employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Boston Consulting Group

Engaged Employer

Amazing, but for most not for ever - Consultant Boston Consulting Group Employee Review

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.

Explore other reviews about Boston Consulting Group

5.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good benefits, people, lots of resources

Cons

Can have long hours and lots of travel

2.0
May 14, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

BCG has top tier benefits, really smart colleagues, good in-office perks, and has a great company reputation. This was a huge part of my experience and has made me go back forth about my decision to leave.

Cons

This is speaking as someone who is not on the consulting side. On my particular team, office politics were very strong with little to no opportunities for people outside of the inner circle to assimilate. More broadly, I feel like the salary trajectory was a little slow, there is a lack of location mobility and and promotions can be hard to come by. Even so, I have personally seen exceptions be made for certain people. More broadly, being located in North America can be difficult since new roles are being open in other regions which is making internal mobility next to impossible. If you have any dissatisfaction with your current team, title, or level - there's a real possibility that you will have to wait multiple years before being able to make meaningful shifts towards your long term career goals.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All