Post: #1

Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum to post in -

I have a BCG informational interview lined up for early next month, was wondering if we have any alums over here at RVF.

Will be researching the firm and have a list of questions lined up already, tips on making a good impression?

Thank you in advance

Post: #2

(10-23-2014 03:36 PM)Sharkie Wrote:  Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum to post in -

I have a BCG informational interview lined up for early next month, was wondering if we have any alums over here at RVF.

Will be researching the firm and have a list of questions lined up already, tips on making a good impression?

Thank you in advance

Good work.

1) Don't be afraid to spend time shooting the breeze. In other words, don't be in a hurry to get to your list of questions. If you're talking about other stuff, let it ride

2) Ask for his/her advice on how you might go about getting a job at BCG. Maybe something like, after you talked a bit, "BCG sounds like a great place -- how would you advise that I go about recruiting for the firm?" Make sure you have a resume ready in case they ask you to send. They might. They might not.

3) If you run out of stuff, here's another question: BCG has been growing more than the rest of MBB. State this fact, and ask him why? What advantages do they have?

Post: #3

They don't drop cases on you during these informational interviews do they?

In business school I remember bankers doing these informational interviews but they prepared for them like they were full on interviews.

Good luck.

Post: #4

If it's an informational interview act cool, interesting and normal.

I'm a banker and when I have time I don't mind talking with some guys interested in the industry but a bunch of them are always to eager to please and act unnatural, I hate that. I could not work with someone like that.

For the real inverviews, practice cases like crazy, I interviewed at Bain but ended up in banking. If you need more specific suggestions PM me. Are you applying for an undergrad position or experienced hire?

Post: #5

@Goodtimez - Thanks that is a great question! Yes, its more for developing the relationship right now than asking for a job, there's a year and half for that.

@samsamsam - Thanks! Dont think they drop cases unless they love the challenge, but great point. Ill brush up on the case interviewing.

@Gunner - Ill be applying next year for a post-MBA job. PM sent!

Post: #6

Do you have some idea about the industries and functions you are interested in? If so, then research which BCG offices have strong practices in those industries and ask the alumnus if he knows anything about those offices or knows anyone who worked or is still working at one. This is a great way to get contacts for other people to interview and to meet people who can throw weight behind your application if you apply to their office.

Ask how and when the transition from generalist to specialist happens.

Ask how the staffing process works. Does HR always staff you? Do they staff you at the beginning but then as your network grows you're expected to essentially staff yourself?

Ask how they handle finances for new hires. i.e.Will you impact the P&L of your very first project or does BCG maintain separate funds for new associates so that project managers are willing to staff a new inexperienced person without having to pay for it out of their own budget? This is a big deal.

I'm sure I can think of a ton of other questions I should have asked before going into consulting.

Post: #7

I'm surprised at you posting this on the forum with their official name. It's not uncommon for organizations who have their shit together to run Google Alerts on their own name, or take similar measures. The chance of it backfiring are probably minimal, but I advise everyone go with "better safe than sorry" on this type of thing.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #8

Alright so I met with the alumnus on Wednesday at a local watering hole in the city.

He introduced himself, and proceeded to talk about general stuff.. then out of nowhere he sprang a case on me.
Borrowed a pen off of a waitress, used paper napkins to take down notes. He critiqued the interview, and we nerded out about the automobile industry. Good stuff.

@Goodtimez Funnily enough we did speak about how BCG performed better than the rest of MBB.

Brought up a couple of issues about the consulting industry that my strategy professor had brought up, and it was fun to see the alumnus tear them down.

He took a copy of my resume, and although he did not directly ask me to apply, he did share specifics about his office location.

All in all, it was a good experience. There was a lot more I wanted to ask, but felt it inappropriate to push too much. Definitely reinforced the importance of networking.

Off to fix another informational interview.

Thanks, guys.

Post: #9

Did you prep a bit on case work? Thanks for the update. Good luck on your other interviews!

Post: #10

(11-07-2014 08:55 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Did you prep a bit on case work? Thanks for the update. Good luck on your other interviews!

Thanks!
Did not prep for the case in the interim, had a couple of tough weeks. But it was cool, cases are fun.