Life as a Consultant

Our clients grapple with tough questions: how to improve their efficiency by streamlining and digitizing processes, how to plan for and manage expansion into growth markets, how to put in place organizational structures and processes that drive innovation and long-term performance, and how to design products and services that capitalize on the power of digital and advanced analytics.

During every engagement, our teams follow a structured problem-solving approach, in which each team member contributes ideas and opinions. Our consulting teams are backed by a knowledge network staffed by 2,000 colleagues around the world. Together, we research and analyze all options to deliver the best recommendations for our clients. McKinsey engagements typically last one to six months, so each new project is an opportunity to learn and grow.

McKinsey has more than 100 offices across every region. Our consultants have ample opportunity to see the world—through client work, training programs abroad, and office exchanges and transfers. Last year, consultants from the Oslo office worked in over 60 different countries on six continents.

Through our team-based approach and commitment to mentorship, you will have unparalleled opportunities to grow your career. Working in small, diverse teams, you will be given significant client responsibilities that will help you develop leadership and analytical skills. As you progress, you will take part in learning programs designed to build the skills needed in the next stages of your McKinsey career. Senior McKinsey colleagues, experts, peers, and external faculty will provide strength-based feedback and coaching along the way.

We are committed to helping you make your mark with both clients and colleagues. Our teams have access to proprietary tools and an extensive team of experts in all sectors and functions. This type of support, coupled with diverse client work, allows our consultants to follow their own paths at McKinsey—and beyond.

At McKinsey, there is no typical work week. While long hours are not uncommon, we are committed to offering our consultants work-life balance. We support flexible working arrangements. Several of our consultants work on part-time programs, thereby allowing time for family or pro bono commitments. Our “Take Time” program allows consultants who wish to take time off between projects to pursue personal interests and passions, including travel and study. You can learn more about what our “Take Time” program means to our people by watching and reading their personal stories on our global site.