Hello,
I am currently in the process and got invited to the first round of interviews. I was wondering if BCG does assign a case buddy, as other consulting firms do or perhaps it depends on the role you apply for? I applied to the Senior Associate position.
Could I ask HR for one or it will be badly perceived/I will surely get a no because they never do that?
Many thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Usually they do not offer this option and I personally wouldn't ask. Their consultants have so much to do, they would not have time to coach you.
However, I would use preplounge and train with different people.
If you need further supprt, let me know! I always offer a 30-min free consultation session.
All the best with your interviews,
Kairavee
BCG typically does not assign a 'case buddy.' Personally, I wouldn't ask for one, but it's perfectly fine if you'd like to connect informally with someone to learn more about the culture, interview process, and other insights. The reason for not assigning a case buddy is that preparation is your responsibility. Also, any case buddy you work with might unintentionally provide informal feedback that could be shared within the system. It's best to avoid this during your preparation.
Priyanka
A word of caution: These case buddies (much more common in McKinsey than in BCG!) are oftentimes not very helpful - to say the least. I usually warn my mentees to be EXTREMELY cautious with the "advice" given by these buddies. They are often very junior consultants, who just recently started - often even just in their first year on the job. They usually have a super poor understanding of what the "real" interviewers at their firm are trained to assess - and they just repeat the same nonsense you see in most standard case books (almost all of them written by people who - guess what - were NOT interviewers in MBB!). From what my mentees have told me over the years, a well-prepared candidate is oftentimes much stronger in case solving than these buddies.
So instead of pushing for such a buddy - try to get guidance from someone with real experience as an interviewer and who is/was not just a junior consultant.
Cheers, Sidi
___________________
Dr. Sidi S. Koné
Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™
If they had one, they would offer, so don't ask.
And I don't think that's part of the standard practice in that office.
Some coachees have a BCG buddy during their process, but this is not the norm. You don’t need one, so avoid requesting it if the recruiter hasn’t offered. Instead, focus on working with other consultants or a coach to prepare effectively.
Happy to keep talking about this in private, just send me a message.
Best,
Alberto
—
Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Chic & Stitch
I definitely wouldn't ask HR for one. However, if there is anyone at the firm you have been in contact with quite a bit and have a good relationship with, you can certaintly ask if they would be open to doing a practice case with you. I did that with two people and found the practice to be extremely helpful.
It is not required. Buddies are not helpful as they tend to be relatively junior and have little understanding of the interview process and selection criteria
Best of luck
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