Will my BCG full-time offer be safe in 2022?

Question

I am a rising senior in undergrad, and I recently signed a full-time Associate return offer with BCG in SF for 2021. Because of Covid, however, my school's policy for the 2020-21 year is really restrictive, so I'm considering taking a gap year, hence deferring my 2021 BCG offer to 2022. I talked to HR who said my offer would stand for 2022, and the deferral would be "no problem," but I'm afraid that because of this uncertainty we're living through, the first person BCG would let go of (if things go poorly economically) is someone in my position. The offer I've signed is "at will," meaning they can pull it at any time, for any reason.

Am I safe to take this gap year? Should I be worried? Or should I trust HR's word?

Answer 1

Hi Ryan,

I'd say you are as safe as it's reasonably possible to be at the moment, and you can trust HR's word in a way that in the light of today's information they will be happy to defer your offer.

Honestly speaking, it won't matter if the contract is "at will" or not - if there is a major event impacting the consulting landscape they won't take you irrelevant of the contract. They will put it in nicer terms, but essentially they have better lawyers and deeper pockets to pay them, so no point in fighting that legally anyway (apart from the trusted or in that respect non-trusted relationship between you and your employer).

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 2

Hi Ryan,

Honestly, I think this is a wise + safe move!

If anything, your 2022 offer is far more likely to not be changed than the 2021 one!

You should take your gap year with nothing but peace of mind :)

Answer 3

Hi Ryan,

No one can be sure 100%, but I haven’t heard of any MBB rescinded offer if an offer was extended (while I heard that for other companies). Also, if they cannot hire you in the timeline agreed, they will probably postpone the starting date instead of rescinding the offer.

In any case, I would be sure to get the HR confirmation that 2022 is fine in writing if you don’t have it already.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Trust HR. In the longer term - situation is most likely to stabilise

Answer 5

Hello!

At this point, I don´t think anyone can be 100% certain.

It totally will depend on how markets recover, and this is 100% based whether we will be hit or not by a COVID 2nd wave, when will vaccines be available, etc.

In any case, no reason not to trust HR in this moment, I would also defer in your position.

Hope it helps!

Best regards,

Clara

Answer 6

Dear Ryan,

First of all, my congratulations to your offer at BCG! Already a great news!

When I was your age I also had an offer one year in advance before starting with the company. I would definitely recommend you not to be worried about your situation with offer. Take a deferral, but just make sure that you have an email from HR persom at BCG, who guarantees and confirms that your offer will be shifted to 2022.

A brief confirmation from HR is OK. Ideally they should simply send you a new contract for 2022 entry date and you should sign it up. Then you will have all the guarantees in your pocket.

Hopr, it helps you. For any further questions don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Best,

André

Answer 7

While no one can guarantee your offer, I don't think you need to be worried really. By 2022 things will be back to normal in all likelihood and they will need new employees for the increased workload.