Choosing Offices?

Hello,

In addition, you might want to consider the following dynamics:

Developing vs Developed markets

• The maturity of the markets (both in terms of economy and also consulting-buying) will affect the broad trend of types of projects, clients and consulting operating model
• Some consultants choose to work for a while in developing markets because they feel the work is more ‘exciting’ due to the growth nature of the economies
  • At the same time, this means different level of client capabilities (generally lower than developed markets), with its own implications on the case experience
• Operating model can also be less structured and consistent in developing markets - so you may not always be following to-the-tee the standard staffing norm of team size, team roles

Staffing model

• Some combinations of firm+office variables mean that consultants from that office will only get to travel “local”, and not international
• At BCG, this typically applies to countries with a strong need for local language (e.g. Greater China, North Asia)

Hi there,

Ultimately only you can make this decision! We all have our own values, biases, etc. and I wouldn't want to influence your choice!

My advice is to figure out what are the 2-3 most important factors to you. Then, see which offer fits that best.

Also, try thinking through future regret minimization…where can you actually see yourself in the future…where are you happier/better off.

Hi there, 

If I were you, I'd consider the personal factors, while also optimising for the probability of getting the offer. Let's take them one by one.

1. Personal factors. Do you see yourself living in this location? Is there anything that connect you to this location that will allow you to have a fulfilling life outside of work? Do you have a good feeling / vibe about that particular office? What is the impression that was left on your by the people from that office (if you don't have that, then try to reach out to some people and get a sense of it)?

2. Optimize for getting the offer.

a) Fulfilling pre-conditions. Some offices require that you speak the local language. Do you? Check the pre-conditions for applying and make sure that you are a good fit for that location.

b) Passing the screening. To pass the CV screening you should demonstrate some sort of link to that particular office. The probability of somebody from Singapore passing the screening for that Lagos or London office is smaller than if they were applying for Singapore. That means that your target offices should either be where you are originally from, places you have studied or worked in, or any other sort of location you could demonstrate a connection with.

c) Competitiveness of the office. Theoretically, the standards of recruitment for top firms are the same in all locations. However, some offices like London and New York drown in applications while other offices less so. Needless to say, some office are more competitive than others so don't make your life more complicated if you don't have to.

d) Partner's final decision. I know from two different Partners that when they make the hiring decision they also take into account whether they see that person being long term in the office / location. That's because they make the hiring decision with a long-term plan in mind and they would prefer if you didn't stay for only 2-3 years before moving on.

Hope this provides you with a good starting point for making your decision.

Best,

Cristian

As others have said, I highly recommend thinking about where you want to live. This is going to be where you make your life - you want it to be somewhere you want to be. 

After that, you want to consider things like: 

• What industries you want to work in and how much of that industry is being run out of the office you're applying to
• How much it's important to you whether you travel / don't travel and how much travel is done out of the office 
• How big the office is and how big an office you want to be part of
• If you get to meet people, what they're like and how you get on with them

Good luck!

In addition to the factors listed already, I would also consider cost of living. There is quite a difference in rent levels between SF, NYC or Boston compared to cities like Chicago, Detroit, etc. (as examples for the US).

There are cases when firms pay an equal salary per career level across all offices within a country. So saving on rent might contribute to you reaching your financial goals faster. 

It's ultimately also about where you could see yourself living of course, but in consulting you will likely be traveling quite frequently as well.