BCG / Mckinsey rejection freeze time impact on campus placement

Question

I had applied to BCG in early 2021 while working at an e-commerce firm. I got through first 2 round by Mar 2021 but then had no response from them for a while. Assuming rejection I proceed to submit my MBA application and I am already going to start my MBA at INSEAD Jan 2022.

In Jun BCG got back to me 2 months ago, I had 2 other rounds of interview. After 4 rounds, they decided to tell me that due to having lop sided experience and no MBA, they want to consider me only for specialist roles. I did not feel like saying no until I had an offer with concrete details. So I told them I was okay to proceed. Now 1 week ago they emailed me saying they are not going to make me an offer and I can only apply after 2 years.

Will this freeze impact me when and if I try to apply for BCG during campus recruitment event in INSEAD? I wish they had told me my profile was not fit for consultant and rejected me from the start, then at least it would have been at least a year already by the time I start B school. Now it wont be even 6-7 month, before I start applying for internships.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Sorry to hear that things didn't work out on the first attempt.

The freeze doesn't seem to work consistently across geographies and offices, so my advice would be to apply during campus recruitment (but don't have a strong expectations of your application going through). What can increase your chances of getting past the screening is to apply for a different role than the one you initially had in mind (e.g., apply for implementation rather than generalist track).

Aside from this, do consider applying to other firms. That's your safest bet in this situation.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Starting an MBA supersedes having a freezing period.

Answer 3

Hi there,

You should be perfectly safe, don't worry!

The MBA hiring process generally negates this freeze. If you're unsure/worried, feel free to check with HR, but you should be good to go :)

Answer 4

Hi!

I don't think it'll impact your application significantly.

Good luck,

Anto

Answer 5

From what I have seen with people I coach, once you get into INSEAD they generally ignore the 2 year rule and you will be good to apply. You can also double check with the BCG recruiter at INSEAD, they should also agree with this assessment. Essentially going to a to MBA program is resetting the clock.

Udayan

Answer 6

Unfortunate to hear your experience.

The best solution would be to check with the BCG HR/recruiter and get formal clarification. Most likely they will allow you to apply.

We all can only speculate here.