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Positionts to Apply in Next Consulting Firm

ATKearney Boston Consulting Group dubai MBB McKinsey McKinsey Imbellus Middle East Roland Berger The Boston Consulting Group
New answer on Dec 01, 2023
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Aug 22, 2023

Dear All,

 

I am currently working for BCG SEA region (2nd year Associate) and have been here around 1.5 year. Prior to that I have 3 years of work experience and 2 year of master degree from US University… which I am aware that I should have applied for Senior Associate at BCG prior. 

 

Currently, I am planning to apply for several consulting firms in the middle east region (e.g Kearney, OM, Roland Berger, Arthur, KPMG)

 

I am wondering should I apply for BCG Senior Associate/Consultant equivalent level position, or should go conservatively and apply on BCG Associate-equivalent level?

 

Just contemplating if I apply for higher position, they might not even consider my CV, but at the same time, I also want to have level that bit match with my experience level.  For your consideration, my performance currently is okay at the firm. 

 

Thank you so much

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Best answer
Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Dec 01, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

I would say SA/Consultant, but double check with the office itself!

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 22, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

This is a great question.

The short answer is - it really depends on the region. 

Some regions are more flexible with how they take in new joiners. 

So my recommendation is to reach out to the recruiter and ask them for a 10-15 minute call to clarify what role would fit you best. At the end of the day, that's exactly one of the roles that HR is meant to play. 

Last but not least, make sure that you have a great application strategy to support you through this process. Sharing with you a guide on how to put this together:


Best,
Cristian

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Andi
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replied on Aug 23, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there,

Usually, for T2 applications, with this profile you'd full under a Senior Associate / Consultant equivalent role. Note, however that each firm calibrates work experience differently. Don't worry about getting rejected because you didn't know how to calibrate - if they like your profile, they'll find the adequate leve.

That said, when moving geographically, would always suggest you work with referrals, which can then help vet your profile and advise on the right role to apply after checking with HR.   

Btw, I worked for MBB in both regions - feel free to reach out for a chat and share your CV, then I can give specific advice on the best path in your case.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

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Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 22, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

If I were you - i'd apply for at most SA equivalent, and definitely not a C position.

While I understand you want to have a level that is matching with your experience level, do note that starting in a new firm always has a ramp up period and several challenges. At your new firm, you now have zero rep and have to build that up again, in addition to adjusting to the following:

  • New ways of working
  • Different expectations
  • Building a network again from scratch
  • New market dynamics (assuming you never worked in ME before)

I took a tenure cut when I jumped from Kearney to BCG but in hindsight I think that was a good decision.

All the best!

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Pedro
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replied on Aug 22, 2023
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

They will consider your current role is the right role. I don't think anyone will take the risk of giving you a higher role… unless you had a higher-level role in the past, they just give you the same role and assume that if you were performing much higher your current employer would correct the situation.

You may however discuss the possibility of a fast-track promotion with the new employer.

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Francesco
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replied on Aug 22, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Just contemplating if I apply for higher position, they might not even consider my CV, but at the same time, I also want to have level that bit match with my experience level.  

With the experience you have, I would recommend applying for an Associate equivalent level. I would not apply for a Consultant position. Most likely they will recognize some seniority after the offer. 

Alternatively, you could wait 6 months at BCG, reach the Senior Associate level and then apply for that role.

Best,

Francesco 

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Aug 27, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

I think you’re well-positioned for Senior Associate/Consultant. However, you can definitely talk to the recruiting team during the process about which role you are best suited for, and they can help advise you on this.

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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