MBB NYC vs. Chicago Offices - Key Industry / Practices + Other Differences

Question

Hi all,

As someone interested in MBB that is now deciding between M7 schools in Chicago and the Northeast, I was hoping to understand a bit more about how working at MBB in the NYC office would differ vs. the Chicago office, based on industry selection, key practices, and exit opps. My current impression is that NYC will offer a bit more FS and DD projects while Chicago will have a more diversified mix of industries, but some more detail would be very helpful.

For reference, I have been living in NYC for the past 4 years, and though it's not an absolute imperative that I return to the city after the MBA, I see it as a "nice to have." With this in mind, would gunning for the NYC office during the competitive recruitment process still make sense if I'm not trying to optimize for being staffed on a lot of FS projects?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

If your priority is to be staffed in a lotof FS projects then NYC seems like an reasonable choice. However, as different office will have different situation especially during this Covid period, a networking and direct chat with people from the offices will be the best way to gather the information.

BCG NY office also as a strong Pharma practice for example, so insider info is really important.

Best,
Iman

Answer 2

Hi there,

I agree with Vlad - the NYC offices are some of the most competitive worldwide!

Both NYC and Chicago should have a healthy amount of projects in both Financial Services and Healthcare. That said, Chicago will have more work in manufacturing and consumer goods while NYC will have more in TMT.

I'd highly recommend you get networking ASAP! Informational calls are not only great for potentially getting referrals, but also giving you much more of a feel for what the respective offices will really be like!

Answer 3

Hi,

In terms of the chances of getting an interview, Chicago is way easier than NY. Thus, if you don't have a strong preference for FS, I would recommend Chicago

Best

Answer 4

Hello there!

I agree with the experts that in terms of competitiveness NYC would be the most competitive. One thing to add is that both NYC and Chicago MBB are great.

However, I would suggest you looking at the situation from a different perspective and think about where you would like to live, how life in Chicago would be different and whether you would be satisfied with it.

Networking for the insights would also be great.

Good luck!

Cheers,
GB

Answer 5

Hello!

This is the kind of questions that are wondrful for a coffee chat when networking with current firm members.

In any case, keep in mind that NYC is one of the most difficult ones to get in, sine there is huge demand.

Hope it helps!

Cheers, Clara