BCG or Bain?

Hi there,

I’d suggest going with your gut feeling here. Ask yourself which interviews felt more natural and where you clicked better with the people. Think about which recruiting process seemed more inclusive and aligned. Those interactions can often reveal a lot about the culture of the firm.

It might also be helpful to reach out to a couple of consultants at both BCG and Bain in the Riyadh office. Getting their perspective on the day-to-day work environment and growth opportunities could give you more clarity on which firm might be a better fit for you. Ask HR and they can connect you with some consultants.

Both are top firms, so there isn’t really a "wrong" choice. The key is to go with the option that feels more right to you and trust your instincts.

All the best for your start,
Kairavee

Hi, may I kindly consult you how long did it take you from the final round to get an offer call from BCG? I had the final round interview with BCG ME a few days ago.

Hi there,

In case there are no material differences in salary and perks, I would definitely go with the option you had the better chemistry with (during recruiting events, talks, and interviews).

Both firms are great and set you up for life. :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Hey there! Congrats on the offer! I can relate to this situation since I also had the choice between two firms(McKinsey & BCG). 

In my opinion, it depends on several factors, such as culture, work environment, and personal career goals. Both firms are highly reputable, so speaking with consultants from each office, visiting the offices if possible, and connecting with HR or colleagues via LinkedIn could help provide insight into the culture and work dynamics. Additionally, consider your long-term exit opportunities and which firm aligns more with your ambitions. Ultimately, the decision should reflect where you feel you will thrive both professionally and personally.

Good luck with this! 

Alessa :)

Hi there,

Congratulations on landing offers from both Bain and BCG—this is an incredible achievement! Having spent 8 years at Bain and also received a BCG offer recently, I can share some perspective to help you decide.

BCG is about ~30–40% bigger than Bain in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which is the key growth market in the region. This means more opportunities to work on large-scale, high-impact projects, and their compensation (including bonuses) is typically 10–20% higher, depending on seniority. On the other hand, Bain is known for its outstanding work culture, mentorship, and a more diverse set of private-sector projects, which can provide a well-rounded consulting experience.

The choice really comes down to your priorities—whether you value scale and compensation or a strong, team-oriented culture with private-sector focus. Both firms are excellent, and you’re in a great position to succeed either way. If you’d like to discuss further, feel free to reach out!