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

office preferences officelocation
New answer on Jan 12, 2021
5 Answers
1.7 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 09, 2021

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!

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Anonymous updated the answer on Jan 10, 2021

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

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
 updated an answer on Jan 11, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

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!

(edited)

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Vlad
Expert
 replied on Jan 10, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

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

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
 replied on Jan 11, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

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

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
 replied on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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

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