Hello,

Your question is quite insightful, and it's important to distinguish between two key aspects:

1. Offer: In the context of MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG), your position and tenure are primarily determined by your prior experience. Generally, you start at the "entry-level" corresponding to the position offered, which also sets your salary range and bonus structure. 

Promotions: MBB firms do not adhere to a fixed timeline for promotions. While it's common to see promotions to the next level or position occurring every 2-3 years. The timing of promotions can be quite flexible and is often contingent on an individual's performance and readiness.

Best regards, 

Alexandre

Hi,

Just one upfront clarification, the progression is typically Consultant (post-MBA role) → Project Leader → Principal

Typically what happens first is that when you apply, your profile is assessed, and you will be offered to interview for a role (with or without tenure recognized).

Then, after you have started the process, interview performance can affect the ranking, depending on the firm. At BCG, it was not uncommon for HR to come to me after I had completed an experienced hire interview to ask me what level I think this person should come in at. 

Hope this helps to clarify!

Great question! When it comes to interview performance and ranking at MBB, it does have an impact. The specific ranking given to candidates is based on their experience level and performance during the interview process. Typically, candidates who are hired at the consultant level will be given the consultant ranking. However, within the consultant level, there may be sub-rankings such as Consultant Year 1 and Consultant Year 2, depending on the candidate's prior experience and performance during the interview.

Regarding promotions from Consultant to Principal in less than 1 year, it is quite rare to see such rapid promotions. Generally, promotions at MBB follow a structured timeline and are based on a combination of factors including performance, tenure, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. While exceptional cases may exist, it is more common for individuals to spend a few years at the consultant level before being considered for promotion to the next level.

Hi there,

It depends - but yes.

If you're an MBA candidate recruiting, of course it doesn't impact ranking (you'll come in as consultant).

But if you have a profile that is “borderline” (i.e. 4 years work experience), then an interview absolutely can determine whether you start at entry level, as a consultant, or in between.

I have never seen someone join as Consultant and get promoted to principle in less than 1 one - this is literally impossible.

Here's some reading to help you succeeed in those interviews!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/candidate-led-cases-what-to-expect-and-example-cases

Generally, the interview doesn't impact the role that the person if offered if successful. 

Role selection is done with HR before the interview. As in, HR will assess your background and then make a recommendation as to what would be most suitable. They tend to have rather straightforward criteria for it. 

Then the interview is only about evaluating whether you meet the mark for that role. 

There are situations when people are taken in at more junior roles and then promoted faster. That tends to happen with experienced hires who never worked as consultants before but who were quite senior in their previous organisations in the industry. 

The logic here is that even though these people have a lot of knowledge and experience, they might not have the consultant toolkit. So they are accepted a more junior level so they can ramp up on the basics, then fast-tracked to the role they should actually be doing.

Best,
Cristian

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Hi!

Short answer: yes, your interview performance directly affects the position you are offered. As does your work experience and seniority level.

Looking specifically at my student's examples: some of them joined McKinsey as Associate 1 (1st year), some as Associate 2 (2nd year) with less time expected to be promoted to an Engagement Manager role.

Regards,
Nick

(edited)

In general, no.

In reality, if your experience puts you between two rankings, and you perform very well AND show relevant maturity/experience during the interview, they may decide a higher role is more suitable for you.

Hi there,

The interview is generally designed to create the basis for an offer/no-offer decision for any given role. 

It is not designed to impact the level you're joining, which is generally based on your CV and perceived maturity.

NOTE: I say generally because exceptions may exist, but it's certainly not the norm.

Best of luck!

Moritz

All depends on the firm and office. There are first year and second year EM levels at McK for instance with different pay. Likewise at SASC level. Designations in less then a year are highly unlikely, especially as designation windows have been stretched (e.g., only half-annually you can get designated). Best, Frederic