Switching Bain to McKinsey/BCG
Currently doing a summer at Bain and considering switching to McKinsey or BCG. Would it be worth it for the prestige and exit opportunities?
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I'm a McK Alum. I honestly don't feel like there is any real prestige difference nor any difference in exits. Just go where you feel most comfortable.
Not worth it considering you are dropping relationships at Bain to develop new ones at McK/BCG. The only reason I could understand the switch would be due to geography
Exit opps. may be a little better if you know for sure that one of the other offices has a larger presence in the industry you're looking for.
If you're just doing it purely for the name (and not for industry / geographic alignment) then it probably seems pretty moot.
OP - Are you based in the US? Do you want to stay in the US?
If so, agree with everyone else that it's not (generally) worth it for exit opps, unless you feel that you would enjoy the other firms better.
Internationally, Bain is generally much weaker so might be worth making the switch, although it depends on geography. In that case, it should be pretty straightforward: - Get a return offer from Bain (IMPORTANT - if you don't get an offer, you are damaged goods) - Reach out to contacts / recruiters at BCG + McK - Go through the interview process
Agree with comments above. Doesn't hurt recruiting for McKinsey/BCG to see what offers you get and compare. Rather than prestige and exit opps, I'd focus on the actual consulting experience. Three things to keep in mind - office culture, staffing model, and career progression.
Generally go with what company/office you think you identify with. If you have great relationships and like the feel, it'll make for a great work experience.
Staffing model - it's just different across the three firms so depends on what your cup of tea is.
Career progression with consulting - youll have more of an opportunity to get to EM at McK than Manager at Bain. So if speeding up the ranks appeals to you, McK could definitely be appealing. I'm at Bain and its rare to get early promotes. Standard promotions, you're looking at around 5-6 years to manager. McK folks, correct me if I'm wrong- but you could get to EM is shorter time if you're a super star.
For real superstars you can go from BA -> EM in 3 years at McKinsey (2 year BA, 1 year associate). Not common though.
At BCG it's quite common to go from Associate -> PL in 4 years (2 years associate, 2 years consultant).
Regarding BCG, is your comment in relation to the US?, here in Europe we are to spend 3 years as an associate and 3 more to be promoted to PL (not required MBA though)
I'm curious: what would the breakdown be at Bain?
Middle of the pack performers: 1,5 years AC > 1,5 years SAC >(b-school, typically) > 2 years Consultant > Case team leader
Fast trackers: 2 years (S)AC > 2 years Consultant > Case team leader
Fast tracking is not something that happens that regularly and depends per office but it can definitely be done
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