“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
What BCG math thing?
Process is exactly the same as for MBA candidates, just a different timeline. Depending on your timing, you should look into ADC intro programs (Bridge to BCG, etc).
McKinsey does a PST followed by a first round interview, then final round interview at the office you would join. BCG has no test, just a first round interview followed by a final round interview at the office you join. This is all for ADCs in the United States, if you're applying elsewhere this may be slightly different.
General summary:
McKinsey -- Round 0: IWIA (PST + group cases) Round 1: 2 x (Case + PEI) Round 2 (decision round): 2 - 4 x (Case + PEI) at the office that would offer you
BCG -- Round 0: Some regions have a phone screen Round 1: 2 x (Case + Fit) Round 2 (decision round): 2 - 4 x (Case + Fit) at the office that would offer you Apparently some BCG offices have begun to implement/test written cases, which you can read more about (I didn't have a written)
ADC at BCG (Originally Posted: 07/27/2014)
This may be a silly question, but do those with PhDs/JDs/MDs come into BCG at the consultant or associate consultant position?
All those you listed would be consultants. MAs would generally be associates / senior associates.
To clarify, BCG doesn't have a position called "associate consultant." Undergrad hires are Associates or just As. MBA and ADC hires are Consultants or CS.
BCG has a rank between associate and consultant in some geographies, but not in the US. ADCs in Europe, for example, start as "junior consultants."
http://www.bcglondon.com/careers/career_growth/career_path/junior_consu…
The junior consultant year comes before the C1 year, so if you start as a junior consultant the normal trajectory is 3 years to PL.
The above are all true.
Sed aspernatur autem eligendi quia nesciunt reiciendis. Enim et eum consequatur minus.
Consequatur rem omnis quasi quas voluptatem sit. Non dolore vel eaque voluptates aliquam. Ratione praesentium est ratione similique vel error tempore unde.
Est eveniet qui repellendus qui saepe voluptatum. Id aliquam iure voluptatem rem placeat. Culpa est quia qui voluptatem perferendis consequatur commodi cupiditate. Fugiat esse odit numquam eaque repellendus. Debitis molestiae dicta vero.
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...