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Two years in Accenture, got an offer from BCG for an associate position

Accenture BCG Experienced Hire Lateral Hire MBB recruiting
New answer on Oct 12, 2023
5 Answers
5.6 k Views
Robert asked on Sep 25, 2019

Hi, I am working with Accenture for 2 years on Consultant position (the next after entry level associate) and currently a candidate for a promotion to manager. Alternatively, I have got an offer from BCG for an associate position (entry level). This means starting from scratch and loosing 2 years of work experience. Plus moneywise it is not an improvement (since manager at Accenture earns more than associate at BCG).

Is it a common practice to get an associate position at BCG with 2 years prior experience at the other consulting firm? What are your thought about it?

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Anonymous replied on Sep 25, 2019

While BCG in general tends to discount experience at other consulting firms, what you can do is to negotiate with them to be placed in a higher band within the associate level (A1/A2/A3). This way, you will not have to spend ~3 years as it takes to graduate from associate to consultant but hopefully shorter

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Sep 26, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Robert,

it is normal that they consider you for an Associate position. However, BCG usually takes into account some seniority given an experience like yours, thus not considering as starting point the one of a fresh graduate; I would try to negotiate that with HR.

Best,

Francesco

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Benjamin
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replied on Oct 12, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Yes it is common to take a ‘discount’ on your tenure when joining MBB, especially when coming from T2.

I too took a ‘cut’ when I switched from Kearney to BCG.

Here are my thoughts:

  • Like for like (for the same position), the pay at BCG is often higher than T2 
  • The benefits of MBB go beyond just salary - there are other things to consider including
    • Project exposure
    • Internal opportunities (e.g. mobility)
    • Exit opportunities

Hope this helps to clarify.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Sep 25, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Yes,BCG will discount your prior experience. However if you have relevant experience (Consulting in your case) you can negotiate to start as a Senior Associate

Best

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Deniz
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Content Creator
replied on Sep 26, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

It is common to get downgraded when you come from another consulting company, as BCG wants you to adapt to their culture and the way of doing things.

To give you a benchmark, a colleague of mine came to BCG with 3-year work experience at Accenture, and he started as a 2nd-year associate (thus this means that BCG only counted 1 year from his tenure at Accenture).

Best,

Deniz

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