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Transfers and MBA for Bain vs BCG

Bain BCG Job offer MBB
New answer on Jan 09, 2021
6 Answers
1.0 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 03, 2021

Dear community,

I already read a lot about the differences between the MBB. However, I would like to receive a more "customized" response/advice depending on my own interests. Indeed, I would like to know what are the differences between BCG and Bain in terms of: possibilities for MBA, transfers, exit options and projects abroad.

I am extremely interested in joining projects abroad, on different practices (particularly in healthcare, consumer goods and luxury).

Plus, I have always read about the "winning points" of all the MBB, but what are the main weak points for BCG, Mck and particularly Bain?

Thank you for your answers!

(edited)

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 04, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

As you can guess, BCG is simply bigger and thus might have more transfers and international project opportunities. But it's still a matter of luck

Office transfers are happening here and there, but you need to have:

  1. Top- performance
  2. Local contacts in the office you are transferring to
  3. Personal family circumstances will make the case more compelling

Exit opportunities are very similar but may vary by country. Again, the size of the firm matters, since there are more BCG alums on the market hiring ex BCGs

MBA - similar approach across the firms, but differs significantly by country. In any case, being a top performer gives you more leverage

Best

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 03, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

There aren't major differences across the firms in terms of office transfers; they are all multinational firms with vast transfer opportunities. Much more important is how you leverage this within each of them.

I've transfered a few times within companies and have the following advice:

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - This might take a year or more. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 04, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Honestly, differences are very little among them -and also you can include McK-.

Furthermore, it depends on the geographies too.

My thoughts:

  • Exit opportunities: depending on the geography you are in -since you exit many times to clients-.
  • MBA sponsorship: in Spain at least there is a difference, since Bain requieres 3 years before sponsoring
  • Transfers: BCG is bigger, hence you would have wider options than Bain

Best regards,

Clara

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 05, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

Pretty much everything important has been said already. BCG is bigger, so you have more transfer opportunities, but at the same time it depends on companies' geography and the office itself.

As to the weak points of MBB, I can think of the following:

  • Work-life balance. You can easilly end up working 80+ hours a week.
  • There are not enough senior options for all the consultants, so there is a chance you'll need to make a move to still grow in your career.

Hope it helps,

Cheers,

GB

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 04, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

I agree with the other coaches.

MBB value your opinion, interests, and desired career path. I think if you'll able to communicate all of that you'll achieve your goals independently from the company you'll work in.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

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Anonymous replied on Jan 09, 2021

Hi,

The posibility to get an MBA an transfer will be higher if you are a top performer. For transfer you would also need contacts in destination office that wants you to transfer.

Exit options I would say is similar across the MBBs as the brand name is more or less as valuable with slight difference in different countries.

Project abroad really depends again on your performance and business demands, as such region / office with large business will demand more cross office staffing and if you are top performer you will definitely be preferred.

Best,
Iman

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