Should I include Bridge to BCG experience in resume?

Hi!

Yes you can include it. In fact, for two of my mentees who had previously been rejected by McKinsey in the CV screening stage, inclusion of a big BCG event in their CV then resulted in an invitation by McKinsey. So there is a certain positive signaling effect.

I myself also included it when I applied to consulting firms in 2010. Please see attached a screenshot of the relevant CV section (sorry, it's in german, but you get the impression).

Cheers, Sidi

Hi there,

Your best bet is to reach out to HR and ask for more clarity on what to expect.

That said, if there are no case interviews, the emphasis will very much be more on fit. Make sure you're ready with your "Resume Walkthrough", "Why Consulting", and "Why McKinsey/BCG" answers. Also be prepared to talk about anything on your resume, including pointed questions around leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, etc. etc.

Good luck!

Hi there,

thanks for sharing this with us.

When it comes to interview scheduling, BCG is typically quite flexible and understanding. Having said that, suggest you reach out to the resp. recruiter and explain the situation. Would be very surprised if they don't accommodate. I have seen quite a few candidates interview only way post completion, and it never seemed to have been an issue. 

Generally speaking, when you get invited to a program / event like Bridge to BCG, it means the company sees in you a strong profile and the potential to join the firm at a later stage. With that in mind, HR is even incentivized to make the scheduling for you, as it makes no sense for them to invest in grooming talent but then not getting them through the pipeline. Hence, wouldn't worry too much about the timing.

Hope this helps. Wish you all the best!

Regards, Andi

Definitely put it in!

When I would interview someone from a non-traditional background, I want to see how much they really understand consulting and why they want to do it.  B to BCG provides you with a wealth of experience that you can draw upon.

I would think that it's less about the fact that you were accepted to the competitive program successfully.

Hope this helps,

Allen

Dear A,

Definitely you can put it in!  It's a good and relevant experience. 

Of course, I want to emphasize than nowadays with COVID situation and economy crisis the new  places in consulting have been significantly reduced, so I would strongly recommend you to apply with referrals, that would be additional point to your nice CV and cover letter. 

If you need any help or advice, feel free to reach out. 

Best,
André

It depends on the office, but nothing too special should be expected. Usual screening and case interview. 

Hi there,

Ultimately, you need to have a conversation with BCG. Your situation sounds extremely complex and carries risk/assumptions. Ask BCG directly what they advise.

McKinsey does many insight programmes for various offices so it's hard to say specifically but generally speaking the assessment is done purely by CV screening. 

Are you looking to be on an H4 EAD? or L2?

You can explain to BCG your visa situation and they will guide you and will also help you with all the filings if needed.

From personal experience, you have 2 options. Talk to the recruiters about either interviewing in a year or so or interview now and extend your start date to a year or so later. If you're ready to interview now, get the offer and then work with the recruiters to finalize the start date. Since you're doing Bridge to BCG, you're probably completing a PhD/MD program and they typically have extended start dates anyway (since you have to finish your thesis and graduate). They're also very well versed with visa issues, and have an internal team and an outside law firm dedicated to helping you figuring out the best solution.

You're unlikely to get interviews several months later based on a current application, unless you apply again and are invited to interview at that time. Your best bet would be to interview now (if you're already accepted to Bridge to BCG and are ready to interview for a full time role), and then work with recruiting to figure out start dates. PM me if you'd like to discuss more, I recently went through a similar process. Good luck!

Anonymous A,

As discussed on the phone, I strongly suggest you go for MBB anyway, and this for 3 reasons:

1. All else being equal, MBB will give you greater opportunities in the future. You will be an alumnus all your life. Right or wrong, people will assume you are a little better, a little smarter just because you have MBB on your resume

2. Going into a boutique or very narrow field is fine as long as you like it - but you are also a little stuck. Going into MBB (particularly BCG) will give you a chance to see other industries and types of projects early on, so you have a broader set of skills and a chance to see what's happening in other areas before deciding Life Sciences is really where you want to spend the next few years of your career

3. Shoot for the stars. Apply to the best companies you can, get all the offers. Once you have these offers,we can look at this again. For now, you should really just focus on getting better and acing these cases - nothing else matters

PS: Now, if you are not sure consulting is for you... completely different question. But if you want to do consulting, why aim for the 2nd tier when you have the capabilties and profile that top tier companies look for?

Hello!

The visa nightmare in the US, I can totally relate to that. 

However, I would go ahead as soon as you are ready, since the process takes weeks. Furthermore, you can fix all of that with an offer in hand, later on.

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi,

No it will not burn any bridges; they have many many candidates willing to fill your spot. Say you are not quite ready to jump into a role yet as you want to study more, travel etc. They are not going to know if you go to LEK / they will not care.

Then after some time you may re-apply. Chances are that HR will have moved on by then anyway. 

Cheers,

Hi,

no, this will not burn any bridge because

1. As long as you did not do interviews and were rejected, there is no reason to put you on some kind of blacklist
2. As you were invited to the workshop they seem to like your current profile, adding some experience at LEK is likely to make your profile even more interesting

However, in case you decide to apply again in a few years, make sure it still makes sense from there pespective to hire you, e.g. apply as "Life Sciences specialist" rather than generalist

Best

Dorothea

You should absolutely include it!

As a generally rule, always include big-name experiences as that provides a good signalling to the company - don't worry about "jealousy"...often it can work to your advantage :)

Hi Anonymous,

Nothing against adding it. It won't be a big difference in most cases, but whenever a decision is borderline this might give you the one extra point required.

And no downside to do it, so please go ahead!

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Hi A,

That is actually great news! 

I would recommend doing the following:

• prepare to introduce yourself properly (what are you looking for: what position, full-time or internship, etc.);
• practice some fit questions (i.e. why consulting, why BCG);
• think of relevant questions you may ask about the event and potential next steps;
• take notes and communicate in a structured and consequent way.

Best, André

If you are located in/around Dallas, they have introductory seminar on March 25 in Dallas. You will have to RSVP on their site. They are going talk about it in detail. I will be able to answer your questions after March 25. (Bridge to BCG)

Hi Sona,

I am in MA. That will be great if you can give me some information. Thank you.

http://www.bcg.com/careers/join/on-campus/texas-southwestern.aspx

Check out this website. See if you can attend various virtual workshops at least. Get in touch with me after March 25. 

Their deadline for application for 2016 is April 10. 

Congratulations. This isn't very common, but can't be anything but good news. Remember, business is strong and there are only so many qualified recruits so consultancies need to find applicants where they are a little bit more than they used to

First, I'd make sure I knew what my objvectives are. Are you wanting to join? full time or internship? what timeline?

Second, do some groundwork research on consulting / MBB / BCG specifically

Third, be prepared mentally for a potential next step but don't rush into it. If the recruiter suggests a phone interview for example, make sure you are ready before accepting.

Fourth, still treat this like you would any interview: be in a comfortable location, no background noise, no significant commitment right after the call that would stress you a little bit... 

PS: Which office / country?

Good luck.

Hi,

It depends on the structure of an event:

1. Option A: Consultants will show you how to solve a case. Here you don't need to do anything special - just try to have a couple of nice conversations after the case. Don't expect to get any benefits from that and don't do anything special
2. Option B: You'll be split into teams with a dedicated consultant observing you solving the case together. Here your main objective is to demonstrate how good you are at solving the cases. That's the only and the best way to impress. Also be careful, since it does not mean you should not listen to others and try being an absolute leader. Be the guy with the smart ideas. I know many candidates who got invited to McKinsey PST or Bain interviews without a test after these events.

You'll also get a chance to:

• Look how MBB approaches solving a case
• Talk to MBB people and get some information for you FIT interview (why The Company reasons, topics for your questions to the interviewer, etc)
• Meet with other candidates with whom you can practice the cases further

PS. After each event, there is a Q&A session where you can talk to consultants 1 on 1 or in a group. If you want to keep in touch - send a thank you note after the event:

• "I just wanted to thank you for visiting our University...
• It was especially interesting to hear about...
• Would be happy to keep in touch and apply in the nearest future.

Alternatively, you may use LinkedIn for that. 

Best!

Hi,

That's great, and as said by Guenael that's unusual, but I think the only interpretation is that they are interested in your profile.

So to prepare, get your story ready (introduce yourself, why consulting, why BCG), your questions ready (about the event more specifically and the process recruitment afterward), and stay posed and structured in your discussion over the phone.
Hope this will help
Best
Benjamin

Hi there,

Just include it in! 

It is a good way to differentiate yourself and also makes your resume more "consulting like". 

Best,

Emily

Hi there,

That’s definitely not a red flag, it’s even vice versa.

As you have experience in the big consulting firm and have an understanding in consulting, it’s only a plus for your CV.

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

Hello!

 As long as you don´t interview and explain the reasons behind in a good and compelling way, yo should be fine. 

Good luck!

Hi there,

The short answer is I think you should be able to apply shortly out of school for some of them…but it depends on the program

Ultimately, you need to talk to the recruiter of the office in which you're interested! This is so dependent on region, program, timing, etc. The worst case scenario is this is a great “excuse” to chat with them and get a foot in the door.

Hi there,

Q: Can you apply for MBB programs for advanced degree holders (Insight, Bridge to BCG & Bain Advantage) if you have already graduated 6 months ago?

I believe this could be possible in some cases, but as mentioned by Ian I would check with HR / your internal contact as it might depend on the country. If it is not possible, they will probably tell you the alternative path to follow.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• It is not entirely clear from the information provided if these programs are only open to currently enrolled students or if they are also open to recent graduates. The best way to find out for sure would be to reach out to the recruiters directly and ask them. They will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Moreover, even if you are not able to apply to these specific programs, reaching out to the recruiters can still be beneficial. By doing so, you have already got in touch with the recruiters who will scan your application files at a later stage.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

It's best to discuss this with your local recruiting team and/or contacts in the different firms as there are local differences.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

I would apply just in case. 

You can also reach out to HR to clarify this directly with them. 

Best,

Cristian