Hello!
I am in the process of interviewing for a BCG Senior Knowledge Analyst role (Client Focus) and I have a basic question about the job.
I understand that knowledge analysts are paid less than “traditional” consultants but does that mean they usually work fewer hours too? Or do they work the same hours for a lower salary?
(I'm asking this question here because I don't think I can ask to HR)
Many thanks in advance!
Hey there,
Firstly, congrats on getting the interview for this role. When I was at BCG, we leaned heavily on the knowledge team and they were always incredibly driven and helpful.
Regarding your question about comp and work-life-balance:
- Compensation: It is lower than the Consulting track across all levels. This varies by office but it would be similar to similar Research based roles (think big banks). Glassdoor should have some estimates
- WLB: On average, you should not expect to be working consulting hours. The knowledge team worked a much more predictable schedule but given you're supporting Consulting teams, it can get busy if it's a high-priority project or the Consulting team didn't scope things out very well. I don't think this happens too often.
My suggestion would also be to try to find other Analysts on LinkedIn and network with them. Try to set-up a coffee chat or Zoom meeting. I'm sure they'll be able to provide a more in-depth perspective.
Best of luck!
Nauman
Yes, knowledge analysts work less hours, and the schedule is more predictable. Not as much “crunch” time / peak hours.
Hi there,
Fair question (and funny as well - I like your honesty).
In short, yes, they do work shorter hours.
The expectation that generalists have from knowledge colleagues is that they don't work the same long hours they do. Generalists tend to work that late because they usually spend time directly at the client site and they work in teams of 3-5 people constantly for several weeks at a time. By comparison, knowledge analysts usually assist remotely with isolated parts of the overall project focus, so in most cases they don't get dragged along to work at the same pace.
Best,
Cristian
Hi Bob,
Yes, you are completely right. Knowledge analysts work fewer hours, travel less (really, not at all), and have much more predictable work. It is a much less time-demanding job!
Remember, for your interview, the 3 Whys still applies here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
Hi,
In general as long as you are not directly client facing you work fewer hours. The minute you become client facing and are staffed on a client team, you will be expected to work the hours the team works.
Hope that helps,
Udayan
Less hours and travel
Hi there,
as knowledge team, your billability target are lower, hence those roles work less hours than traditional consultants. Also your responsibility on the project are usually lower (leveraged for content) and for that reason they are also less paid.
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Hello Bob, great point (although I think there are ways in which you could ask this to HR hehe)
I can talk about my experience in McK, and they didn't work as much as the rest of us… but not little either! However, this can be company and location specific, so worth checking more in depth
Cheers,
Clara
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