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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?
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? What are the differences between Internship and Visiting Associate? And, does the Internship usually turn into a full time position? Last question, is BCG still accepting applications right now?
Sorry for so many questions, thanks in advance! :)
Hi everyone, hope you're doing well.
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?
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? What are the differences between Internship and Visiting Associate? And, does the Internship usually turn into a full time position? Last question, is BCG still accepting applications right now?
Sorry for so many questions, thanks in advance! :)
very good look for your preparation and next interviews, here below you can find my answers on your questions:
Steps for BCG selection process in Europe: by entering right after the graduation you have 2/3 rounds intervews. In italy they stop to do the numerical test online.
Should I apply for an internship or for a full-time position? Actually you can apply for both. In most of the situations, BCG decides the position in which you start working depending on your CV/experience and projects on going
What are the differences between Internship and Visiting Associate? Actually are pretty the same they test you for a period of time (from 2 to 6 months) for a future full time position. in both, if you work well they'll turn that position in a full time. If MBBs hire for internship means that they'll have available fulltime position. So if you fit with BCG they will confirm the full time position 100%
Last question, is BCG still accepting applications right now? As far as I know they posted even on linkedin many job positions in the last period. So they are still hiring, the consulting sector was booming until the last February.
For further clarification/suggetsions do not hesitate to contact me in private
Hi there,
very good look for your preparation and next interviews, here below you can find my answers on your questions:
Steps for BCG selection process in Europe: by entering right after the graduation you have 2/3 rounds intervews. In italy they stop to do the numerical test online.
Should I apply for an internship or for a full-time position? Actually you can apply for both. In most of the situations, BCG decides the position in which you start working depending on your CV/experience and projects on going
What are the differences between Internship and Visiting Associate? Actually are pretty the same they test you for a period of time (from 2 to 6 months) for a future full time position. in both, if you work well they'll turn that position in a full time. If MBBs hire for internship means that they'll have available fulltime position. So if you fit with BCG they will confirm the full time position 100%
Last question, is BCG still accepting applications right now? As far as I know they posted even on linkedin many job positions in the last period. So they are still hiring, the consulting sector was booming until the last February.
For further clarification/suggetsions do not hesitate to contact me in private
Thank you Alessandro for all the answers! Very clear :) —
Anonymous A on Apr 06, 2020
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:
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:
Thank you Francesco! For the selection in Italy, how can I prepare at best for the Test? —
Anonymous A on Apr 07, 2020
Hi there, sorry for the late reply. It depends on the test, in Italy you may have to do either the Potential Test (for that I would recommend the following: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/bcg-potential-test-3471) or a SHL + Psychometric Test (for which you can prepare for the SHL part on some of the several tests available online). Hope this helps! —
Francesco on Apr 26, 2020
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
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)
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,
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
Thanks for your answer! The PC assessment case is a numerical test? So can I apply for Visiting Associate Internship or directly for Visiting Associate? (I am pursuing a masters degree) —
Anonymous A on Apr 06, 2020
The Visiting Associate is the name we give to the Summer internship :) Thus, apply for it and good luck! —
Francisco on Apr 06, 2020
Oh great thank you! :) —
Anonymous A on Apr 06, 2020
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
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)
Great! You have been very clear thank you :) —
Anonymous A on Apr 08, 2020
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
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.
Case Interviews can be led by the candidate or by the interviewer: In Candidate-led cases the main challenge is the structure. In Interviewer-led cases the main challenge is to adapt quickly
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