I really want to lateral and restart at entry level. Stuck between BCG and OW, but heard BCG is unattainable (From non target with 3.5 GPA, 1.5y experience)?

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You’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take

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Apply first?

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I think you can apply every 150 days. Shoot your shot, if you miss, then take the next 5 months to build up your resume again. There are plenty non targets at these firms, beauty of BCG is they’re not - in my experience - elitist as you think they are and are generally willing to help a humble person.

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Didn’t mean to brush Bain1 off, was typing while walking.
We at BCG do hire lateral folks at every level. Have seen several associates come in with 1-2 years of experience out of undergrad.
Our experienced hire team is very good and actually reviews every single application. However, the lateral hiring is done on an as-need basis by office for associates. So when you apply there will be a place to specify your office preferences (up to 3) and those offices will decide whether to bring you in for an interview. Often times there is just not a current hiring need and you may be placed on a “check back later” list. Had someone wait a year for an interview. It really depends.
Referrals are not a must have, but can give a noticeable boost - only if a person can really advocate for you though. That’s where the networking piece comes in. Pick the office that will be your first priority and find someone there, build a relationship and eventually have that person refer you

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I would start by networking heavily OP. That can never hurt

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I’ll defer to BCG folks here, but I’ve heard that laterals are not possible at the entry level, particularly out of undergrad. I would network everywhere, not just OW/BCG, and see what happens - but you need to make a strong case for relevant work experience regardless of your GPA, since you are out of school

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For laterals, applications alone won’t do much unless you have someone backing you (hence folks’ suggestions above to network). I will defer to someone at BCG since I don’t know the situation. I’m trying to be helpful, not discouraging! Definitely network and feel it out because that will give you the best insight into whether you should even apply or no, as some stuff is office dependent

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We do take laterals at entry level - need stellar resume though. Networking is your way in. Alumni on LinkedIn may be a good one - don’t think you’ll get the best connection here

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Reach out to all your networks; religious, ethnic, athletic, geographical, family, company. If you’re at a large consulting firm, then you’ll likely have alums at these firms.

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NYC is most difficult I‘d say

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Can I apply multiple times? Don’t want to apply and blacklist myself cause I’m not qualified currently

Any advice on best way to apply (obviously online) but are there networking events I can attend etc.? Any incentive in referring me? (Once you do a sanity check that I’m of caliber)

Lastly, does BCG take entry levels year round or are there only certain windows?

Agreed @BCG2. Little to no alumni @ BCG. Where do I start? FB seems more approachable than LinkedIn.

@BCG1 & @BCG2 would either or both of you guys be willing to connect offline? Can make a burner! 🙂

Thanks @BAH1. Any specifics for applying as entry level, but not via undergrad? Always a tricky one to navigate

So BCG out of the question essentially? Should I still apply?

Greats thanks at @Bain! Appreciate the thoughtful advice! Lastly, just need some advice on kickstarting networking efforts. Since no alumni, what is best route? Cold LinkedIn emails? And shall I frame my intro as interest into BCG or something else?

Don’t listen to Bain, statements are factually wrong. Will respond in more detail later

Glimmer of hope! @BCG1. Looking forward to learning more - thanks a ton

What firm are you at now, OP?

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