Hello! I have an offer from BCG after university, but I am debating whether to apply to the Madrid or Milan offices in Europe and starting there. I am a US and Spanish citizen, and have lived in Italy before, and know that I see myself in Southern Europe in the future. I heard that transferring offices internationally is very difficult and only for top candidates, so I thought it could an option to just start my career in a European office. However, will this give me a disadvantage professionally? Starting off in Europe vs the US, I know salaries in EU are less competitive by a lot
Also, I was thinking I could do 2 years in the states, apply for a transfer to Italy (ideally, or if not Spain), if I don't get it, the experience at BCG on my resume could serve me well to apply to a higher up position in Italy in another company (perhaps an industry I would get experience on in the US)
I was also wondering, what industries does the Milan office (also Spain if you know) focus on? I was thinking maybe I should try to get more experience in those areas. I'm thinking automotive, luxury goods, etc
Thank you!
Thank you so much, Denis!!! Double taxation shouldn't be a problem or does this usually affect transfer decisions? Also, if I move to Europe with 2-3 years of experience, am I likely to get a decent paying job outside consulting (ex. Google, Pepsi, etc), and skip the entry level position? (I also have an offer from Google, their business side, but I consulting I think has a steeper learning curve and can speed up my career)
Double taxation will not be a problem. There is a good chance, depending on where you work that you may even save taxes. With 2-3 yrs of BCG I would be surprised if you wouldnt find a good job of your choice. Key is to start looking early. If you know you want to be in Europe, start networking now and keep doing so while you are in the US. Reach out to headhunters, contact ppl on linkedin, exploit your US uni network and your European connections. There is a good chance that you like your work at BCG and perhaps want to stay in consulting - then in Europe.
Hi Denis! Thank you so much!!! I've also heard that work in consulting in Souther Europe as opposed to the US is a bit tougher, hours wise, so it also makes me think that even though quality of life in Europe seems more appealing, if you work more there, can you even really enjoy it? That's why I think maybe if I make the move to Europe eventually, it might be better to leave consulting. Has it been better quality of life wise for you there?