Is it ever possible to transfer to BCG or Bain laterally as a Senior Associate at another (non-mbb) strategy consulting firm? Or is the first year associate role, the only point of entry? Thank you!
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Hi folks, I’d love to learn some networking tricks from you all. When attending an industry or academic conference—especially when you’re the only person from your team or company there—how do you successfully mingle and connect with others? I sometimes feel a bit awkward during networking sessions, especially when everyone is standing around with wine and many people seem to already know each other. How to approach and join a group conversation without feeling intrusive? More in comments…
What are the most common M/SM failure modes post-MBB? Curious as to your thoughts - for smart people with good education, but still relatively new in career and domain expertise, what have you seen as the most common failure modes post-MBB? I'm looking for my next thing, and while I can clearly see the benefits of me (Bain M/SM) over an A or an SA as an IC, I'm having a hard time seeing myself leading a team without the leadership support at MBB (APs, Ps etc.).
I’ve seen it. For example, someone with a few years of experience entering as a second year associate, or a guy from OW post-MBA entering as a 2nd year consultant. Usually easier if you’re from a true strategy shop.
BCG explicitly hires ppl with 3-5 Yoe and no mba as senior associates - it’s a role that only laterals can be hired into (associates are promoted directly to consultant). Upside is promo to consultant happens 0.5-1year quicker than associates and higher base salary. downside is little to no chance of mba sponsorship, higher expectations for ramp up time
Thanks!
Have seen it happening at Bain for lateral hires (who are not from consulting at all) but had sizeable start-up experience as founders
It is definitely possible, but quite unusual. I’ve worked with a lateral hire from OW, which had left OW as a manager and joined Bain as a Senior Associate. (It was a downgrade, technically, with a ~15% pay decrease).
You can come in with tenure
Many do it from our firm
This is a leveling question. This person is asking if you can move SA (T2) to C at BCG, the equivalent role. Answer is, I’ve seen it happen several times