BCG selection process: steps and timing

Hi there,

please find my answers below:

I would like to ask which are the steps for BCG selection process in Europe for an internship position and for visiting associate: are there two rounds interviews? Is there a numerical online test before the interviews?

Usually the process is

• Test
• 2-3 round of interviews

There may be some differences according to the geography you are targeting.

In addition, I will graduate in a few months, should I apply for an internship or for a full-time position? What would you recommend?

It depends on the country. In some, they actually required you start as VA after graduation, in others you can only apply for full-time after graduation, I would try to do due diligence with internal contacts in your case (or post the target geography)

What are the differences between Internship and Visiting Associate?

The job is the same, the only difference is in the contract itself and remuneration

And, does the Internship usually turn into a full time position?

Yes, although with the current virus there may be lower conversion

Last question, is BCG still accepting applications right now?

At least in Italy and Germany yes. However I would strongly recommend you find someone internally to verify it and apply via referral as things may change quickly in this climate, you can find more on that at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

(edited)

Hi,

1) They are changing the steps right now as they are moving online. The latest I've heard - they have an additional interview instead of a written case. Thus you'll have 5-6 interviews. Rounds will depend on availability. Since now its online - the split may be random

2) With the current economic situation, the offer rates post-internship will be quite low.

3) Everything regarding your country you can check on the local website

4) If you graduate it should be still an internship since you don't have enough work experience for a full-time (unless you worked 2-3 years in parallel)

Best

Hello,

The process is as follows and to the best of my knowledge fairly standard across European offices: I) CV screening, ii) PC assessment case on the respective Office and iii) 2-3 rounds of 2 back-to-back interviews

At least in Portugal, the majority of Associates come from converting a Visiting Associate internship. Since we require a Masters degree, you would be strongly advised to apply for the VA position.

Based only on what I've heard from colleagues, BCG is not freezing hiring but is taking longer to reply to candidates, while they're assessing the magnitude of impacts

Best of luck on your process and if you need any type of help, PM me :) Cheers

Hello,

I will try to address all your questions:

• I will graduate in a few months, should I apply for an internship or for a full-time position? What would you recommend?What are the differences between Internship and Visiting Associate? The visiting associate is the entry level of a full-time position. It's a trial period of 6 months (increased recently of 2 months) where you will be considered as a standard BCG consultant and you will be tested on real projects. At the end of the period you will receive a formal feedback and a full-time offer if everything went good. The conversion rate is around 70%. The internship is something completely different that is usually reserved for students that are finishing their studies. The application process is easier but a full-time offer is not considered as possibility at the end of your internship. If everything went well, you will be offered to come back and start a Visiting associate period. No-brainer choice: apply as vising associate
• I would like to ask which are the steps for BCG selection process in Europe for an internship position and for visiting associate: are there two rounds interviews? Is there a numerical online test before the interviews? The application process for the visiting associate is the following:
  • CV screening
  • PC test on site
  • First round of 2 interviews
  • Second rounf of 2 interviews (singularity of BCG Milan: with no Partner interviews)
• Is BCG still accepting applications right now? Yes, they even made a tailored marketing campaign on social media to sponsor the applications during the covid period.

I have been actually working in the Milan office of BCG, feel free to text me for any further information you could need, and good luck!

Luca

(edited)

Hello!

The process is the standard:

1. CV screening, performed by HR
2. Online test - varies among geography
3. 2 rounds of interviews, each of them with 2 interviewers

Apply for the full-time position starting September, and do it asap, since the COVID is alterating the hiring dynamics and it´s better to play asap.

Internships normally turn into full-times (this is my case for instance) as long as you meet the bar -is the most common thing to happen-.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi,
there are 4 aspects of the application process you have to focus on:

• CV and cover letter: prepare impactful documents that highlight your achievements, skills, and motivation.
• Test: you should understand if your office assesses candidates with PST, SHL or other.
• Personal Experience Interview: fit and CV questions to assess your personal impact, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. You should prepare impactful stories about your experiences that cover these 3 main pillars.
• Case Interview: typical business case to evaluate your structure in approaching problems, problem-solving skills, and business sense. This is the most time-demanding aspect to work on. I recommend reading Cosentino's Case in point to fix the theory. Then, what will be really important is practicing mock cases with other candidates here on Preplounge.

Hope it helps,
Antonello

(edited)