC SM is between manager and director and I think is closer to an experienced (senior) manager than a junior director.
I’m told I have a project coming up soon that might be 3-4 months long but I’m also not being encouraged to network more by coach. I’m not worried if I’m canned but while I’m here I’d like to do a good job and learn.
I’m always working on thought leadership when I’m not actively doing RFPs or pursuit->proposal. I wish I had more M/SM that want to help with white papers or preparing some thought leadership pieces for conferences, panels, podcasts, etc. Find a director+ that is working on relevant topics to your work and ask to help. Network and make friends within the company.
Thank you!
Reach out to your old industry contacts and network with them. Best case scenario you identify your own next project working on something for them and bring in sales of your own (even better than high utilization). Worst case you have built/maintained relationships in case you need to exit your current role.
Yes, agreed! Thank you
At SM level, benchmark utilisation levels are not more than 35-40%, so you shouldn't be too worried about not being in a billable project. Your KPI should be more about being part of client relationships, building new solutions/capabilities and making difference at the team level.
Op I'm exactly in a similar position but for a different firm. Thank you for asking the question.
OP I’m glad you asked the question, too! Thanks!