BCG Application Question

Hi there, 

No, it doesn't have to be a leadership example. 

Try to reflect on your experience and think of what experience you are most proud of, or which you feel showed you at your best. 

Then break down that experience and explain:

1. What was the context of the situation? What were you trying to achieve?

2. What were the challenges that you faced along the way? What would've happened had you not overcome them?

3. How did you overcome these challenges eventually? What exact steps did you take and what set you apart from others in that situation?

4. What happened in the end? What was the result of the story? Why is it the most important achievement of your life?

5. Last, reflect on what you've learned from this experience and how did it make you a better person?

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, I think you are overthinking the question given that it is very specific about what you should provide as an answer - your greatest accomplishment. While this might very well be a situation where you showed leadership, it is completely irrelevant what specific skills you showed. As such, I would highly advise you to consider reaching out to a coach about personal fit questions in general and this specific task in particular.
• Moreover, contrary to what other coaches have said, the most important aspect of answering this question is not what your greatest accomplishment was but why you consider this your greatest accomplishment. Thus, while you should certainly outline the context of the situation you want to talk about, please keep in mind to elaborate on the reason why you consider this such a great accomplishment.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

It certainly doesn't have to be a leadership example! Give the one that is the most impressive (shows the most grit, talent, challenge, etc.).

If you need help, not a bad idea to hire a coach to help you maximize your chances of success!

Hi there,

Q: "What is your greatest accomplishment, both personally and professionally?" I have to submit an answer to this question for a BCG ADC application - Is it best to answer this question with a leadership example? 

This question is analogous to the entrepreneurial drive one at McKinsey. You don’t necessarily need to answer with a leadership example, but rather present how you started and implemented something overcoming major difficulties.

Good luck!

Francesco

I'd be honest! What is your greatest achievement? They are interested as much in what makes you, you, as they are in what you've done. What do you view as an achievement? 

Good luck!

Hi there,

No, not at all. Leadership is just one of various dimensions relevant for assessing potential candidates.

For example, you could also showcase great entrepreneurial drive, which is often a pretty lonely undertaking and has nothing to do with direct leadership. However, it's very relevant for MBB. The same goes for creating personal impact, showing extraordinary creativity in solving a problem and designing a solution, etc.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

This depends partially on the role you are going for. I would reflect on what is important to this role, relationship building? Leadership skills? Problem solving? Pick one and then think about a time you truly demonstrated that skill with exceptional results. For the personal question, think about your strengths, maybe you moved to another country and settled in or some thing that reflects your core values and strength, example adaptable, fast learner, agile etc Goodluck! 

For a question like this, the purpose is less how grandiose the example is but more about how you can explain why this is an accomplishment you consider to be your greatest. This tests your ability to tell a compelling story.

In terms of the type of example, tailor it if you feel it would improve your chance but in general I do not think that would make the biggest difference here.

You CAN answer with a leadership example, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a leadership example. What it really must have is an accomplishment.