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Postilion Qualifications BCG ME

Hello all

I am a recent graduate with an advanced degree (dentist). I applied for the associate position, but the recruiter contacted me to apply for the senior associate position. So, I want to know if that is the right position for me. Is it harder to interview for the senior position compared to the associate position? Also, can I apply for the associate position?

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Dec 24, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing and coaching

Hi there,

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

  • First of all, if the recruiter advised you to apply for the higher position, I would highly advise you to follow the advice and not question it.
  • Moreover, even if there is officially a slight difference in expectations, you will hardly notice it.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen

Fady
Coach
on Dec 23, 2024
Working in consulting, Non-target school hire. Expert in Consulting Hiring in the Middle-East - Free case interview

Hi There,

The way recruiting works at BCG is the following:
1. You are a fresh graduate (normal degree such as BS or BE): You will be considered for the Associate position
2. You are a graduate of a masters or other advanced degree (bar MBA): You will be considered for Senior Associate level

Now, to answer your question, as dentistry is part of the medical field, it is an advanced degree so it makes sense for them to consider you at this position,

However, I can see your reasoning behind wanting to apply to the Associate position, as I believe that, while it might be a smaller compensation, it lowers the expectations they have of you, so you have some leeway and time to develop your skills without the added pressure of a higher position,

This is my take, feel free to discuss if you'd like to discuss further,

Best,
Fady

on Dec 23, 2024
Ex-BCG Project Leader | Experienced Interviewer | Free 20min Intro Call

I would go for Senior Associate! That’s how I started at BCG. I’d be happy to chat through the trade offs and the interview process. In short, it’s very similar but folks will expect a bit more polish from you than student fresh out of undergraduate studies. 

on Dec 24, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I applied for the associate position, but the recruiter contacted me to apply for the senior associate position. So, I want to know if that is the right position for me.

Given that you are an advanced degree candidate, the senior associate position seems to be the correct one to apply for at BCG. As the recruiter also recommended it, I would indeed suggest targeting that position.

In general, the higher the position, the higher the bar, which makes sense as you should have more experience if you can target a higher position. If you fit the requirements for a certain position, in my opinion it doesn’t make sense to apply for a lower one with the hope of an easier interview.

Good luck!

Francesco

Thabang
Coach
on Jan 04, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

As a general rule of thumb, it is better to follow advice, recommendations or directions given by recruiters, as you don't want to find yourself automatically rejected because you didn't meet some specific eligibility requirement. That said, the interview process and performance bar is similar between the two.

All the best!

Florian
Coach
10 hrs ago
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

That's good news!

There is little difference between interview difficulties.

  • Case and fit questions will be the same
  • Expectations are higher for maturity and confidence throughout both interview parts, impact and responsibilities discussed in your personal fit stories

All the best,

Florian

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