Does it matter what country office you start with?

Question

Hello!

I was wondering if it makes a difference if you start from an office, let's say in the USA, vs in an office in Australia (particularly with BCG). I heard there is a bit more work-life balance in certain countries as opposed to others, and I was wondering if I do 2-3 years in consulting to kickstart my career and then want to move to Southern Europe, would it be best if I start my career in the US?

Does it matter?

Answer 1

Hi there,

The main differences long-term are that:

You will build a network where you start to work
You will work on projects related to the particular geography where you start to work (eg energy and mining in Australia)

Both may impact the next steps in your career.

There are also other differences related to:

Salary
Work-life balance

If you are interested in a particular geography and have the option to work there, it should be easier to start there to facilitate the next career steps/exits.

If your options are US and Australia, I agree with Ian, simply apply where it is more likely that they will interview you.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

Yes, the office matters. Coming from Australia BCG I can assuredly say that I'm glad I was there and not in, say, Germany. Work-life balances and prioritizations are pretty predictably tied to country cultures.

Furthermore, where you work changes what industries/function you work in, who your network becomes, etc.

Think about what you're optimizing, but remember there is no "best" spot. US/Germany may train you best but be utterly exhausting. Australia may give you better worklife balance (still 60-70 hr/weeks) but give worse training (it doesn't, but this is an example). Neither will help you build your after-BCG network in Spain, which is super important for success.

Moreover, you're assuming you have the luxury to pick. You kind of don't...apply where your resume actually makes sense. I highly advise you not to play this "game" of offices, and just network+apply in the office where you having working rights, education, work experience, etc.

Answer 3

Hi,

Typically it is easier to get a job in a local market that you are already present in.

However if that option is not open to you, and you have to choose between 2 different countries (e.g. USA vs Australia), then no I would say it doesn't really matter which one you start with w.r.t. ability to leverage the brand.

Of course there will be operational/working culture differences (e.g. WLB), but these are not as important to your ability to pivot after that.