Intern at BCG: Consultancy is more of a lifestyle than just a job

Why did you decide to apply for an internship and why in BCG?

I have had ambitions of going into consultancy since the second year of my bachelor. I have been attracted by all the challenges one seems to be exposed for, the different industries you get to learn about and the insights you get about business and about yourself and others. By applying for an internship, I would have the chance to try out consulting in order to find out whether it actually was something for me or not. I applied to BCG because of many things; primarily, all people I have met from BCG during my studies at various events and company presentations have always impressed me by being very sharp and social competent. The company has a great reputation and it is a worldwide organization with international opportunities. BCG just seemed to have an atmosphere, working style, and colleagues, which I would enjoy.

What is your experience as being an intern at BCG? E.g. what have you learned and are able to take with you from being an intern?

Overall, I have had a great experience and I really enjoyed seeing consultancy from the inside. Being an intern, I experienced that consultancy is more a lifestyle than just a job. It is hard work with many challenges, but always in a friendly and learning environment. It is about enjoying this lifestyle, and if you do, you will like consulting. In addition, I learned a lot of things; insights about the client’s industry, how BCG is functioning internally as well as with the client. I also developed a more structured working style and I have become more pragmatic. My presentation and communication skills improved, for example I learned to be more concrete and boil down ideas and thoughts much more than what I was used to.
What is your impression of BCG before and after your internship?
All of my previous impressions were confirmed during my internship. The sympathetic and professional people, the professionalism within the company and the friendly atmosphere, which all are constantly present. I was also surprised of how much responsibility you get as an intern. You basically work on the same premises as the full time employees and this really makes you understand what the work is about. Colleagues were also there to answer my questions and I felt that people put time to help me understand the complexity of things.

Would you recommend other students to apply for an internship with BCG and why?

I would definitely recommend other students to apply for an internship. Just by participating in the interviews you will collect lots of insights, which will be useful even if you don’t get the internship, but want to apply to BCG at a later point. If you have an interest in management consulting, the BCG internship is a great opportunity to get hands-on consulting experience. That makes one even more sure (or not sure) whether consultancy and BCG is a good match for you, and thereby increasing your chances that you will get a satisfying position when graduating.

Do you have any other good recommendations or advice you want to share with students who are considering applying for an internship?

Put a lot of effort in the application. Try to explain which parts of consulting that attracts you and why you believe you are a good match. The clearer picture you have of consulting and of which personal sides and skills that you will benefit from having while in consultancy, the better will you be able to sell yourself. If invited for an interview; practise and prepare for it. Catch a casebook and solve cases with friends. Think through your CV and reflect upon why you choose to take the directions as you did.

BCG’s award-winning internship programs give students the unique opportunity to experience life as a BCG consultant. If you want to know more about BCG and are interested in applying for a Visiting Associate internship please visit.