Hi,
Recently I got offers to join both BCG and Bain. I was wondering, whether someone who has experience with working there could comment on the following topics and state his/her opinion which one is a better choice:
To provide a bit of context. Previously worked in Investment Banking and genuinely interested in PE, technology and gaming (eSports) in the future.
I'm happy for any piece of information :).
Thanks,
First of all Congrats!!!
Here in South East Asia Bain as a slight edge if you want to exit to PE as they have more projects for PE clients so probably check this in the office you will start.
Having said that there are a couple of BCGer moving out to PE although in the portfolio management role of the PE not in the investment side.
Either way, you should also consider how you like the culture and people in the office you will start as that is also an important factor
Congrats for that!
Both are fantastic and super similar honestly.
It would mostly depend on what you want to do (e.g., industry, geography, vertical) and see which of the two is stronger there.
Best,
Clara
Hello,
Congratulations for your offers!
I have tried to specify the differences between MBB in this thread:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-your-review-and-experience-of-mckbcgbain-milan-offices-5546
Hope it helps,
Luca
Dear A,
First of all my greatest congratulations on receiving 2 offers from top firm. It's amazing and you are lucky one, giving the current situation.
Secondly, I absolutely believe that all three firms are equally leading in general strategy across industries and functional areas. Nevertheless, there are some slight differences in culture and approach that give each firm a bit of a unique profile and flavour. Each also has competitive advantages in certain practice areas that they are known for.
There are some information that might clears up your choice:
BCG:
- Medium size of the three (~5 or 6K employees), second oldest
- Areas of expertise: Corporate Development, Growth, Innovation
- Industries: Consumer, Financial Services, Government
Reputation/culture: Very academic, innovative; relatively more family oriented
Bain:
- Smallest of the three (though almost the same size as BCG), youngest
- Areas of expertise: PE/LBO, M&A, Organizational turnaround
- Industries: Financial services, IT, Media/Entertainment, Healthcare
Reputation/culture: Results oriented, innovative, aligns own incentives to clients' performance; social
So, if you have an interest in PE, technology and gaming as you've mentioned, I think Bain in a long term would be better option for you in terms of the exit opportunities.
Best,
André
Hi!
Congratulations on your dual offers! That's wonderful esp in this current difficult time!
Got to say BCG and Bain are quite similar in many aspects. Both have internal mobility options, exit options are equally good, culture wise both are quite nice and supportive though there would be some nuances. It might vary a bit by location, but more or less I'd say they are equally great.
The difference would be how strong each firm is in industries/practices in your country. If your end goal is PE, then Bain might have a slight advantage here.
Either way you are off to a great path. :)
Best,
Emily
Hi Anonymous!
In general, there are far more similarities between the MBB than there are differences and I think any decisions should be more based on the local office that you would be working in as this probably has a bigger impact on many of the factors you have listed.
Relocation opportunities - Both firms would offer lots of international mobility. Bain offers a transfer program and it is usually possible to stay in your transfer office if you are a strong performer.
Exits opps - Very similar and depends more on your local office you want to exit into that market. The relative strengths of the brands vary somewhat by market.
Company Culture - Your best bet here is just to compare the people you have met during the process and think about who you would be more excited to work with. Both have great cultures and employ great people.
If you are very interested in PE than maybe Bain is a better fit for you given Bain's reputation in the space and strong relationship with global PE funds. However, you will still have plenty of opportunities to exit to a PE fund if you are joining BCG and this is your end-goal.
Best,
Axel
Both are great employers and the specifics indeed come down to the industry preference that you have. My advice is to ask HR this. As mentioned by other if you want to go in PE, Bain might be your better option.
Hi there,
Congratulations!
Your 4 bullets have already been well answered, but I'd like to add the following viewpoint:
1) The specific office you're applying to matters as much as anything (i.e. size, industry focus etc.). Does either seem to have a Partner interested in tech + gaming/eSports or work related to this?
2) The people you've met also matter - did you feel like you connected more with the BCGers you met or the Bainees?
3) PE - Obvious choice here is Bain, but do remember PE can still be a route at BCG
Hi Anonymous,
First things first - congratulations! Achieving an offer from 2 MBB is clearly something special.
My bits and pieces on your questions:
Location / Relocation: Both offer you the option to select - have a look on their webpages for an overview of the footprint - after starting it is typically quite easy to change office locations.
Industry: For sure they differ in terms of revenue contributors. Bain obvious #1 for PE, BCG with larger footprint on public sector and energy / commodities.
One last tip at the end: consider letting them know you have a “cross offer” - will definitely increase your “negotiation power”.
Best,
Dominik
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