Where does BCG do their annual cohort kickoffs?

Hi,

Congratulations on receiving your double offer! I wanted to provide some insights into what you can expect during your first week at BCG and how it aligns with the cohort kick-off process.

1. Regional Training Kick-Off:
   At BCG, your first week typically begins with regional training. In Europe, these sessions are organized based on regional systems. For example:

   • London, Amsterdam, and Brussels form a single system, often hosting the kick-off week in London.
   • Germany, Austria, and Switzerland constitute another system with a dedicated kick-off event.

   This kick-off week brings together everyone starting within the same month in your system.

2. Cohort Trainings:
   Throughout your tenure, you'll participate in regular cohort trainings held within your regional office. Refer to the BCG regional breakdown here. For instance:
   • The London office falls under the Europe and Middle-East region.
   • Your cohort training week might take place in a city like Paris, bringing together colleagues with similar tenure from across your region.

I hope this provides clarity on what lies ahead.

Best,

Oliver

Haha, this is amazing. 

Are you choosing the firms based on where the onboarding is? 

McK doesn't always do it at Kitzbuehel. Actually, they typically do some of the trainings there once you're more tenured. I did my Jasc or Asc training there. I had my onboarding in Prague. I led two onboardings as faculty in Poland I believe. Had other trainings in other locations.

So, literally, it can happen anywhere. And you can't choose. You just get allocated somewhere. 

If you're joining soon, here are two articles with advice for starting consultants:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

Congrats on the offers from BCG and McKinsey! BCG's kickoff spots vary each year, but they're usually cool places around the globe. They're big on creating memorable experiences. You could hit up your BCG recruiter or some BCG folks to find out this year's spot.

BCG does these regionally. I joined the Kuala Lumpur office, which is part of the APAC system. In my year, we had our regional training in Bangkok. It changes every year. We of course had regular training on the first day in the home office.

Onboarding at McKinsey depends on your office. Not all of them are in Kitzbuehel. 

A little suggestion: this should be the thing you should worry the least at the moment :) Focus on negotiating and securing the offer you are most interested in!

Best,

Alberto

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