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Boston Consulting Group

Engaged Employer

Boston Consulting Group reviews

4.2

84% would recommend to a friend

(9,585 total reviews)
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Christoph Schweizer

86% approve of CEO

76% positive business outlook

Boston Consulting Group has an employee rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 9,585 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Boston Consulting Group employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Management & Beratung industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

10K reviews
5.0
Sep 1, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There'll always be the rivalry between McKinsey and BCG, but arguably this is the world's smartest management consulting company. You'll meet amazing people and learn a lot in a very short time. McK and BCG are both splendid companies. The primary difference relevant for the job-seeker is cultural: McK has a bit of a reputation for their consultants coming out of a cookie cutter, and BCG has bit of a reputation for being a bit more colorful in terms of the people there. Both of these reputations are, of course, stereotypes, but they aren't undeserved. (And Bain has a reputation for being a frat house...) Benefits are amazing, too--where else do kids fresh out of school fly in the better part of the plane?

Cons

It's up-or-out and the qualities measured in the very competitive hiring process aren't necessarily the same qualities needed to thrive there in the long run. The hiring process is essentially an applied IQ test--be brighter than everyone else and somewhat presentable to client who'll pay very heavily for your time, and you'll get the job. The IQ needed to get in comes in very handy during the first years as an Associate or Consultant. But eventually the role will turn first into a project management and then into a sales role, combined with being a good shrink for CEOs whom they trust and like. The qualities needed in these roles arguably are quite different from the brain power needed to get in. Also, the intense up-or-out environment sometimes can bring out the worst in people--it's rare, but can be unpleasant.

5.0
Mar 21, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1. Career opportunities Starting at BCG, so many doors open to you, it's crazy. Head-hunting emails every other week. Relationships with clients, from the C-suite to analysts. People leaving to do everything from joining PE firms to corporate clients to non-profits at senior levels. 2. Affiliation Less than two years in, I already feel about as close to some of the Associates in my starting class as a lot of my friends from college that I've known for years. And you'll get to know the principals and partners really well as well - from joking around at team meetings, trash talking over college sports, or sitting around with beers at happy hours. Additionally, holiday parties, retreats, and other occasional events are a lot of fun to attend and just mix with the people at the office. BCG is growing very fast and the partners are committed to keeping it feeling as close-knit as possible. 3. Work that makes a difference - most of the time Yes, there will be instances where you have to do somewhat dry work. But with the rare exception, managers make sure you're putting in work that's serving a purpose, not just being fed into a black hole. Clients may not always take our advice, but you can bet that both you and the people you work with will constantly demonstrate a culture that is committed to bettering the client. And people will always sound smarter than you, no matter how smart you may be. That's a great environment that always ups your game instead of letting you rust. 4. Pay From anecdotal evidence, BCG is constantly at or near the top for each tier in pay. The PSRF adds a solid chunk to your retirement fund, and the bonus process is very transparent. 5. The health benefits BCG pays for every penny of your premium and the benefits are phenomenal. My recent surgery cost $5. While this may seem small in and of itself, it's indicative of the general culture. 6. *People care* This is manifested in some of the earlier points I've made, but at every step along the way, it's obvious that managers, partners, staff, even office heads go out of their way to make life better for its employees. The atmosphere is fair and transparent, especially considering that it's a private company. Honestly, I think this is the most important facet that sets BCG apart. You won't feel it unless you've gotten to know the people. And that's why, as cliched as it may sound at recruiting presentations, 'the people' is the most important aspect of where you work.

Cons

Yes, you'll have to average more than 50 hours a week. It varies from office to office, across managers and projects. But most managers will try to be as accommodating as possible for personal commitments, vacation days, making sure you have a life outside of work and that you don't burn out.

1.0
Jan 3, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Smart colleagues, hard working, fun projects

Cons

A bunch of insecure self-important jerks, enabled by consulting cultures

Viewing 46 - 48 of 9,585 Reviews

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