I am an experienced hire, mechanical engineer with 5 years of work experience in industry, and a MSc in M.Eng. I pivoted into an MBB (BCG) to set me up for more commercial and strategic roles, in industry, with an aim to get one promotion under my belt, and ~1.5-2years of tenure.
Usually someone with my experience/background would enter as a senior associate but they offered me associate (2nd entry level in the system, after business analyst). So it was a lower offer than expected and would result in a pay cut. I decided to take the offer because I was prioritising what I would actually learn and get to do vs a title. With the view that I’d likely be promoted in 1.5 years (the max Associate tenure). Enabling more attractive exit opportunities.
I have since learned they want to extend that timeline by 6 months because business is low and staffing is more competitive and I’m unlikely to beat the competition in being staffed at a higher rate. I still have areas to improve but not enough to prevent promotions in the past. In fact my performance and trajectory has improved significantly since the last assessment.
I’m reading it as a business decision but just want to know from others who may have faced disappointment, whether that’s been being counselled to leave or passed up for promotion for unclear reasons, how did you deal with this? It also stings because it just feels embarrassing to be pushed back whilst others you started with, who have no other experience, push past you. I know that past experience doesn’t dictate current consulting ratings but the feeling is still there. You sacrifice a lot to stay on track in reviews.
How do you cope with the disappointment of a prolonged promotion timeline?
Hi there,
Since you're at BCG, I guess that by "second level in the hierarchy" you mean Consultant rather than Associate.
Having said that, I've been in BCG long enough, so I totally understand why this feels unfair. Promotions are influenced by many variables, some of which are completely outside your control, especially in a slower market. There's no reason to feel embarrassed because of a business-driven decision.
Also, your previous industry experience doesn't really carry weight once you're inside BCG. Career progression is based entirely on your performance in cases. If anything, your past experience should simply help you outperform peers who joined straight from university, but it doesn't entitle you to faster promotions.
My suggestion would be to stay patient for a bit longer. See whether this six-month delay actually materializes into a promotion or not. There's no reason to make a sudden decision before seeing how things play out.
Finally, you mentioned accepting a pay cut to join BCG. From a medium-term perspective, that salary difference over one or two years is largely irrelevant if it enables stronger long-term career growth. I often recommend the candidates I coach to accept a slightly lower entry position, even if it comes with a temporary pay cut. It gives them more time to master consulting before being assessed for promotion, and they most likely will make up for the initial salary gap through stronger performance, higher bonuses, and smoother promotions later on.
Hope it helps, if you want, feel free to DM me for more personalized suggestions.
Best and good luck!
Franco
