Does your background matter in the Interview (1st round BCG)?

Question

Hello,

I have my first round interiew at BCG in Düsseldorf coming up soon. I have practised a lot with different people (more than 50 cases), but of course I still feel not 100% confident. I have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and no prior business experience. Will this be taken into account when I am interviewed?

Answer 1

Hi! Your background is irrelevant regaring the "performance" you are expected to deliver. But this is fine. Please understand that BCG is NOT interested in any business knowledge. They are only interested in your raw analytical horsepower, your communication strength, and your personality traits. If this is given, the relevant knowledge will come very swiftly "on the job". When I recruited for BCG and McKinsey, I always (jokingly) said "I don't hire topic experts, I hire talent!".

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 2

Hello!

You should not be worried about yuor profile not being 100% business, if you got the interview is because they find it interesting. However, don´t commit the mistake of thinking that this is going to make it somehow "easier" or more "merciful" if you make a mistake, for the fact that you have not worked in business before.

The bar is the same for all candidates, regardless of the background, and it´s always very high.

It´s totally normal to be nervous even if you feel you are well prepared, so don´t worry and just make the most out of the time you have left to polish whatever you are struggeling most with.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 3

Hello there,

It is completely normal to feel nervous right before interviews with these leading firms in the sector. Some might say that it is a sign of an over-achiever, whom often experiencing impostor syndrome, which on the bright side propelled them to always deliver their very best in every occassion.

Do take this anxiety in a positive note as it is one of the driving factor that kept you going to up to 50+ cases in your preparation, but don't let it consume you in the interview itself.

With regards to your academic background, it is rarely being taken into account especially if you are interviewing for a generalist role.
You wil be tested like any other candidates and resta ssured that your expertise will not be taken against you.

Hope it helps.

Kind regards,
Nathan

Answer 4

Hi,

No, the bar is standard and the background doesn't matter. So suggest to heavily invest your time in preparation.

Best

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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