Is it ever possible to transfer to BCG or Bain laterally as a Senior Associate at another (non-mbb) strategy consulting firm? Or is the first year associate role, the only point of entry? Thank you!
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If you left MBB as an SM, EM, PL, etc; and then had to take an unexpected multi-year career break, how would you position yourself coming back? Would you look to down-level in a more relaxed setting? I have offers as an EM, but am nervous about the consulting grind and leading teams right away. Pro of 'relaxed' is I'll have time to catch up on all the 'AI-things' and relearn basic skills. I'm also significantly older than typical cohort given break/life stuff, so worried how it may be perceived
I’ve seen it. For example, someone with a few years of experience entering as a second year associate, or a guy from OW post-MBA entering as a 2nd year consultant. Usually easier if you’re from a true strategy shop.
BCG explicitly hires ppl with 3-5 Yoe and no mba as senior associates - it’s a role that only laterals can be hired into (associates are promoted directly to consultant). Upside is promo to consultant happens 0.5-1year quicker than associates and higher base salary. downside is little to no chance of mba sponsorship, higher expectations for ramp up time
Thanks!
Have seen it happening at Bain for lateral hires (who are not from consulting at all) but had sizeable start-up experience as founders
It is definitely possible, but quite unusual. I’ve worked with a lateral hire from OW, which had left OW as a manager and joined Bain as a Senior Associate. (It was a downgrade, technically, with a ~15% pay decrease).
You can come in with tenure
Many do it from our firm
This is a leveling question. This person is asking if you can move SA (T2) to C at BCG, the equivalent role. Answer is, I’ve seen it happen several times