Junior Consultant offer at BCG

Question

I have been offered a role as a Junior Consultant starting at BCG for after I complete my MBA in May. I am a bit confused as to what this position is.

I applied for a Consulting position and, to be honest, did not even know Junior Consultant was a role. I cannot really see anything about what it is online, either on BCG's site or these blogs. Prior to my MBA I only had 2-3 years of experience. Is it that I did not have enough experience or that I did okay in interviews but no good enough to be a full consultant?

How is the work of a Junior Consultant different than a Consultant? Are the hours different (even more extreme)?

For progression, I am also wondering if this is something where I should still expect the 2 year up-or-out or not. Or do Junior Consultants spend 1 year before promotion? If I do have to wait 2 years before becoming a Consultant, and the role I thought I'd be getting, I may give more weight to non-MBB offers.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Congrats on the offer!

The short of this is that you are indeed coming below the classic Consultant position (normally 2 years before Pl promotion). To answer your questions more directly:

Prior to my MBA I only had 2-3 years of experience. Is it that I did not have enough experience or that I did okay in interviews but no good enough to be a full consultant?

Could be both, but generally it's because of the work experience.

How is the work of a Junior Consultant different than a Consultant? Are the hours different (even more extreme)?

It's the same…just a little bit less responsibility to start. On one of my first projects I worked with a JC and he more or less had the same role/work, but was given a bit less rope/lessway/client time.

For progression, I am also wondering if this is something where I should still expect the 2 year up-or-out or not. Or do Junior Consultants spend 1 year before promotion?

It's more 3-4 year up-or-out. You have to wait longer before getting to Pl.

I may give more weight to non-MBB offers.

Be careful here! I totally understand the sentiment, however, nothing really beats the MBB name in terms of opportunity. One year back isn't all that much of a sacrifice.

Furthermore, if they're doing this, it's for your own good! They've recognized that you're not quite ready for the Consultant role…this is reducing the chance that you fail (i.e. go out instead of up).

I would take the offer still.

Answer 2

Hi!

At BCG, a Junior Consultant is usually an advanced degree hire without substantial work experience. Sits between Associate and consultant (even though not an official seniority level). It was formerly called “Consultant in Training”. This was my entry role in 2011 when I joined BCG following a PhD. It is essentally a Consultant position, but you get a bit more time to develop towards Project Leader. Salary is a bit lower than Consultant, but will be raised after year 1.

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 3

Is it that I did not have enough experience or that I did okay in interviews but no good enough to be a full consultant? You have ‘an’ offer. If you choose to accept it - then thinking and overthinking about this is neither going to help nor going to give you a right answer. Relax. Maybe they felt JC was a better choice based on your interview performance.
How is the work of a Junior Consultant different than a Consultant? No fixed answer here. Technically you will have lower responsibilities. But really, workload-wise the most extreme hours are for Partners, not consultants. In some projects you might be the “consultant” with no actual “consultant”.
Should still expect the 2 year up-or-out or not? Yes - that is the way these companies operate. Check the promotion guidelines with HR.
Non-MBB offers: Take a call based on the offers. Happy to discuss your options over direct message.