I got called by a recruiter from VCA in Europe for a Senior Manager Position. I wonder how is this different form BCG and what is the BCG parallel to SM in Visa?
They claim to have good WLB, but I look forward to hearing experiences.
TIA
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview
11
Visa Consulting & Analytics
3
800+
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Daniel
on May 02, 2025
Coach
Ex-McKinsey, Bain & Kearney | 5+ yrs consulting, coaching & interviewing | Freelancing | 95%+ candidate success
Hi,
have a look here:
- https://www.fishbowlapp.com/post/what-are-your-impressions-of-visa-consulting-and-analytics-vca-how-does-it-compare-to-traditional-strategy-consulting
- https://www.fishbowlapp.com/post/ama-visa-consulting-analytics-senior-managerim-a-senior-manager-at-vca-in-san-francisco-ive-seen-a-lot-of-buzz-around-vca
- https://www.fishbowlapp.com/post/hows-visa-consulting-analytics-is-this-a-popular-exit-op-from-consulting-hows-the-pay-and-wlbvisa
- https://www.fishbowlapp.com/post/currently-m-at-bain-at-the-last-stage-of-recruitment-for-visa-consulting-for-a-senior-manager-position-what-is-the-wlbgrowth
Best of luck!
0 comments
Mattijs
on May 02, 2025
Coach
Free 15m intro call | First session -50% | Bain| Hiring team | 250+ successful candidates
Hi,
There is a hugh difference between both.
1. Industry:
- BCG: it's across all the different industries;
- VISA: financial services only
2. Work style:
- BCG: high pace, client focused
- VISA: more stable, better work life balance, internal project focused
3. Career path
- BCG: up or out
- VISA: less fixed career path, more flexibility
Good luck with the preparations for the interview.
Mattijs
Alessa
on May 02, 2025
Coach
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings
Hey there 👋🏼
From my point it is quite different in focus and structure:
- VCA works on payments-specific strategy and analytics, often with a data-driven, product-centered lens across Visa’s clients (banks, merchants, fintechs). It’s more specialized and execution-oriented.
- A Senior Manager at VCA is roughly equivalent to a Project Leader or lower-end Principal at BCG, depending on team and geography.
- Work-life balance (WLB) at VCA is generally better than MBB — fewer hours, less travel, but also slower career acceleration and less variety in projects.
Let me know if you want help deciding between both paths or prepping for interviews 😊
Best, Alessa
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Skill/Level differences
9
on Oct 11, 2025
Middle East
5
100+
Top answer by
Sidi
Coach
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 500+ candidates secure MBB offers
5 Answers
100+ Views
+2
Trouble with brainstorming
13
on Oct 12, 2025
USA
8
100+
Top answer by
Sidi
Coach
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 500+ candidates secure MBB offers
8 Answers
100+ Views
+5
Final question to ask to the interviewer, MCK
13
on Oct 12, 2025
Europe
6
200+
Top answer by
Seongyun
Coach
Current OW Interviewer | Offers from McKinsey, OW, All Big 4 Strategy Houses | CV & Cover Letter Review
6 Answers
200+ Views
+3
Cover letter advice
8
on Oct 13, 2025
Middle East
6
100+
Top answer by
Evelina
Coach
EY-Parthenon l Coached 100+ candidates into MBB & Tier-2 l 10% off first session l LBS graduate
6 Answers
100+ Views
+3
McKinsey Offer Negociation
9
on Oct 18, 2025
Europe
7
100+
Top answer by
Sherif
Coach
Ex Sr. Engagement Manager with McKinsey - Aug 25 - Top EEMA interviewer 2023 - 2024 with +350 interviews
7 Answers
100+ Views
+4