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Shall I wait for the 12 months to end before applying?

Applying to BCG London for their summer internship this year. I applied last year for the summer internship. I have noticed people have already gotten to the final round so I fear positions are filling up which will make competition for the remaining positions harder.
 

Should I apply now or wait a few days for the 12 month ban to pass? I’m not even sure if BCG has a 12 month ban or a 24 month ban.

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Top answer
on Jan 22, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I apply now or wait a few days for the 12 month ban to pass? I’m not even sure if BCG has a 12 month ban or a 24 month ban.

If you have someone who can refer you, I would contact them and ask if they can check with HR for you.

In case you are unable to find a referral, I would check with HR directly.

Good luck!

Francesco 

Anonymous A
on Jan 22, 2024
HR unfortunately won’t respond to my emails (I’ve waited 2-3 months for them and have also re emailed but nothing. I’ve asked my internal referral contact (although not exactly a referral contact just someone at BCG that I’m pretty close with in a professional level) and sadly he does not know anything about the recruiting process. I don’t want to ask him to ask HR for me as I know he’s very busy - I’ve sort of asked and he said to email HR. Thank you Florian! I think I’ll just apply and hope for the best.
on Jan 22, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, I see. In this case I would try calling HR. Good luck!
Ian
Coach
on Jan 22, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

You need to network to figure out what makes most sense for you, your role, your recruiting channel, your profile etc.

Where are you applying from? Is there an application deadline with your uni? Or are you doing off cycle recruiting?

Anonymous A
on Jan 22, 2024
Does networking matter in the U.K.? I have spoken to a few people who work at BCG and am in regular contact with one of them but I find it awkward to ask for a referral. I’d have imagined he’d want to refer me? I’m applying from university. I don’t think it’s like the US. Everyone has one deadline no matter the uni and it’s January 7th - January 27th so all applications within that period have to be posted through. They always open up their internship applications at around this time.
Ian
Coach
on Jan 22, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Yes, networking matters EVERYWHERE. Definitely apply before the deadline, irrespective of any “ban”. If it’s rolling apps, apply asap. If it’s “batched” then apply when ready
Anonymous A
on Jan 22, 2024
Thank you Ian! It doesn’t actually say whether BCG is rolling basis or not but I assume if people are receiving final round interviews already then it most likely is. I’ll apply first thing tomorrow morning. However, based on what people have said online, BCG is rolling basis only for experienced hires. I’m just not sure how true that is as someone has already posted they got a BCG final round interview on preplounge today… I’m also not sure how I’ll go about the referral but I’ll shoot the person a message and see what they say. Hopefully can come out of this experience with good news.
Florian
Coach
on Jan 22, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

The only reliable answer you can trust will be the one from inside the company. Either contact

  • HR
  • Your internal referring consultant (if there is any)

Those two can get the ball rolling and understand your current situation more than anyone with an outside-in perspective.

After all, that is what HR is for, not just to facilitate interviews but also to provide guidance for applicants during the process.

All the best for your journey!

Cheers,

Florian

Anonymous A
on Jan 22, 2024
HR unfortunately won’t respond to my emails (I’ve waited 2-3 months for them and have also re emailed but nothing. I’ve asked my internal referral contact (although not exactly a referral contact just someone at BCG that I’m pretty close with in a professional level) and sadly he does not know anything about the recruiting process. I don’t want to ask him to ask HR for me. Thank you Florian! I think I’ll just apply and hope for the best.
Florian
Coach
on Jan 22, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
Thanks for the updated info. Not a good look on the HR. In that case, I would try to reach out via phone if you have a number. All the best, Florian
on Jan 22, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there,

The 12-month ban is not a fixed period. And I have yet to come across candidates who received a 24-month ban. 

Basically, they ask you not to apply within the next year or so because they assume you need around a year to develop the additional skills to make it worth interviewing you. 

So if you want to make sure that you are not screened out for this reason (i.e., applying before it's ok to apply), check in directly with the recruiter. This way you'll know for sure. 

Best,
Cristian

Anonymous A
on Jan 22, 2024
HR unfortunately won’t respond to my emails (I’ve waited 2-3 months for them and have also re emailed but nothing. I’ve asked my internal referral contact (although not exactly a referral contact just someone at BCG that I’m pretty close with in a professional level) and sadly he does not know anything about the recruiting process. I don’t want to ask him to ask HR for me as I know he’s busy. I think I’ll just apply and hope for the best haha. Thank you Cristian!
on Jan 22, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Oh, I see. That must be quite frustrating. Yes, then do just apply directly. And send out other applications in the meantime to diversify your risk. Best of luck!
Hagen
Coach
on Jun 29, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection from BCG in the past!

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

  • First of all, I would highly advise you to clarify whether you can reapply already with the recruiting department, since only they will know for certain. While the ban period is usually 12-18 months, this is not a fixed rule.
  • Moreover, while waiting for the ban period to end, you should continue to refine your interview skills, networking efforts and application to other consulting firms.

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

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