Firas Dar

“I am deeply passionate about helping others succeed and uphold strong personal values without compromise.”

McKinsey Office: Detroit

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

MBA Program and Concentration: Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, Strategy and Corporate Finance

Undergraduate School, Major: University of Michigan Dearborn, Mechanical Engineering

What was your favorite thing about your MBA program? The best part of the MBA program was definitely the tight-knit community. I formed some deep personal connections that I still maintain. The mentorship structured into the program was also pivotal; it allowed me to guide first-year students, which was incredibly fulfilling.

Can you describe your proudest pre-McKinsey accomplishment? Launching the Ford Super Duty truck was a career highlight before joining McKinsey. It was one of the few projects where I was involved from the initial concept all the way to mass production. I put a lot of effort into that vehicle and seeing it on the road is a constant reminder of that hard work.

Why did you choose McKinsey over other consulting firms or other industries? I chose McKinsey because I knew it would place me in rooms where the most crucial conversations were happening. I wanted to be at the table with leaders making decisions that impact the whole organization, and McKinsey guaranteed me that opportunity.

What are three words that describe working at McKinsey? Energizing, stimulating, and exciting.

What were you most excited about when you accepted your full-time offer? What is something you didn’t know to be excited about then, but you are now? When I accepted the offer, I was most excited about the prospect of being involved in high-level strategic decisions. The idea of influencing significant business outcomes was thrilling.

Initially, I didn’t expect to find such a vibrant community of people with similar backgrounds and values at McKinsey. Discovering this network was a pleasant surprise that has significantly enriched my experience at the firm.

Who at the Firm has been the most impactful mentor to you and why? Madhumitha Aravanan from the Detroit office has been a significant mentor for me at McKinsey. She was one of the first to welcome me and has consistently provided honest feedback and valuable guidance, which has been crucial in navigating my early days at the firm.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice during the interview process, what would you say? I would tell my younger self to trust your knowledge and instincts more. The interview process can be intimidating, but preparing—then trusting that preparation—is key to navigating it successfully.

In what area(s) do you have considerable knowledge or expertise? My expertise lies in the automotive industry, especially in product development. While I haven’t yet worked directly with automotive clients at McKinsey, my background gives me a unique perspective that I’m eager to apply to future projects.

Tell us about an “only at McKinsey” moment you’ve had so far: A standout McKinsey moment for me was dining at an outstanding restaurant with my team to celebrate a team event. We not only enjoyed fantastic food, but also shared personal stories and bonded over life beyond work. It was an experience that truly highlighted the unique opportunities McKinsey offers for personal connection.

DON’T MISS: MEET MCKINSEY & COMPANY’S MBA CLASS OF 2023