Would BCG defer an offer for a year or more?

Question

Hey guys,

I'm in a conflicting position with a banking offer I have currently and the BCG Associate interview process. I am excited to have recieved the BCG interview and intend on going through with the process regardless of what happens. However, my first round with BCG is not for another couple of weeks. I attempted to extend the decision deadline for my banking role, and they agreed but it is still not enough time.

I don't want to decline the banking offer, since BCG's interviews are obviously difficult and I am not guaranteed an offer there. The banking gig is great and would add a lot of skills and value to my career. My question then is, IF given an offer- would I be able to defer the offer for a year or more? I would not feel comfortable reneging on my current offer so I would rather defer and commit to starting at a later date. Is this something BCG would do? Perhaps adding a years' worth of banking experience under my belt would help my case as well.

Answer 1

BCG 'may' agree to an extension, though that's not guaranteed. Note that they did feel comfortable asking me to defer my acceptance by a year a while back, so part of me would like it if you turned the table on them, ha!

Do the BCG interviews. If you do get the offer, great - but remember that statistically, you won't. Meanwhile, I suggest you accept the banking offer since that's the only job you have at the moment.

Let's assume for a moment you work in banking and now receive the offer. What to do, what to do? Yes, the experience & expertise you would develop in (investment?) banking - but that is also true to consulting. Could you get experience in both? Many people do that, typically starting IB after undergrad and MBB after MBA; the reverse can also happen, though not nearly as often (you are more likely to do MBB/Private Equity).

Ultimately, you need to decide what you really would like to do in the future. IB probably still has the edge for investment/M&A jobs, but MBB will open more doors in general - especially if you stay more than a couple of years.

I sincerely hope you get to actually face the problem. For now though, fI suggest you ocus on preparing your 1st round and don't think too far in the future. Good luck

Answer 2

Hi,

I would not rely on that. BCG could defer an offer if it was related to education. But you are basically going to work for a different company. You can try to push the BCG interviews a bit closer to the date by telling them that you have a deadline with another offer.

Best

Answer 3

It is not guaranteed - but I know someone who did almost exactly what you are doing. He got an offer from BCG and from a major bank. He wanted some banking experience as he thought it would be helpful, so he deferred his BCG offer by a year and worked at the Bank, quit after 12 months, and started at BCG. So it is definitely possible. Once you get the offer, discuss with HR the opportunity to defer. I think BCG will also see the value that a year in banking will give you.