BCG Start Date Lottery for Advanced Degree Candidate

Question

I'm an incoming ADC to BCG this year, received offer last year. However, recently BCG notified us recently (also asked a few other people from various offices in different geographies) that our start dates will be decided by lottery, with an August 2025 start that I assume most people would want since that's 3 months post graduation, and a January 2026 start.

Should I be worried about this as a sign that the pipeline for BCG is weakening in NAMR? Only people allowed to start whenever they want are international students who have visa restrictions due to OPT.

Thanks!

Answer 1

No, don't worry about it. Not only because I believe it has nothing to do with their pipeline, but also because even if it did, you couldn't do much about it.

I rather believe it has to do with when most of their projects happen. I got my offer in October, I believe and was given March as a start date. I pushed for Jan but they explained to me very clearly than in Jan few to no projects start, which would mean that I would sit around unstaffed for weeks. They were right - starting in March was a lot better.

In that sense, trust the process.

Sharing here an article you might find useful if starting soon in consulting:

Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant

Good luck!
Cristian

Answer 2

Hi there,

It is common to get new joiners to start in batches (easier to arrange onboarding trainings etc.) and each batch usually has a size limit.

Don't think you need to worry much about the pipeline. Even it is soft now, you don't know how it would change in a few months time. Unless you have any hard constraint (Visa / OPT), just enjoy the time before the hectic life starts.

Best,

Emily

Answer 3

Hello there,

I agree with Emily about the batches, so don’t worry about it.

If the pipeline is weak or not, that is beyond your control and you shouldn’t preoccupy about it. I know it is hard, but the truth is that you don’t have options depending on the situation.

Enjoy this time to prepare for your upcoming work and to have a good time before a certain and exciting job - a very good position to be!!

Best,

Mari

Answer 4

Hi there,

After a promising start to the year most firms are now re-evaluating hiring targets or even pushing offers back (thanks to increasing uncertainty on business development). For some who are already in the interview process, the second round is moved back by 1-2 months.

Definitely not a good sign but at the moment there is no need to worry - I'd start to worry and look for alternatives once the global trade/financial situation gets even more out of whack.

Fingers crossed for that not to happen and for a positive outcome for you!

All the best,

Florian

Answer 5

Not a great sign. But you are already in, and most likely they will reduce future hiring efforts. Those that really need to worry are those that don't have an offer yet.

Answer 6

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer from BCG!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

The start date lottery is not necessarily a red flag for BCG's long-term outlook, but it may be one for the short-term horizon.
But unless you have alternative options, I don't see what you can do about the situation anyway.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming consulting career start, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen