Hey all - I had a first round interview at BCG in January 2017; was invited to a decision round but then their pipeline dried up - second round was scheduled for March, then bumped to May, then bumped indefinitely - feedback was very much "it's not you, it's us." Meanwhile, I took an internal corporate strategy job elsewhere in the region.
BCG reached out this week to ask me back now that the pipeline has reopened and I'm jumping straight to a final round - obviously I've said yes. Incredibly excited, but am now also incredibly rusty as I've done no prep for a year (although my current role is very similar to a consultant/project manager). Would love any decision round advice in general, and how to quickly ramp back up.
I think you are fine, the interview is most likely a formality to ensure you are still the same person they remember.
I wouldn't expect them to pick up from memory, especially from a year ago. I would prepare for a combo of cases and resume stuff (since you now have some new experiences to talk about). I would imagine you'll receive at least one, even if just a mini-case, or come market sizing exercises. And with a year of experience under you, you have a better idea of "why consulting?" and "why BCG?"
Good on them for honoring their commitment to get back to you, and giving you another chance now that space had cleared
Makes total sense - I'm planning to have 2-3 cases with little structure, and then be pleasantly surprised if that's not the case.
I'm pumped to be back in the mix and incredibly impressed that they followed up - speaks very highly of the office.
That's a little worrisome that BCG's pipeline dried up!
Just start practicing again. You are probably a little rough around the edges but the fundamentals should still be with you.
Assume it is just like any other Decision Round: ie) same set-up as 1st round, but Partner cases tend to be more unstructured and therefore require YOU to be more structured and "always be synthesizing". Partners also make up their mind about you much more quickly.
Ha well, to be fair, I think I was a bit off-cycle when I was first referred in (tough to tell as an experienced hire candidate), so I think they were waiting for some market uncertainty to shake out a bit.
Great advice - thanks so much. I'm reworking and updating all of my fit stories and resume stuff on the assumption that they'll make quick decisions based on those early moments.
Quasi aperiam corrupti optio voluptatem rerum dolorem. Quo dolorem ab explicabo. Quidem suscipit impedit et ducimus ad id. Corporis alias ad quae similique facilis consectetur fuga pariatur. Voluptatem repellendus facere exercitationem quidem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...