Work Environment and Culture
What is BCG's view on hybrid work?
BCG embraces flexibility of hybrid work, allowing consultants to work from home as projects and schedules permit.
On-site presence is essential when required by client priorities
We prioritize team alignment and cohesion, ensuring work approach supports collective goals and values.
Do you have any case practice advice?
Practice cases in-person (or virtual) with different people, and perhaps different backgrounds.
All candidates get access to an online case database called CaseCoach where they can find cases to practice.
Practice many different types of cases.
Practice mental math on the go – e.g. on the bus or train. There are multiple apps to find.
On our BGC careers website everyone have access to OneDay@BCG, a Virtual Experience Program which gives you a feel of what it is like to work as a management consultant at BCG
We have a thorough case practice guide for those candidates who are invited to interview
What does a typical day look like?
When can I apply?
Full-time and VA positions are open for application all year round.
In general we recommend to apply 6 – 12 months before you want to start at BCG both for full-time, as well as VA-positions. This means that if you graduate in June we recommend you apply for a FT position during autumn, your penultimate year.
How much do you work as a consultant at BCG?
Work schedule varies from project to project; but it is definitely not a standard 9-5 job.
Typically, work intensifies Monday to Wednesday with an aim to finish early on Thursday.
There is flexibility which allows for personal time management, such as exercising during lunch or dinner hours.
In return to working a lot, you get a steep learning curve and an opportunity to make an impact.
Do you require people to take an MBA?
No. We offer financially support if you would like to pursue an MBA after promotion to C – a huge opportunity, and we encourage you to take it
An MBA provides fast personal and content development, an extensive network and a fresh, outside perspective
You can take an MBA at Insead, Harvard, LBS, Wharton, Stanford, Columbia, Booth, Sloan, Kellog, IESE
Only when asked: There is also an opportunity to gain experience through doing extended (6mo+) BCG projects abroad, and a (limited) opportunity to do a social impact secondment with our global partners
What types of projects do the consultants work with?
BCG engages in a wide variety of industries from healthcare and technology to finance and consumer goods etc.
Projects involves different topics such as strategic planning, digital transformation, and operational improvements.
Our commitment to innovation and excellence is reflected across all sectors.
We do also collaborate with specialized teams such as BCG X and Platinion to enhance our delivery of tailored, impactful solutions.
Do I need to have high grades?
While strong academic performance is an important factor we consider in our evaluation process, it is not the sole criterion.
At BCG we look for well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated excellence in various areas, including leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
We understand that academic grades are just one aspect of a candidate's potential, and we value diverse experiences and achievements that contribute to a candidate's overall profile
Isn't up-or-out harsh?
BCG offers you tremendous development opportunities, and a career path based on promotions every 2-3 years, a speed you can not achieve anywhere outside of our industry
To secure that every individual gets the opportunity for personal growth, we want to provide the opportunity to be promoted every two years – meaning we sometimes regrettable need to part ways with people who are not likely to be promoted. This is forced only in a small minority of cases and helps us deliver a high-energy and -quality culture
Promotions are merit based, you do not compete with your peers
Our intensive feedback and coaching culture and instruments provide early clarity on promotion likelihood
Our exit opportunities are second to none, we help you find a new job through our career services and extensive alumni network – BCG is an excellent career starter, is committed to your future success and highly values alumni
What does the international opportunities look like?
BCG provides extensive opportunities to work across countries through cross-office staffing.
Projects may involve short-term assignments in various countries.
After gaining experience, employees can apply for various transfer programs, enhancing global exposure and career development.
Also, we have a Nordic staffing model which means that travel across the Nordics is common.
Your first months at BCG will typically be in your home office so that you can get up to speed and get to know your colleagues.
How many C&S cases are you doing in the Nordics?
BCG offers numerous opportunities to work on Climate & Sustainability (C&S) cases within the Nordics.
We have been involved in over 2,700 sustainability projects in the last three years.
For those particularly passionate about C&S, you can apply to be ringfenced within this area, ensuring priority staffing on these projects.
BCG’s commitment to sustainability extends to being a key consulting partner for global climate conferences (COP) and our ambitious goal of becoming climate positive by 2030.
Houdini case example: BCG has been actively involved in promoting circular economy practices within the retail industry to drive sustainability. For example, have we done a project together with Houdini with the focus on waste reduction through renting, subscribing, sharing, repairing, reusing, and recycling, and assisting in designing financially sustainable models by addressing logistical costs and changing consumer behaviors.
What are some of the key competencies you look for?
Analytical skills and proficiency with numbers.
Strong problem-solving capabilities.
Creativity in approaching tasks and challenges.
Ability to work effectively within a team.
Business acumen to understand and navigate complex scenarios.
Excellent communication skills.
McK offers summer internship why don't you do the same?
To ensure the highest quality experience for our interns, we've chosen not to provide summer internships, given the scarcity of casework in the summer. Also, please note that a McK summer analyst position is not synonymous with a BCG internship.
How is BCG affected by the current economic climate? How does it affect BCG's people strategy?
It's a tough business climate, and that's true for everyone. We and many others have grown significantly and rapidly for a very long time and the business climate has been tougher now but we are still a business that is growing, demonstrating resilience and strategic planning.
We are still recruiting; our business model depends on the pyramid structure with new talent coming in; stop recruiting would disrupt the pyramid structure which is essential for our operations.
Management consulting services are relevant in all business climates. It’s about being adaptable in how we can help our clients. Whether it’s finding ways to be more profitable during tough times or seizing opportunities when competition eases up, there’s always a need for solid advice.
How can you engage socially at work to extend your network?
There are many ways to engage socially at BCG. Since diversity and respect for individuals are core values at BCG there are several affiliation networks to foster inclusion:
Pride@BCG: Offers career development, mentorship, and networking for LGBTQ professionals.
Women@BCG: Facilitates career progression and networking to support women personally and professionally.
Colorful@BCG: A Nordic group dedicated to culturally or ethnically diverse individuals, creating opportunities for inclusion and cultural celebrations.
Does BCG do Social Impact work?
Societal impact is a key part of our values, both globally and locally.
We believe we achieve our greatest impact in collaboration with clients, NGOs, Government & the Private Sector. We are committed to investing in areas aligned with UN SDGs.
An example of an SI case that BCG has worked with globally is Woolworth where we worked together to launch their 'profit-for-purpose' food marketplace Refresh:Food that connects food actors, to give new life to expiring food. These ESG efforts aimed to reduce food insecurity, waste and emissions.
Which educational backgrounds do you look for?
We seek a diverse group of high-performing individuals. We have people with degrees from various disciplines including medicine, law, engineering, business, biomedicine and many more.
We believe that a variety of perspectives and expertise enhances our ability to provide innovative solutions to our clients. Therefore we welcome candidates from all academic fields who have demonstrated excellence and a passion for problem solving.
For those that are starting with us with a non-business background with no prior business experience, we are offering business essentials training program.
Why does McK have faster promotion opportunities than you?
At BCG, we have an approach to promote when ready. This means that if you are performing strong there's an opportunity to be fast tracked
At BCG, we believe in building a broad and comprehensive skill set from the start to ensure long-term success. Our promotion structure is designed to provide a well-rounded professional development experience, emphasizing depth and versatility
•BCG focuses on sustainable career growth, equipping our consultants with a robust toolkit for enduring success.
This approach ensures our team members are thoroughly prepared for each career step, fostering both personal and professional excellence
Once you advance to consultant level, there is a significant increase in both accountability and compensation, which rationalizes the interval between the two positions. With that being said, there is always the opportunity to be fast tracked if the performance level is strong
Why are there so few women in the Partner cohort?
At BCG, we recognize the importance of gender diversity at all levels of our organization. The current composition of our Partner cohort reflects historical trends that have influenced career paths over the years. Some key points to consider:
Historical Low Intake: Historically, the intake of women at various levels in the consulting industry, including at BCG, has been lower than it is today. This has had a long-term impact on the current representation of women in senior positions, such as Partners.
Career Path Differences: Gender differences in career progression, particularly related to decisions around starting a family, have also influenced the current composition of our Partner cohort. Many women have historically faced challenges in balancing career advancement with family commitments, which can impact their progression to senior roles.
Commitment to Gender Diversity: BCG's ongoing initiatives are designed to address these disparities. We're dedicated to boosting gender diversity across our organization, with several initiatives to foster inclusivity and gender equilibrium, such as ensuring a 50% female intake at the Associate level.
What is the salary/are the benefits of working @BCG?
Our compensation package (salary and benefits) is top of the market. All entry-level Associates start with the same wage and advance through a transparent salary model. On top of that, you will receive a bonus which is performance-based and you will get a chance to affect.
BCG provides a fully supportive environment to help you perform best – in terms of salary and benefits (insurances, pension, etc.) but also in terms of comfort (taking care of logistics, IT, etc.)
Which are the main PA's you work within in the Nordics?
While there are some differences across the Nordics, BCG’s main Industry Practice Areas (IPAs) in the Nordics are:
•Consumer Practice
•Industrial Goods
•Healthcare
•Energy
•Financial Institutions
How many people do you recruit each year for VA- and FT-positions?
We are committed to bringing on board a diverse and talented group of individuals each year. While the exact numbers can vary based on our business needs and growth objectives, we consistently recruit a substantial number of interns and full-time employees to our Nordic offices.
This ensures we have a dynamic and robust team capable of delivering exceptional results for our clients
Why should I choose BCG over McK, Bain, etc.?
Choosing BCG offers numerous benefits and some unique aspects for why people choose BCG is:
Culture and Work Environment: BCG emphasizes an open and collaborative working style. BCG is known for its less hierarchical approach and supportive environment, ideal for team-oriented individuals valuing a strong sense of community.
Diversity and Inclusion: BCG is recognized for promoting an inclusive culture, with initiatives supporting women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ employees. This focus extends to leadership roles, fostering a diverse workplace.
Innovative and Creative Solutions: BCG fosters an innovative environment that encourages creative problem-solving. It attracts those wanting to engage in transformative projects with novel approaches and pioneering strategies.
Expertise in PE and Transformation: BCG has a strong reputation in the private equity space as well as transformation area. We are advising the largest PE firms in the Nordics. We’re also leaders in driving successful transformation projects, helping clients navigate and thrive through complex changes.
We believe it's important for you to build your own perception of the different consulting firms. Take the time to see what aligns best with your values and career goals