Hello!
I was wondering if it makes a difference if you start from an office, let's say in the USA, vs in an office in Australia (particularly with BCG). I heard there is a bit more work-life balance in certain countries as opposed to others, and I was wondering if I do 2-3 years in consulting to kickstart my career and then want to move to Southern Europe, would it be best if I start my career in the US?
Does it matter?
Hi there,
The main differences long-term are that:
Both may impact the next steps in your career.
There are also other differences related to:
If you are interested in a particular geography and have the option to work there, it should be easier to start there to facilitate the next career steps/exits.
If your options are US and Australia, I agree with Ian, simply apply where it is more likely that they will interview you.
Best,
Francesco
Hi there,
Yes, the office matters. Coming from Australia BCG I can assuredly say that I'm glad I was there and not in, say, Germany. Work-life balances and prioritizations are pretty predictably tied to country cultures.
Furthermore, where you work changes what industries/function you work in, who your network becomes, etc.
Think about what you're optimizing, but remember there is no "best" spot. US/Germany may train you best but be utterly exhausting. Australia may give you better worklife balance (still 60-70 hr/weeks) but give worse training (it doesn't, but this is an example). Neither will help you build your after-BCG network in Spain, which is super important for success.
Moreover, you're assuming you have the luxury to pick. You kind of don't...apply where your resume actually makes sense. I highly advise you not to play this "game" of offices, and just network+apply in the office where you having working rights, education, work experience, etc.
Thank you Ian! I was wondering what your hours looked like in the Australian office (relative to the US offices) or how you have a different work life balance from those offices
Hi,
Typically it is easier to get a job in a local market that you are already present in.
However if that option is not open to you, and you have to choose between 2 different countries (e.g. USA vs Australia), then no I would say it doesn't really matter which one you start with w.r.t. ability to leverage the brand.
Of course there will be operational/working culture differences (e.g. WLB), but these are not as important to your ability to pivot after that.
I am starting in the Miami office (got accepted) but I eventually am considering Italy (where I've been living for a bit) or Spain (I speak both decent Italian and fluent Spanish). I was eventually considering a long term life in Southern Europe.