I was really excited about moving to BCG (lateral); the interview process was excellent, the people really nice, and interesting opportunities for focus areas. But now I hear some murmurs about discontent and exits. Should I reconsider this? I accepted the offer last week but haven't given my notice here yet. Or is some of this being just amplified on 🐠? This was my first try at MBB (I was recruited), so I can look elsewhere or time it better. Confused and conflicted.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

So, to clarify, you're gonna give up on MBB due to internet rumors?

likefunnysmart

Sounds silly eh when you frame it like that 🤦‍♂️ but also there must be some credence to this

likesmartfunny

BCG’s value proposition is pay, high profile work (most of our projects are literal CEO priorities), alumni connections and exit opportunities. It delivers entirely on those dimensions.

The trade off is very long hours (9 am - 11 pm is very normal) and intense stress from the up or out model.

Just remember our average tenure is 21 months for a reason.

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Thank you for this perspective BCG5. I am contemplating joining and found this comment insightful.

I mean it’s hell but will only help your career

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This. I felt unsure about moving from industry after a long time into consulting but sometimes you just gotta take the leap

OP - I was having the same misgivings as you. Started last month, was super excited before starting and then started reading through the FB comments and I started to worry big time.

My only experience in consulting was an MBA internahip at a non-mbb so I want to preface everything with I am a newb so take my comments with a grain of salt.

It is true that people have been running hot for a while on cases. The whole WFH dynamic hit them hard bc now they were working 24/7 when before at least Fridays were more relaxed and Thursday nights were for travel. But it seems that leadership listened (my PL’s comment not mine) and added several stopgaps such 3 more days of holidays, a covid stipend, team expenses back to pre-covid levels, increasing hiring to make sure cases are well staffed etc.

Is a job tough. I mean for me it is. I am not sure why the hell they hired me hahaha but my guess I ‘ll ride this wave for as long as I can. My case team has been great at respecting boundaries and actually encouraging me to take the time I need to either recharge or not go crazy. So far my experience has been challenging (i.e. still trying to figure out what to do, learning new tools, etc) but honestly happy with the decision and think some of the comments have merits, other overblown.

The best of luck!

likehelpful

Anytime. Feel free to DM me if you have any more questions. I know it can land you on “freak out” mode, at least it was a bit for me. Also, i think I got a great case team so that has been extremely helpful!

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Each region is different. The Great Lakes and West Coast systems are arguably better than other geographies.

But at the end of the day, MBB isn’t magic when it comes to exit opportunities. It will open more doors for you for sure. But how far you get really depends on how much you know, how much you can learn, and how you present yourself - I think you can learn all three anywhere but there’re more enforcing mechanisms at MBB.

Hours will be challenging. But it’s the stress level that is unbearable for some. When you make the decision, it’s important to consider where you are, where you want to be, does BCG help you get there, and whether alternative paths can be better. If all of the aforementioned is affirmative and you can handle the hours and stress, go for it. Good luck!

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I spent 7 years at PwC and loved it. Going to BCG nearly doubled my salary but also doubled my hours. I have no time for anything except work. Sometimes I regret it but also I’ve learned so much in the last 2.5 years here. My team and managers at PwC were amazing and always giving positive feedback. Get ready for the opposite at BCG. Just work hard and do your best and get out in two years.

likehelpful

You can of course ask questions and not get penalized, there is a learning curve and the team should be supportive. It just depends on your team. Making friends is a huge plus to get through the first year

Sorry, I don't have any deep insight on this (I haven't heard of cons), but just wanted to say I'm feeling the exact same way (started my lateral recently). I was so excited for my new job/firm, great team, and suddenly all I notice on here and everywhere else is how I picked something terrible.

likesmart

It’s tough. But doable. Very rewarding.

likesmart

Just do it, don’t worry. Let your leadership know you had a great experience at PWC, but want to try out strategy while young. Leave on good terms. If it isn’t for you boomerang back to PWC in a year, or even switch to S& if you like strategy but don’t love BCG.

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If your going to look at other MBBs it’s probably going to be the same more or less.

Just be ready to work LONG hours. It will pay off, even a year or two on your resume

Excellent perspectives 🐠 fam! I'm going to mentally prepare myself for the grind, but the reasons many of you mentioned are aligned to mine, so I'm excited to take this step. 🤞🏻

Go for ego boost only

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