What are the benefits / downsides of joining BCG an an Associate vs Senior Associate? I have nearly 2 YOE and considering holding off to apply for the SA role but not sure if there are hidden drawbacks I should be considering

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Pros of SA: materially better pay, faster promotion timing

Cons of SA: less runway until up or out, much higher expectations

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SA are not eligible for tuition reimbursement from what I’ve read

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Also wondering this

You usually need 3-4 YOE in a respectable firm to be able to negotiate for SA, so that’s a while to hold off (unless you’re seriously impressive)

You are qualified for MBA sponsorship if you join as an A, otherwise virtually no chance

Yeah, everyone here is right. FWIW, I was just in your position OP and very happily took the A role with no tenure.

IMO, it sets you up way better for success, and if successful the extra year of tenure you get by coming in at SA level is going to be erased really quickly. I’m happy to be given extra time to ramp up and learn the fundamentals - from what I’ve heard, it will still be a baptism by fire.

Not trying to come in with higher expectations hanging over my head too.

Last thing, as BCG2 said - probably unlikely you’d actually be able to get SA even if you wanted it, so probably a moot point (and a blessing in disguise).

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