BA or Associate for BCG Southeast Asia?

Question

I'm will finish my bachelor degree next year at Sciences Po Paris (IEP) in 2026, and plan to go back to Vietnam and apply to BCG. There are 2 entry-level roles in SEA: Business Analyst and Associate. Associate is one level higher than BA.

I heard from a lot of people that Business Analyst is a local support role, means they're likely to take more students from local top schools. And I was also told that if I'm a returning student from abroad (returning global talent), I should apply directly to Associate. And it would be great for me to be eligible for this role right out of college.

However, I got really mix feelings of whether this "direct-to-Associate" route only applies to target schools (Ivy Leagues, LSE, Oxbridge,...), as Sciences Po Paris is only a semi-target in Europe. Can someone help me clarify this? Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there,

It is true that BA roles are more for local graduates. I think you can apply for Associate role first. In the event if you do well in the interviews but they are a bit unsure about your school, they might offer you BA instead. But if you apply for BA and pass the interviews, I don't think they would upgrade you...

Best,

Emily

Answer 2

Hello there,

on top of what Emily has written, it would be good for you to evaluate your readiness to perform at work, as the expectations for a BA vs an Associate are quite different. Entering as a BA may give you the time to ramp up and deliver a great performance as an Associate in 1-2 years, if you have the time and humility to give a step back.

Best,

Mari

Answer 3

Hi there,

This is not a clear-cut case.

I would just talk to HR and see how they would route your application. Feel free to reach out to them and ask (at the end of the day their job is to help candidates before, during, and after the application).
You could also conduct a quick LinkedIn search and look at similar profiles and their entry.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 4

Hi there,

Here is some information:

Business Associate: This is more like an intern. Last-semester students can apply. Exceptionally, these contracts last 6 to 9 months exceptionally. Here, you support an associate, and maybe, depending on your performance, you could get a workstream. Based on performance, you can get an offer to become an Associate by the end of your agreement based on performance.

Associate: Recently graduated students and graduates with 2 years or less working experience.

Recruiting processes and offers do not mix. This means that if you apply for a BA, you will get a BA offer, and the same goes for an Associate. Remember that offices have specific slots per seniority and rarely change.

I hope this helps.

Best,

Carlos

Answer 5

I believe the right role for you would be the Associate, as it is the "permanent" and full time role that makes sense in your case.

However, I suggest that you discuss this first with HR.

Answer 6

Hi there,

Q: I got really mix feelings of whether this "direct-to-Associate" route only applies to target schools (Ivy Leagues, LSE, Oxbridge,...), as Sciences Po Paris is only a semi-target in Europe. Can someone help me clarify this?

You should be able to understand it from LinkedIn, if you find previous alumni who join as Asssociates from your or comparable schools, that should be fine. If you are applying via referral, you might also ask the person referring you if they have any suggestions.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 7

Hi there,

I would directly apply for the Associate position. In case they do not see you there but like your profile, they will surely reach out and ask if they can shift your application to Business Analyst.

The other way around will be much harder, i.e., applying for BA and then trying to move to the Associate role.

Best,
Sebastian