BCG People Expert/Consultant Interview

bcg expert track change management Experienced Hire hr consulting
New answer on Mar 01, 2022
6 Answers
1.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 22, 2022

Hi,

I am a experienced management consultant who specialized in HR/people consulting and change management. I got an interview with BCG for People Expert position.

Given my busy schedule at work, I wonder if I should focus my time in preparing the general business strategy case interviews (which is most of the case interviews are) or preparing and reading up all the best practices for HR/people consulting? because I dont think I will have the time to prepare for both.

Any advice from current consultant or past interviewees would be highly appreciated.

Thanks and cheers.

Song

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Allen
Expert
replied on Feb 22, 2022
Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best

Hi there,

You're not going to like my answer.  Definitely both.  Why?

Well, obviously you're being hired for your skills and knowledge, which means the BCG will expect you to demonstrate fluency regarding HR/People consulting.  So reviewing that body of knowledge is a must.

Furthermore, you're being hired as a management consultant, so the ability do demonstrate skills required to be successful as a management consultant is critical.  This means classic case interview performance.  

So there's no shortcuts here for you, in my opinion.

That being said, I think the HR/People consulting review will take much less time for you, especially relative to the classic case interview skills, so I'm not even sure your either / or question is correct. 

Hope this helps.  I can share my experience as an experienced hire if you are interested.

Best,

Allen

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 23, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Song,

I'm sorry but it's really not an either or question. You need to do both. You are evaluated on both. There's no shining in one and failing in the other. You have to succeed on both.

You need to make time by taking time off work, and/or pushing back your interview date, and/or hiring a coach (they are a time lever).

Now, remember, preparing for the case is more intensive so your time split will likely be 80/20 or even 90/10.

Was this answer helpful?
Charlotte
Expert
replied on Feb 22, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

Prep for both. If you really dont have time and if you feel more confident with the people ones and feel you could wing them somehow then practise the other cases more, you will most likely also get unrelated cases if you progress through the rounds. best of luck and well done for having the invite

Was this answer helpful?
Lucie
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 22, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi Song, 

I am an experienced hire at BCG myself. If you are applying for a consulting track (even as an expert) you may eventually get 1st case from your expertise, the rest will be any strategic case as applying for a generalist role.  Your expertise is checked based on your CV but also during the FIT part. 

If you want to find out more, please feel free to reach out directly. 

Good luck!

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 01, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Your case is truly unique! I wouldn´t know, so I would probably just reach out to HR and ask them! They are there to help, and asking about the type of question is perfectly legit for a candidate. 

Cheers, 

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 23, 2022
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Both please. Dont cut corners if you really want that job.

Was this answer helpful?
Allen gave the best answer

Allen

Ex-McK Experienced Hire and EM - I show you how to perform at your best
204
Meetings
1,870
Q&A Upvotes
8
Awards
5.0
72 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely