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I just got an offer from Mckinsey, is there a problem if my sister works at BCG?

McKinsey
New answer on Dec 07, 2021
6 Answers
1.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Dec 05, 2021

So I just received an offer from Mckinsey but I was told it is contingent on a background check. My sister works at BCG and I didnt tell anyone during my interviews (its really not relevant so why would I). I just got to thinking now about whether that could be the problem seeing as BCG is one of Mckinseys biggest competitors 

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Dec 06, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

No, that is not a problem (and the background check is not about that). 

You can keep your job (and your sister). You just can't talk with her about your work. More specifically, you can't talk to anyone about it, as confidentiality is key in this business.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 07, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Congratulations and welcome!

No, it´s no problem at all. There are actually many couples in this situation (been there myself), which would be in principle much more complicated because you share the space at home!

And not even is there an issue, as long as you use your common sense. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 06, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Don't worry, you're perfectly safe! Of course, the same confidentiality rules that apply to everyone else you know also apply to her (i.e. don't talk details about your job).

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Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Dec 06, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, this should not be an issue, especially since background checks are mostly resume-based. As such, as long as you did not display your whole family tree, there is almost no possibility to track your sister and her profession.
  • Moreover, and you might have already seen this in your contract, you are required to maintain client confidentiality at all times and towards everybody outside of the company either way, not just towards employees of competitors.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming career entry, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

(edited)

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Dec 06, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

None whatsoever provided both you and your sis maintain highest levels of professionalism & confidentiality of work and company assets.

(edited)

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 06, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

What a bright family! No problem at all. All the best to you both!

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Pedro gave the best answer

Pedro

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