Bain or BCG?

Bain BCG italy Milan offer
New answer on Mar 15, 2021
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Mar 13, 2021

Hi everyone,

I have received offers from both BCG and Bain in the Milan office, however I would kindly ask you some opinions regarding which one to choose. I have two main priorities at the moment

1. Career advancement pace
2. MBA sponsorship

And finally I would like to know also what is the confirmation rate in the two firms? Are in one company higher than in another?

Thank you very much, any kind of suggestions are welcomed.

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 14, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on your offers!

I worked at BCG Milan and helped a good number of people to join both companies in Milan. Here are some elements to consider:

  • Industries. As you probably already know, Bain is strong in Luxury - which is something you like - plus historically in PE / due diligence. BCG is quite diversified – fewer Financial Service projects than McK, several projects in consumer, energy, industrial goods. BCG Italy is also well connected with the Middle East and related public sector in the area, so if that geography/area is interesting for you that would be a plus
  • Clients. Bain in Italy focuses on smaller projects and it is more “entrepreneurial” (you may be staffed with only one manager on a project – which is quite rare at BCG). This is something you may or may not find positive
  • MBA. When I joined BCG, it was offering more MBA sponsorship opportunities than Bain. Now things may be different – you may want to check that with Alumni (who are not biased on answers)
  • People. Difficult to infer this just based on the interview interaction. My perception was both were a lot more down-to-earth than McKinsey in Italy
  • Global Prestige. BCG is bigger and with more alumni worldwide. Everything being the same, it will offer more exit opportunities for that reason

As next steps: I would recommend you talk with as many recent Alumni of the companies as possible to make a decision and help you with the additional questions interesting for you. Unlike current consultants, they won’t be biased and will tell you the truth about their former companies.

If you need more help please PM me.

Best,

Francesco

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Gaurav
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replied on Mar 14, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hey A,

First of all, congratulations on your offers! I know it takes a lot to get them from tier 1 companies.

Then surely take into account the culture of both companies. Talk to people, search for some insider info. It’s important to find a company that will suit your values and interests the most.

Speaking about career advancement pace, there are several opportunities provided both in BCG and Bain. There are special programs for top performers which will allow you to move faster. But it is also argued that the BCG promotion timeline is faster than Bains.

I hope you will make the right choice for yourself! If you have any questions - write me a message, I will be happy to help.

GB

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Ian
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replied on Mar 13, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

If you're more interested in PE/Financial Services, Bain is the choice. If you're more interested in a wide range of projects and going more generalist, then picking, BCG is the choice.

Please also don't discount cultural fit. You should absolutely think long and hard about which company feels right based on people you've met.

Good luck...you have a great problem to have and you really can't go wrong from here :)

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Adi
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replied on Mar 14, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey, congrats!

What if you pick one of the options and it offers great career advancement pace & MBA sponsorship, but is not a fit in terms of career aspirations (type of work, industry focus), values (people, culture etc) and risk apetite. You will hate it. So go for that which is a better FIT and rest will work out. Do your due diligence as other coaches have mentioned but dont bias your decisioning based on superficial factors only.

All the best!

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Denis
Expert
replied on Mar 13, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

As I outline often here on the Q&A forum, you ideally meet as many ppl from the respective office from both firms as possible. Talk to your future colleagues and especially bosses. If you dont like it culturally - go the other company.

Agreed with Ian on his view on exit option preferences.

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Clara
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replied on Mar 15, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Auguroni! That is great, this is a great problem :)

Both are great.

What I would do is asking to spend 1 day with both of them, and then go with your feeling.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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