BCG specific: can someone explain the difference between an associate and consultant please?

Question

I mainly would like to know from a BCG-only hiring perpective. What are the experiences, academic levels expected for associates and consultants at BCG. Also, there are numerous other titles that confuse me over and above these 2 like associate consultants, senior associates, junior consultants etc. It will be very helpful to know the distinction between these since even the BCG website doesn't elaborate on this - I came across it on Glassdoor.

Are the graduates from MBA/ non-MBA masters courses without experience hired as consultants or associates?

Answer 1

Hi,

Sharing a comprehensive perspective on BCG positions and titles. The normal progression looks like this:

Associate (2 yrs) → Senior Associate (1 yr) → Consultant (2 yrs) → Project Leader

Associate is the role you join right out of undergraduate
Consultant is the role you join right after MBA
Not all markets have Senior Associate
If you are a non-MBA experienced hire with existing working experience, typically <5 years you will join as a Senior Associate

Answer 2

Hi,

Associate is the entry level position, which does not require an MBA degree. Most associates have either graduate or post graduate degree. In some offices, there is a distinction between junior associate (or simply associate) and senior associate. One reaches senior associate position after 2-3 years of junior associate (or simply associate) role. Consultant position is post MBA position.

To recap, graduates from MBA are typically hired as consultants, and graduates from non-MBA masters without experience are hired as associates.

Best,

Deniz

Answer 3

Associate = Associate Consulant = Lowest level (think Analyst). Few years of experience

Junior Consultant = Senior Associate = An "in between" of Associate and Consultant that is pretty rare and for special situations

Consultant = 4+ years experience and generally an MBA or equivalent

Answer 4

MBAs and those with significant work experience (normally 4+ years) are hired as consultants.

Answer 5

Hi,

It's very easy:

Associate - fresh grad with minimum experience (0.5-2 years)
Consultant - MBA grad or experienced hire (3-4+ years of experience)

You can either grow to senior associate within the company or you can be hired as SA if you have enough work experience for the role and demonstrated good performance on the case interview.

Best!