Switching cities for mbb

Hi there,

Q: I also want to be in nyc after graduation and was wondering if I should re-recruit for another mbb in nyc or try to transfer.

If you are not 100% sure about the return offer, I would apply to the other firms just in case.

If you are 100% sure, I would first check which are the criteria for an internal transfer with HR. If that’s not an option and being in NYC is a priority for you, you can consider to recruit again.

If that doesn’t work and it is ok for you to wait a bit, you might be able to move with BCG after a few years.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

This is quite inidividual and depends on multiple factors that need to align to make the things work for you.

Saying that, people do move offices frequently, but it might take time.

I would suggest to explore both options: apply to other MBB for roles in NY and at the same time start having some discussions internally at BCG to see how feasible an internal transfer would be/ start initiating it.

Good luck,

Lilit

Both.

Don't create the illusion of a choice! You may not have one.

Recruit for MBB (non BCG) in NYC. See if you can get an offer.

Ask BCG to move you when/if you get a full time offer (you might not, remember!)

It's very unlikely that they move you, but you can ask. The better you perform, and the more contacts you have (especially at the upper levels) , the better your chances.

“I’ve heard I should try to get staffed on nyc projects”

Easier said than done… because usually NYC EXPORTS candidates to do projects in other locations and not the other way around. So while you can try to do that, is should be your Plan B, not your Plan A.

“I should re-recruit for another mbb in nyc or try to transfer?”

Actually… both. You should try to transfer - and yes, it is going to be difficult, but not impossible. 

But because it is difficult, you should try to get in the target office with another MBB. 

If you are accepted by the other MBB, you can also use that as leverage in order to get the MBB you are interning with to help you in getting into the target office, as then they will know you have a viable alternative.

Hi there,

being in a city where you actually want to live matters for your personal life so you should not disregard the importance. On the flipside, you should be comfortable with the possibility that you could only really be in that city Friday-Sunday if you work in consulting and you end up getting staffed on a lot of travel projects.

I have heard of interns who could choose their office location within the same country upon receiving a return offer (assuming the country had multiple offices). The return offer was not exclusive to the office they belonged to as an intern but you should have some good reasons handy as to why you should be switching offices. So it is definitely something you should discuss with HR - but only once you get a return offer.

If you want to increase your chances of working for MBB in NYC, then you definitely should apply to 2 more firms and try your luck.

Just keep in mind that NYC has pretty high rent levels so a lot of your net income (especially at a junior role) will have to go towards rent. Given that you might not actually be in NYC a lot during the week (i.e. due to work travel), you might want to consider your second or third favorite cities if that meant you could actually build up savings while you are grinding in the consulting business. Just some food for thought.

Best of luck

Hi there,

In line with what most other coaches said, suggest you try both in parallel.

• Re interviewing with other MBBs -  as there is no downside to interviewing with the other MBBs in such scenario.
• Re internal transfer - can definitely try do that but note that this is a quite challenging step from intern to perm hire, esp. given NYC is the most sought-after location.
• Re other options - if viable for you, the most promising option to transfer within the firm is actually to do so after 12-18 months tenure, in my experience. This allows you to build your brand / performance track record and to do the necessary networking (+ getting staffed there definitely helps). At a firm like BCG, every transfer is a function of PUSH (getting current office to agree to let you go, when performance is stron) and PULL (have senior decision makers who want you to come to receiving office and hence vouch for your move). As an intern, you are likely still lacking both, hence not ideal timing now.

Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out via DM if you'd like to discuss further about your specific situation.

Regards, Andi

Hi there, 

I would try both. 

Basically, if you're thinking about transferring, you should see it as a 2-3 year process, where you need to build a support base in your target location plus a value proposition for yourself in order to motivate the transfer. Even then, it might not work. 

It might actually be easier to apply again. Since you already went through the process, you know what to expect. The only difference now is that screening and the recruitment process is somewhat tougher than it used to be because of the economic situation. You need a good plan for it. Sharing with you a guide you might find useful:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,
Cristian