I've heard it called a "brain machine".
Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!
Is BCG more theoretical than McKinsey and Bain?
Overview of answers
-
Upvotes
-
Date ascending
-
Date descending
This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significant time working for or with all three, how can you truly compare?
FWIW, I only know BCG first hand, both as a client (pre-consulting) and a consultant. I have also worked with and for Bain and McK folks, but don't claim to know how they compare. BCG did build its early reputation on some theoretical models in the 60s and 70s ('BCG matrix' anyone?), but I doubt there is a significant difference in how BCGers approach a new problem vs. the other 2 guys anymore.
All three are outstanding companies, led by smart, passionate and competent managers and partners. They spend significant time and money trying to get better, so if an approach works better, that's what they will try first in the future. Still, my personal guess would be that the variance between individuals within a company would be greater than between companies. So if you have to chose which of MBB to join, make your decision based on location, industry strength or people you met, not based on reputation - either way, you can't really go wrong.
Related Products
McKinsey Solve Game Simulation Package by Francesco
- Play for Real the Ecosystem Game (Coral Reef & Mountain Ridge)
- Play for Real the Redrock Game (All 4 Phases Included)
- Receive for FREE the Imbellus Solve Combo and McKinsey Imbellus Game Secrets Guide
Break Into Consulting - Strategy Consulting Firm's All-In-One by Alexandre
- Created by 2 BCG consultants
- Covers most strategy consulting firms
- Get you to the backstage of the strategy world
Break Into Consulting - Industry Overviews by Alexandre
- Created by 2 BCG consultants
- 15+ industries covered
- Practical tips to master any industry
Break Into Consulting - Frameworks I wish I knew by Alexandre
- Created by 2 BCG consultants
- Covers most interview cases
- Practical tips to crack the case
BCG Online Case Combo: Software Simulation by Francesco
- Practice with 6 Chatbot Tests (Casey Style), including 4 Software Simulations
- Test Yourself with 4 Live One-Way Video Interviews (with AI Generated Tips)
- Receive for Free the BCG Online Case Secrets Guide
BCG Online Case Secrets by Francesco
- Master the 5 Types of Questions Asked by the Chatbot
- Discover the Exact Steps to Prepare for the 1-Minute Video Assessment
- Prepare in Advance by Solving 2 Complete Chatbot Cases
Imbellus Solve Combo: Guide + Videos by Francesco
- Watch how to Crack the Ecosystem Game in 23 Minutes
- Find Out how to Master each of the 4 Phases of the Redrock
- Receive for FREE the McKinsey Imbellus Game Secrets Guide
Imbellus Test at McKinsey – Guide by Luca
- Detailed and full game analysis
- Hands-on example to solve the game and support you
- Practical tips to crack the game
McKinsey Imbellus Solve Game Secrets by Francesco
- Learn the Exact Steps to Crack the 6 Games of the Imbellus
- Discover the Proven Way to Master the 5 Skills Tested in the Game
- Create your Ecosystem Chain Automatically with the Automated Excel Included
The Secret McKinsey PEI Cheat Sheet by Robert
- Learn how to correctly prepare and structure your McKinsey PEI
- Impress your McKinsey interviewer with a perfect PEI
- Save tons of time in your PEI prep
Integrated FIT Guide for MBB by Clara
- Combines key concepts review and a hands-on methodology
- Contains printable worksheets to prepare your stories
- Includes 20+ real examples and 50+ practice questions
BCG Potential Test #2 by Gaurav
- BCG Potential Test with 23 questions about "World Electrification Case"
- Created by ex-MBB interviewer Gaurav
- Format and style for a real test experience
BCG Potential Test #1 by Francesco
- BCG Potential Test with 23 questions about "CoverCell Case"
- Created by ex-BCG consultant Francesco
- Format and style for a real test experience
Prep Guide for McKinsey PST by PrepLounge
- McKinsey PST preparation guide incl. 13 pages of useful tips
- Created by ex-McKinsey consultants
- Detailed information on test structure, question types & core skills
McKinsey PST #3 by Riccardo
- PST with 26 questions about "Delicious Juice Case"
- Created by ex-MBB consultant Riccardo
- Industries: Beverage, tourism, pharma
McKinsey PST #2 by Gaurav
- PST with 26 questions about "WeKlin Case"
- Created by ex-McKinsey consultants
- Industries: Retail, energy, franchise
McKinsey PST #1 by PrepLounge
- PST with 26 questions about "FloraFashion Case"
- Created by ex-McKinsey consultants
- Industries: Retail, energy, franchise
Related Articles
Related Cases
Related Case Interview Basics article(s)
Influence Model
The Influence Model by McKinsey emerged in the early 2000s and is the result of practical experience of the consultants at McKinsey & Company.
BCG Online Case
Get to know the BCG Online Case and learn how to approach this specific Boston Consulting Group Test when you want to start your careere in Consulting.
Bain Sova Test
The Bain Sova Test is an aptitude test for applicants to Bain & Company. The test consists of 4 areas and is used at Bain for job interviews in consulting.
7S-Framework of McKinsey
Discover what McKinsey's 7S framework is and how it helps companies maximize their strengths and identify weaknesses while focusing on 7 internal elements.
McKinsey Growth Pyramid
Structured framework for sustainable corporate development, including market penetration, product development, market development and diversification.