The research track can be interesting. I had a couple of interviews a couple of years ago for it. They are trying to make it into more of a real career track than the admin position that it used to be. Until 2000, knowledge management was non-existent in McK - they were panned for this by an internal report, so an important part of the research role is now in maintaining databases, uploading case studies etc. Hours are regular 9-5.30. The core of the work is around internet/intranet/online database/news research of specific facts and figures. You may also get to do bits of work for McKinsey Quarterly articles. What isn't covered is McKinsey Global Institute (which is in Brussels) and slide deck production (India). Valuable skills are flexible thinking (you may have to work out where to go to find data), accuracy and attention to detail (if you're asked for GDP figures, you can't substitute GNP figures, and you need to make explanatory notes if you draw from two datasets that use different assumptions), time management and robust attitude (if you know that you can't find a piece of data or can't find it within the allotted time period, you need to make that clear).I decided not to go for the Junior Research Analyst position because it is very, very junior and I'd find it frustrating. The career track still seems geared to hiring people without an academic background. I was quoted a minimum of a year to get promoted to Research Analyst which is the level most decent BSc graduates are already used to operating at. Because the group is fairly small, and the pace is relatively sedate (it's still regarded as part of admin rather than consulting) promotion and training can be hard to get - you are likely to be waiting for someone to resign or retire (rare as McK is a pretty kind employer) before you can move into their position.
