So it looks like the consulting recruiting season is already starting to begin again. It seems like the last year has gone very quickly (which is both a good and bad thing)...all in all, I'm very excited to get back to this whole process. It might seem a little twisted, but I actually enjoy practicing cases and helping other people through the process!
I had some folks ask about the Bridge and Insight programs, deadlines, locations, etc...last week I didn't have all the info and promised I'd post it once I had it in hand. For those of you who aren't familiar with these programs, I have a post on them from last year that can catch you up on the details. Briefly, they are 3 day programs that the companies sponsor to give you a taste of what consulting is like. From what I hear, they are a great chance to learn and network.
So here's what you all wanted...the info:
Insight Healthcare (you can use the same link for Engineering and Science Insight)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 17 – 20, 2010
Application deadline: April 25, 2010
http://www.mckinsey.com/careers/apd/Opportunities.aspx
Bridge to BCG
Workshop deadline: Friday, May 7th
Workshop dates
* July 8-9 in BCG’s Boston office
* July 22-23 in BCG's Chicago Office
* July 22-23 in BCG's New York office
* July 29-30 in BCG’s San Francisco office
If you have any questions, please email them to Bridge2BCG@bcg.com
For application info, use the following link:
http://www.bcg.com/careers/adc.aspx
For the Bridge program, I think that they schedule you to attend the program at the office that is most local for you...this may be different this year, but last year there wasn't a lot of flexibility with this policy.
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Thank you for the info!
ReplyDeleteCan I ask you a question? When completing the application online, they all ask for your preference for their offices. Do you have any idea whether the office preference has anything to do with the probability of success? I would image there are a lot more people applying to NY/boston/chicago offices than other places for both McK and BCG. maybe I am wrong :)
I think this idea of one office being "easier" than another office is a bit of a slippery slope. While it's true that NY/Boston/Chicago/SF offices may be "more popular," they are also the largest offices and therefore hire the most people. If you are a good candidate, you will be interviewed and hired regardless of your office preference. I would rank your choices based on your personal preferences and the type of work that is done in that office and not use to much "strategy!"
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if you are fluent in a foreign language, I do believe that it may be a bit easier for you to compete for a position in a non-US office (at least this is what I have been told, although no confirmation on this).
In your opinion, is it worth applying to Bridge if one is unable to attend the dates of the local program? It appeared from an earlier post that there isn't much flexibility regarding this.
ReplyDeleteI would NEVER tell someone not to apply. While there did not appear to a lot of flexibility last year with regards to changing locations, this DOES NOT mean that it isn't possible. If you are not able to attend your local Bridge, I would contact your recruiter to discuss your specific situation. As you may recall, I could not attend my local Bridge last year, submitted an application, and was asked to interview for a full time position instead.
ReplyDeleteHey CC, thanks a lot for your blog and the advice you give here, thanks in part to some pointers you gave out here I got several offers finally deciding to stick with Bain. Thanks a lot and good luck!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, Thanks for the kind words. I have not gone through the Bain process and as such have no posts related to Bain. Is it possible for you to share your experience with Bain? Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteHi CC,
ReplyDeleteI'm a regular reader of your blog. I just came across a very recent article on MIT The Tech newspaper about a MIT grad's consulting experience. http://tech.mit.edu/V130/N18/dubai.html. Would love to know your opinion/comments about it. Thanks.
G.
oops, the link should be: http://tech.mit.edu/V130/N18/dubai.html (without the period)
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to think. Without personally knowing the source, I'm definitely skeptical of anything I read (as we all should be...it is a consultants job to be critical). I haven't heard of this kind of experience from others and thus, if true, would consider this an isolated incidence. While I can be an idealist, I refuse to believe that fitting an analysis to fit a preconceived conclusion is part of a typical engagement. Additionally, out of all the consultants I have personally met, the BCG group appears to be very open and honest in their discussion and it is hard for me to see this being any different in Dubai. You heard a lot in the press about Anil Kumar at McKinsey leaking information to Galleon in the insider trading scheme,yet this isn't a common practice at McKinsey. There are bad apples and bad practices everywhere, but I would imagine this is the exception and not the rule! As future consultants, I think we all have to have a "glass half full" view of the industry...going in expecting something less than exceptional analysis leading to exceptional outcomes would be selling yourself short.
ReplyDeleteMe thinks the same; if the article is true, I'd treat (or tend to treat) it as an isolated case and would never generalise it to the BCG or consulting profession. (Just like a scientist fabricating the data to get his work published in a high impact-factor journal, doesn't mean the entire research practice or people involved in it are the same). But again, it was on MIT campus newspaper tied with a catchy headline that I can't keep away from it!
ReplyDeleteBack to your main theme of this post - McKinsey/BCG events for 2011 - there aren't any as of yet in this part of the world (Australia). Will keep you posted. In the meantime, I'll continue reading your posts. Thanks a lot and good luck to your Insight/Bridge applications.
G.
I will add one extra note. I don't believe that offering a consultant $16,000 after they leave the firm should be seen as "hush money" and a bad practice. I actually believe this is part of a package to help support the consultant as they embark on a job search and is actually quite a generous offer that should reflect highly upon BCG. I'm sure the release you sign when you leave the firm is standard and not amenable to change and that this is standard policy. Additionally, a statement asking you to refrain from using disparaging remarks against the firm is probably a great idea. If you think about what types of jobs consultants get when they leave, they are probably mid-level executive positions where they are being interviewed by high-level executives (the ones that make decisions about hiring consulting firms). During the interview process they will be asked about their consulting experience and it would be disastrous for a disgruntled employee to rant and undeservedly destroy the reputation of a firm. While some might not like this kind of clause in a contract, I can imagine that this is standard and necessary in the industry and should not reflect poorly on an organization.
ReplyDeleteI was starting a recruiting process at the same time as Considering Consulting. I've got an offer from BCG, but have not began the work yet.
ReplyDeleteTo those who are asking about office preferences, I should say "yes, it matters". If you are indifferent about location - chose the big office in the least attractive for common eye area. Cleveland or Dallas should work much better, then New Jersey (which is too close to NY) or California.
The other thing is that you can apply for the job many times if you do not get an interview. If you get it and fail, you are baned for 18 months.
If you do not get an interview, resubmit your application. If you are open about moving abroad, especially. Be aware that while in USA there is a well-defined season, in other countries it's not the case.
It means if you do not get your interview in autumn, reapply to London, Hong Kong or any other office with language you are fluent at. January is classical recruiting time in Europe.
When you apply to office A, and a month later to office B, those from B usually do not know you have applied and was rejected before.
Despite they ask you to indicate 3 offices, usually the only first sees your application. Sometimes they send it further to the second option, but in this case the attitude is already worse.
I believe that if you do not have campus recruiting the wiser thing is to apply separately for separate offices. I mean if you want K, J and L as location, make 3 applications citing K, J, and L in each application as a first choice.
I hope you'll find this helpful.
Hi CC, I'm looking at the BCG Bridge application. It asks you for start time and also to specify whether you are interested in full time or intern. They do not have an option for the Bridge. Is that normal?
ReplyDeleteThe information in my post contained the weblink from the BCG recruiter; however, I went back and checked and last year cover letters and resumes were mailed to Bridge2BCG@bcg.com
ReplyDeleteI will have more definitive information after I attend the information session this week and will let you know, but my guess is the process will be through email as it was last year. If you are looking to submit your application in the very near future, I would contact your recruiter.
Thanks for the info! I wish I had known about this last year... To reply to the question on whether there are offices "easier" than others, I agree with you within the same country. However, I think that the country you apply to can make a BIG difference. I wrote about my experience with this in my blog: http://phdconsultant.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/the-application-process/
ReplyDeleteCC. Sorry for the late reply, as for context I got several offers and finally decided to accept Bain's.
ReplyDeleteFor starters my process was perhaps much different from what you should expect for 2 main reasons: 1. I applied as an undergraduate. 2. I applied to an office outside the US.
The recruiting process began with a pitch at my university along with a GMAT style math exam with 20 questions and a 40 minute time limit. The grading system was similar to that of the GMAT in respect that wrong answers were penalized. It took them about 3 to 4 weeks to come up with a response. They called to inform that I was selected for the first round.
The first round consisted of two 45 minute fit/case interviews, one with a Senior Associate Consultant, and another with the Senior Manager of Human Capital. My impression here was great, when I got to the offices I was handed a folder with background information on my interviewers which was great since I had previous information on them and helped to tailor the questions I would ask to the interviewer. Results both positive and negative (a friend of mine unfortunately didn't make it) came almost a week later, rejections got notice first.
Second round interviews followed the same procedure, but this time with a Partner and a Manager. The interviews were held on Friday and I had a response by Tuesday next week.
For the case interviews I followed your advice on reading Case in Point and using the CQ Interactive website, along with a lot of mock interviews with friends, the last being especially helpful. As I was an undergraduate, after my first round interview I felt I had done very well on both, and I think I was overprepared since Case in Point cases were far more complex. One was a Market Sizing/Mergers & Acquisitons case, and the other was Mergers & Acquisitions case, both emphasized math skills.
Second round cases were more up to the challenge one being a Market Sizing/Growth Strategies case, and the other Entering a New Market/New Product/Growth Strategies case. For this round I wasn't feeling so confident although I felt I had done a good job overall.
As you mentioned with BCG on your newer post, Bain is also pushing forward entry dates, so I think business is good here too. At the end I chose Bain mostly because of fit.
For preparation I used your site, a site called Management Consulted and a book they offer, Wetfeet Guide for Bain, Case in Point and mock interviews with friends and former consultants.
Thanks again for your advice and I really hope you get the job this time! Good luck!
Hi CC, did you hear back from Mckinsey Insight? They are supposed to notify the finalists by today. I haven't heard from them, so I think I'm not on their shortlist. Good luck with yours.
ReplyDeleteDidn't apply to Insight, but on the latest post it looks like at least one person had heard back with a positive response and there were still some others that hadn't heard anything back yet
ReplyDeleteGot a note today that I have moved on to the phone interview round of McKinsey Insight.
ReplyDeleteWould love to hear more on these phone interviews from someone.
BTW does Bain have a similar Insight/Bridge to BCG type program ?
I am from pittsburgh, pa. too bad i didnt get anything, even a rejection, wish all guys the best in phone interview!
ReplyDeleteSame here, not even a rejection! Do you know if they are still replying?
ReplyDeleteGood luck for the phone interview :)
I literally just got the phone interview invite. Guess they must just be backlogged in processing the applications. Maybe there will be more to come. Good luck all!
ReplyDeleteI also got invited for a phone interview -- would really love some tips?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone share any tips on the insight program phone interview?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I just finished my interview -- be prepared to answer questions on anything on your resume and be able to give a reason for each of the leadership/extra curricular activities
ReplyDeletedidn't really get too many questions on academics
the case was not a business case at all rather a broad health care related question --
hope this helps
does anyone know when BCG informs participants selected for Bridge 2010?
ReplyDeleteI think Bridge applicants should hear back Thur or Fri (June 3/4). Thats the reply I got from the recruiter I had emailed
ReplyDeleteWhat office was this information from? I'm most curious about the Boston response...will that be Thur or Fri (June3/4)? or was this for another office?
ReplyDeleteI had enquired about the Chicago office. I see that the Boston workshop it taking place earlier than Chicago, so hoping we all hear back today!
ReplyDeleteWould anyone else like to give more info on the Insight phone interviews? Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone heard from this round of insight programs?
ReplyDeleteyeah i heard today. i have an interview
ReplyDeleteme too. i have a phone interview in a week :)
ReplyDeleteOk so I'm invited to the workshop. All I can say is that I was very very surprised at the phone interview. Right off the bat the interviewer was extremely hostile and was trying to pin me down with weaknesses in my resume that were noticeable in any shape or form. Considering this is a workshop and not a real interview I was really surprised. Lastly, the interviewer cut me off and hung up on me. I thought it was over and was really bummed out for over a week...but I got it. Blew my mind away. That's all I can say. It made me wonder though if these interviewers are really like this as a coworker.
ReplyDeletere post on May 27 2011... is that McKinsey insight or BCG Bridge? has anyone heard back from BCG? thanks!
ReplyDeletere may 28's post. McKinsey Insight has a phone interview as part of its application process, while BCG accepts based on just resume alone. I am guessing poster from may 27 is talking about Insight.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
Yes. I'm the one who posted on 5/27 and I was accepted to the Insight program. I haven't yet received my response (positive or negative) from BCG.....they said first week of June and..it's clearly over.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I read, it seems to me that the bridge to bcg doesn't help you that much in getting your foot in the door for the interview. If anyone can corroborate or refute this statement I would be grateful. The way that McK handled the entire process did make it seem as if they were quite serious about hiring many who are going to attend Insight.....
would love to hear about bridge and insight programs here too!
ReplyDeleteI'm another applicant who got accepted into McKinsey Insight Healthcare 2011, and I'm very excited about going! They will give us the option of interviewing in an early round that starts in August. Anyone who made it to the phone interview stage will get this opportunity, not just the 40 who have been selected to attend. I concur with the June 4, 2011 5:33 PM commenter that McK took the process seriously. Everyone I dealt with has been very professional, and I am highly impressed so far.
ReplyDeleteThe Insight agenda seems to be very similar to what has been mentioned on this blog before: a combination of social activities and case solving.
I applied for Bridge to BCG but I didn't get accepted. I think it has something to do with my less-than-stellar undergrad grades. BCG asked for transcript, CV and cover letter, whereas McK required CV, cover letter, a separate document for publications, and an essay about a challenge that came up working as part of a team and what I did to handle the situation.
McK then selected around 170 people out of 700+ to give them phone interviews. I don't think there were phone interviews for BCG, but had there been an interview as well as an essay question, I would have had a better opportunity to shine. I am highly involved in extracurricular activities, which is something that was reflected in both applications. For some reason, I was good enough for McK but not BCG. The BCG application process is 2-dimensional, in my opinion, and you can't really highlight your accomplishments and ability to work as part of a team as well as in the McK application.
Also, anyone who didn't get into Bridge to BCG has to re-apply all over again (I got a canned response saying that they were impressed with my credentials and that they encourage me to apply in the fall). The whole process seemed less organized and thoughtful compared to McK, but I'll apply anyway. I haven't seen enough yet to be totally turned off BCG.
Having said that, I would urge anyone reading this to apply for both programs next summer. And if you get accepted into both, it would be a great chance to get to know the culture of both companies.
I will also be attending insight healthcare this year, but was not invited to BCG's program.
ReplyDeleteAny past insight attendees have any "insight" into how to get the most out of the weekend?
email away- mcostell at g mail dot come
Got accepted into both Insight and Bridge. Look forward to seeing people on this blog there.
ReplyDeleteNow this is making me mad. I wrote a separate email to bridge asking whether the responses were sent. No response whatsoever. Can anyone who was accepted tell us the location of the office that sent the letter out? I know different offices respond at different times. I'm looking for a NYC response.
ReplyDeleteThe Bridge program that responded to me was for the Chicago workshop. I just checked and it's happening the same weekend as the NYC office.
ReplyDeleteDid you get a response from a recruiter when you submitted your application for Bridge to BCG? Maybe you should contact him or her.
Anyone apply for the 2013 program and hear back on whether you moved on to the phone interview? I applied to Insight Healthcare, but haven't heard anything yet...
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have moved on to the phone interview round for Insight Healthcare 2013. I received an email yesterday afternoon (and by the time I went to their website, most of the interview slots had already been booked).
So my hunch is that if you haven't heard back, you won't have the phone interview. That said, I doubt how much Insight (or Bridge, which I got rejected from) help one's application in the fall.
anyone know when to expect hearing acceptance or rejection to Bridge to BCG or McK Insight following phone interview?
ReplyDeleteMcK Insight = by today, May 19. Anyone receive yes/no, ye?
ReplyDeleteno from McK around 11am May 19, 2014
ReplyDeleteif you got in could you tell us if you felt what you didn't do well and what you did well and same if you did not get in. i did not get in and everything was great until the case question where i lost confidence and fumbled. the interviewer did not make me feel that mckinsey is an exciting or welcoming place.
ReplyDeleteI got in to McK Insight. I felt very confident talking about my CV and why McK and Insight would be a great fit (similar to what I wrote in my cover letter), but felt I fumbled the computation part of the case, but in the end it didn't impact my acceptance.
ReplyDeleteHi all! Submitted my Insight application on Monday (just a CV this year). Would love to keep this thread going and see who else is out there, and also if anyone wants to practice case studies for the full time interview! Super excited and nervous :)
ReplyDeleteSame boat as previous caller. Just submitted apps to Bridge and Insight programs. Life-sci PhD, 1 year into a postdoc. I'm very curious about the phone interviews. From earlier in the thread it seems like mainly fit questions for the pre-Bridge interview but some case questions for the pre-Insight phone call. Can anyone confirm?
ReplyDeleteI'm also a 2015 applicant to Insight and Bridge. Biology PhD, expect to finish in 2016. I don't know any more info than what posters have shared about their experiences from previous years. But I'm definitely interested in sharing information here when people start to hear back about their applications.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am in the same boat. Reading the comments from previous years, is it fair to assume that candidates will start hearing about Insight interviews around May 1?
ReplyDeleteHey guys
ReplyDeleteBME PhD student here- no go for Insight but was invited for FT interview for McK in the fall. ANy news on BCG?
Hello folks!
ReplyDeleteSame story as above - not selected for McKinsey Insight but invited for full-time interview in the fall.
I got an upcoming interview for McKinsey Insight. Has any one heard from BCG?
DeleteAlso have an Insight interview, but no word on BCG.
ReplyDeleteNo go on Insight, but invited for full-time interview. Did they do this for everyone? Radio silence from BCG.
ReplyDeleteMath PhD applicant here (graduating in 2016). No invitation for Insight Science and Engineering but invited for FT interview in late August/early Sept. Nothing from BCG yet.
ReplyDeleteI got an interview for Insight, also nothing from BCG yet.
ReplyDeleteAny tips on the Insight phone interview, please? Thanks.
Btw, BCG website says they'll let applicants know by early May. They have this to say about interviews:
ReplyDeleteIs there an interview for B2BCG?
Yes; our selection for B2BCG is based upon resume screening, a brief series of essay questions, and a phone interview. At BCG we're interested in getting to know you beyond your resume and hope to understand why you're interested in a consulting career.
I know that we are still at least one step away from securing a spot at either program. If you will be selected for both, which one would you prefer?
ReplyDeleteThe only overlap would be Insight Asia with BCG Dallas and NY. Depends on where you want to work
ReplyDeleteApplied for insight healthcare and was invited for interview. Does anyone have any experience/researched the case question that they said we don't actually have to prep for?
ReplyDeleteHi, for those that got an interview for the Insight program, have you actually receive the date for the interview or just the initial email stating that you have been shortlisted as a finalist?
ReplyDeleteI got the invitation email on the 27th and so far nobody has contacted me yet to schedule the actual interview.
ReplyDeleteI also just heard back from Bridge as well for a phone interview invitation.
Both McKinsey and BCG have assigned time for phone interview
ReplyDeleteWhich Insight did you apply to? I received an email invite for the phone interview on the 27th and so far no one has contacted me to schedule it yet
DeleteI'm not the original poster. But I applied to Insight Asia Pacific and still haven't heard from anyone to schedule the interview yet. What about you which program did you apply to?
DeleteI am the original poster. I have already finished my interview with McKinsey and will have mine with BCG this week.
Deleteto the original poster: you already did the phone interview with McK? how was the case? was it true to what they stated on the email that "no preparation needed", was the nature of the case just to test your business acumen?
DeleteDid not get an interview for Bridge2BCG but they wrote :"The team would like to encourage you to apply this fall for full-time positions. Each year, we hire a large number of full-time advanced degree candidates, and we remain very interested in your profile. If you have any questions in the meanwhile, please feel free to contact us."
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if this is the standard answer?
Don't know if it's the standard answer, but I suspect they're being genuine. They hire more people than can attend Bridge.
DeleteGot invited for a Bridge interview! McKinsey rejected me, and that's what I expected from BCG - didn't think my grades were good enough. But I'm very much looking forward to this interview! I think it's more a 'fit' interview, and no case:
ReplyDelete"During this next step in the Bridge to BCG selection process, you will have a 20-30 minute phone conversation with a BCG consultant. This will allow us to get to know you better and better understand your interest in consulting. The phone conversation will also focus on your essay response that you submitted with your Bridge application. You do not need to prepare any other materials for this conversation."
I was rejected from Insight, but just received this email:
ReplyDelete"Ten years ago, I was a PhD student who applied to McKinsey's Insight program and was turned down. I was quite surprised to find out that they were still genuinely interested in me as a full-time candidate, but happily began the interview process in the fall and was thrilled to receive an offer to join the Firm [...] I just want to make sure you know that we are truly looking forward to getting to know you better - we simply have too much interest in the Insight programs to invite all of the qualified candidates. "
I don't know if this is a form letter, or if this was specifically targeted to me. Either way, it's encouraging for those of us who were offered a first-round interview this fall!
Has any one received an offer from McKinsey?
ReplyDeleteI haven't even had my phone interview scheduled yet, was invited a week ago
ReplyDeleteGot rejected from McK Insight but interviewed via phone for B2BCG. The interviewer was genuinely interested in knowing why I was interested in consulting. Also asked about experience from my CV and my research. Interview lasted 30 mins.Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteWhich location have you applied?
DeleteAnyone know when we're supposed to hear back about NYC Bridge? I'm pretty sure they finished all of the interviews last week. We're six weeks away from the start date, seems like we should be hearing really soon.
ReplyDeleteI asked during my NYC Bridge interview last week and they said it could be 1-2 weeks. So we may not hear until next week.
ReplyDeleteHi guys, been stalking this page for the past few weeks, thank you all for the input. I interviewed for the McKinsey Asia Pacific Program last week. Thought the questions were fairly straightforward and didn't require much preparation. They said results would come in next Monday. I haven't heard anything yet, but will post once I hear anything. Anyone else here apply for that program? Maybe we can get to know each other before heading to Chicago (assuming I get in...)
ReplyDeleteJust got the email from NYC Bridge - I'm in! I'm a little surprised. I have some good experiences on my resume, but my grades parent's stellar (they're good, but I'm definitely not a straight-A student). I didn't even get invited to interview for Insight Science and Engineering and I thought my Bridge interview was mediocre. The interviewer asked me about two things - my essay on leadership and risk. We talked a lot about my essay (in which I wrote about my teaching experience). Then he asked me to talk about a time I took a risk, which I was unprepared for. I talked about a research risk, but when he asked for a non-lab example, the conversation came back around to teaching. So I spent a large majority of the time talking about teaching, which is just one thing on my resume. He did give me the chance to ask questions about Bridge and consulting, and he seemed to be impressed by my questions.
ReplyDeleteAnyways - I'm super stoked! Can't wait to meet some of you there!
Aren't* stellar...sorry, autocorrrect
DeleteMcKinsey Asia-Insight offer is out!!
ReplyDeleteI also got in. let me know if you want to get to know each other before the program
DeleteHey guys, I'll be there as well! Let's get to know each other. I'll be flying in from LA
DeleteWe can send each other a PM using the Wallstreetoasis.com:
Deletehttp://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/2015-mckinsey-insight-and-bcg-bridge2bcg-status-updates-for-apdadc?type=1
I'm coconutdoughnut, pm me, would love to connect before the event
ReplyDeleteJust admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It’s so remarkable that I can't afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet! Harrison Barnes BCG Attorney Search
ReplyDelete