Hi there,

I think you're taking about Bridge to BCG, Bain ADvantage, etc. correct?

My understand is actually that you can likely apply at any time, *but* you just can't be a part of that specific program. In terms of your specific eligibility and *when* exactly to apply, this is the perfect excuse for networking!

Pick up the phone and have conversations with consultants and HR/Recruiters to explain your situation and see what they think.

The great thing about networking is that you can 1) Figure out when/how you should apply 2) Learn more about the company/office and 3) Potentially get a referral to boost your odds.

Here's some reading to improve your fit interview: https://www.preplounge.com/en/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

And some reading to improve your case interview: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

(edited)

Hi there, 

My suggestion would be to reach out directly to the recruiter / HR and ask about applying outside of the regular recruiting timelines. 

Generally the formal recruiting timelines they have are more of guideline, a rally to get as many applications as possible within a certain period of time and to also make it easier for the consultants to do interviews in batches. But it doesn't necessarily mean that you can't apply outside of those periods. 

Best,

Cristian

Hello!

These are great questions, and HR would be the best people to answer you (since this can change firm by firm). Do you have a recruiting person at Uni who deals with consulting recruiting? He/she would be the best ones to tell you who to reach out to. 

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

If your target is entry late 2023/early 2024, your best course of action should be creating a network in MBB that can guide your and support your application when it comes to that:

• Guidance: MBB employ many PhDs who have generalist or expert roles. In order to find best mutual fit, take the time to network and get some insider guidance, because this is tough to figure out from the outside in.
• Referral: This sets you up for success in terms of getting to the interview stage. Depending on where you are with that today, it can take a while to get support via referrals but it's 100% worth it if you don't have the time pressure.

Bottom line - you're in no rush to apply so don't apply with a suboptimal application. Instead, use the time you actually have to network and be super prepared by end of next year.

Hope this helps! Best of luck!