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Even during recessions, consultancies will need new people coming in. Classes may be a little smaller, but most of the impact would be felt by consultants already in the firm: less staffing, harder promotions / longer cycles... and yes, smaller bonuses.

PS: You cannot control the economy, so don't focus on it too much.

Hi Kay,

I think it would be extremely unlikely for this to happen. However, what could definitely happen, depending on the firm/office, is that you enter at a graduate level but get a fast-track promotion. I know some experienced-hires at Bain that were hired as Associate Consultants and were promoted twice in the space of 1.5 years.

I would generally agree that some time to learn the foundations would be very useful, even if you have lots of previous experience. Once this is nailed, your previous experience will help you excel among your peers.

Hope that helps!

Alessandro

Hi Anonymous,

"Visiting Associate" is not a trial period in the true sense! "Visiting Associates" (VAs) is the term for interns at BCG. Every intern is a VA! So, if you convert your VAship (internship) to a full time offer (and if you accept it), you can choose to either come back at some point in the future or you can also directly continue working as a full time associate. This is quite common in Germany for example. The same can be done at McKinsey of course.

Cheers, Sidi

Hi,

In the US nowadays, you usually sign an offer via DocuSign and it happens immediately once everything is confirmed on both sides. In the other countries - once you visit the office.

Best