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Move from Mck to BCG or vice versa

I have seen people from ATK, Accenture, Deloitte etc join McK / BCG and the opposite (from McK / BCG to firms like ATK, Deloitte). However, I cannot remember seeing anyone move between BCG and McK. Is that true that this movemet does not happen? I have also heard that as each firm has a distinct culture they do not hire from each other. Would love to hear thoughts of the experts.

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Top answer
Vlad
Coach
on Oct 10, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

They hire and the transitions are not a rare case. The major factor is the growth of the particular office / industry. I've seen the cases when McKinsey was hiring many people from the other companies to satisfy the recruiting needs.

Best

Sidi
Coach
on Oct 10, 2018
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 400+ candidates secure MBB offers

It is not common, but it can happen. I am such an example - worked in BCG for 2 years from 2011 to 2013 and then lateraled over to McKinsey in 2013, staying there for another 5 years.

Cheers, Sidi

on Oct 10, 2018
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

Besides Sidi's 9bvious example, I have also seen people interning in one and later joining the other, or changing after an MBA. I also had a McK Partner who became BCG partner later. Definitely not common, but it happens.

For all their perceived and argued differences, the 3 firms are still more similar than anything

Deleted
Coach
on Oct 11, 2018

As a build on what other experts have already said - lateral moves sometimes happen when one firm is actively trying to headhunt consultants from a particular practice to build up their own. For example, some time ago I heard BCG tried to recruit a number of Bain consultants to grow their Private Equity practice.

I also heard of lateral hires happening slightly more frequently in "hyper-growth" markets like Dubai, where firms are really fighting for top-talent in order to fuel their massive growth.

on Oct 11, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

as mentioned, there are examples of such move, although not as common as moving from second tiers to MBB and the other way around. Main reasons for that include:

  • Lack of growth opportunities with one company (eg longer than expected to move from Project Leader to Principal)
  • Relocation in different states. I personally know a guy who moved from one MBB to another as had to move from NY to Milan.
  • Cultural issues - lack of fit with colleagues or with the culture of the company

Best,
Francesco

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