Is BCG hurting my resume?
Hi, all. I've been searching for a job for nearly a year now — I've interviewed at PE, VCs, growth equity, a hedge fund, and a unicorn — but feel like my internship at BCG's NY office has lost me some of these offers. I didn't receive a return offer, but the reason is my manager (a partner) did not care about me. He gave me my midterm feedback with 6 business days remaining; I was always asking for feedback and more work to do, but he didn't give me much. Then during the feedback, he said I should have created my own tasks when I had none to do. Others I spoke with at BCG also called it unfair.
Anyways, I've been trying to say that the lack of the offer is because of business conditions, but it seems like some employers are assuming I'm unethical/stupid because I didn't receive a return offer for a firm with such a historically high rate. How should I edit my resume or the narrative to improve my job prospects? Thank you.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some strategies to address your concerns and improve your job prospects:
Addressing the Lack of Return Offer:
Clarify the Context:
Highlight Positive Feedback:
Enhancing Your Resume:
Focus on Achievements:
Skills and Competencies:
Crafting Your Narrative:
Proactive and Resourceful:
Learning Experience:
Networking and Referrals:
Leverage Your Network:
Seek Feedback:
By focusing on these strategies, you can effectively address the concerns related to your BCG internship and improve your job prospects in the competitive finance industry.
Sources: BCG gives FT offers to all incoming interns, BCG Rejection and Advice, Junior Year Summer - Will Tech Internship Hurt Me?
I mean what alternative do you have? You can't leave off your junior summer internship or else it looks like you didn't do anything that summer. Anyways I would assume that the BCG name is adding a lot of your credibility to your resume, even if it raises questions about you getting the return.
I agree with Snickett. Also it seems like even with BCG on your resume, you're getting lots of interviews and employers are willing to give you a shot. So something occurring during the interview isn't convincing them to move your application forward.
I think it comes down to narrating a compelling story. You can pitch it pretty easily for other industries - if you're looking to VC you can highlight how VC gives you greater exposure to assess the qualitative aspects of an emerging company with a bottom-up analysis as compared with a single-function oriented lens that many consulting engagements would provide. If you're looking into PE, you can shift the narrative to talking about the exposure to the PE lifecycle from crafting the investment thesis to executing with an ownership mindset in strategic or financial acquisitions of the end to end process.
Ultimately, I've proven two things: i don't work in either of these areas so the nuts and bolts will have to be revised for accuracy, but the gist is how you sell the story of your transition from consulting to industry X. If you're getting interviews, it proves they value the BCG internship and recognize the credability. There are also a number of candidates that grow disauded with consulting for the typical reasons: you're only advisors, you don't get to execute, you have limited influence over work you really want to do either in function or industry exposure, there may just be a poor culture fit with that specific team or group.
Agreed. Though at this point if OP is still unemployed, he/she should expand their job search to other roles that are considered less 'prestigious.'
I've tried applying for corporate strategy, wealth management, chief of staff at random start ups, sales at start ups as well — nothing has come through yet. The difficulty is that these "less prestigious" roles don't like when I need "visa sponsorship" in the future.
Debitis distinctio ipsam ullam soluta dicta fugiat dolore. Eum laborum exercitationem enim perspiciatis molestias in. Non incidunt ex error repudiandae deserunt distinctio beatae sint. Aut dignissimos aliquam rerum autem dolores provident nobis.
Non culpa aut ut est est omnis voluptas. Optio blanditiis tempore voluptas alias. Veniam facere aliquam vel autem voluptatibus. Illum et aliquam libero quo omnis et vel. Perferendis doloribus dolorem animi autem repudiandae quos.
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...