Visiting associate at BCG, should i disclose i have family relations with one of the key clients?

Hi there, 

I understand the complexity of the situation, but you might be more worried about the potential consequences than necessary. 

To begin with, firms such as BCG will never let go of a good consultant because they have a personal relation to one of the clients. If anything, this could be an asset. Plus, since they work with so many clients, it doesn't make any sense to reject good talent on these grounds. 

In terms of what you should do - if you are considered for this particular client / project, then yes, disclose the personal relationship. They might actually not mind it that much. However, it's likely that it might pop up later on if you don't and then it could create significant trust issues. 

Best of luck with your start! And here is an ARTICLE I wrote on PrepLounge on how to be an effective consultant in your first year. 

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:

• It can be difficult to know what to do in situations like this, as there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • First, it's important to be transparent about your relationship with your father's company. Failing to disclose this information could create problems down the road if it is discovered later.
  • However, at the same time, you should also be aware that BCG may have concerns about potential conflicts of interest or perceptions of favoritism. They may want to avoid staffing you on projects with your father's company, even if you are the best candidate.
  • Additionally, you should also consider that if the office finds out about your relationship with your father's company after you have been staffed on a project, it could lead to negative consequences for both you and your father, as well as the company.
  • It's also important to keep in mind that your primary goal is to gain valuable experience and develop your skills, rather than being staffed on a specific project.
• Given all these considerations, I suggest that you discuss your situation with your supervisor or a senior consultant you trust in the office, explain your concerns and ask their advice on how to handle the situation. They will be able to provide you with guidance and help you understand the office's perspective on the matter. They might also help you assess the feasibility of getting staffed on your father's company project.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

No need to disclose if you're not being asked. If they were so worried about this, they would ask this during the background check.

There's all kinds of relationships between consultants and clients (or consultants with other consultants from competitors) with no issues since conduct is bound by confidentiality agreements. 

The only time you would flag this is if you were asked to work on a project for that client, and even then it's probably a non-issue (unless your father is the key client stakeholder).

Hope this helps. Best of luck! 

Hi there,

Congratulations on the VA offer. In terms of your question:

Q: My dad works for one of the biggest clients and no one knows this (he works directly with some of the consultants). I am considering telling staffing about this.

As a first step, I would refer to what your contract says about this situation (there could be differences according to the country).

Assuming nothing is mentioned there, if you know your father is working with BCG consultants I would disclose the information to HR for the following reasons:

1. It will show you are transparent from the start
2. It will avoid awkward situations where they discover this later
3. They won’t let you go if you disclose it – worst case they will staff you on a different project

Best,

Francesco

Hello! 
I would recommend mentioning it to your Lead just so that this is a know fact, they won't “fire” you because of this but might adapt staffing as needed. 

It is better to be transparent than try to hide and cause trouble (which may end up in fire or just not hiring you post VA). 

Much better to be honest & transparent!
Cheers

It's probably worth a mention of you are staffed on the project. The main reason for this is to help your team with client communications and potentially deal with any issues in case this is a sensitive topic or a topic with risks to independence.

That shouldn't necessarily preclude you from working on the project but it may be unlikely due to the points others have mentioned.

As Pedro mentioned, definitely disclose if you are being considered on the project.  If not, severe independence / conflict of interest issues are potentially at play. 

There's absolutely no harm in mentioning it. Much better you do so before they find out later if it is relevant. 

You will not face any negative consequences of disclosing this information. 

You don't have to tell them… unless they staff you in that project.

Asking to be staffed in that project is something that you, your father, and BCG should want to avoid, giving all of the transparency and conflict of interest implications.

Hi there,

There is only an upside to making the disclosure.

All the best!

Florian

Hi there,

When in doubt, disclose. (If it were me I would disclose immediatedly)