Expert Consultant vs Generalist Consultant at BCG

Question

Hi there,

Please could someone share insights on how Expert Consultants (i.e. functional specialists) vs Generalist Consultants (i.e. traditional post-MBA hires) differ at BCG? I was approached on LinkedIn for an Expert Consultant role (quite a strange approach), and I'd love to hear perspectives from current BCG consultants on the differences in the role each type of consultant plays in consulting teams, differences in pay, progression, and chances of making partner. The role is for a newly established expert track in an emerging market, so current BCGers in that market don't have much insights. Only other source of insight in that market will be the partners, and I not not have those connections.

For context, here are some excerpts from the JD:
- “candidate will bring expert level credibility to our cases and business development opportunities”
- “define and drive the project approach and manage day to day client interactions”
- “actively support proposal creation and presentations: provide content expertise around specific topics”

Answer 1

Hi there,

This is great - a fantastic lead to take full advantage of!

Main point: In terms of career growth, pay, etc. Expert consultant is no different to generalist.

Why: You are “skipping” the generalist path that many take, and going straight to expert…which you (and everyone) would have to do at some point anyway.

Should you pursue: IF you already can see yourself as an expert in this space (i.e. you like and enjoy it), and would like to work on projects specifically for it, then definitely take it - there is no downside here! (other than not getting a wide range of projects)

===========ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS==========

role each type of consultant plays in consulting teams

Same role. You will just be put on projects that are in the patht aht you're on

differences in pay

None

differences in progression

None

difference in chances of making partner

None…you have to become an expert in something anyway! You're just “skipping” the generalist phase

Bonus question: odds of passing interview

Higher (generally). If you have subject matter expertise that can shine through, generally the mismatch of supply (people with the expertise) and demand is mor in your favor than for a generalist role

Here's some reading to help:

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

Answer 2

Hi,

There's quite a bit of misinformation that has been shared by other coaches.

There are significant differences between Expert track (ECT) vs Generalist at BCG in terms of progression, titling, pay, nature of the job

E.g. One very key one - the progression in Expert Track does not automatically lead you to an equity partner role (MDP)
E.g. life can be quite ‘painful’ the more senior you become due to the specific KPIs

I am speaking from recent experience (I left BCG last year as a Principal so I also have a more realistic understanding of the more senior leadership/commercial concerns of experts). Plus above points are corroborated with actual PPPLs who are still in BCG.

Happy to elaborate more on the differences - just drop me a dm.

Answer 3

Hi there!

Basically, generalist consultants do all types of projects in all types of industries.

Expert consultants tend to do most of all of their projects in a specific area (mining, digital transformation, etc.).

Compensation tends to be similar.

Lifestyle is slightly better on the expert side.

Career progression is sometimes slower on the expert side (depending on practice, region, etc.)

I'd recommend you make the choice based on what you want to develop over the coming years. If you want to be known for a specific industry in which you already have a lot of knowledge, then go down the expert route. If you want to be a jack of all trades, then go down the generalist route.

Best of luck!
Cristian

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Answer 4

Hi!

Short answer: it's pretty much the same with the main difference being tied to a specific practice and doing projects in your area of expertise.

That doesn't mean that you will never work on other industries though. Sometimes consultants from one practice can be staffed to projects in the other practice, considering there's not enough work at the former and more work than they can handle at the latter.

Regards,
Nick