The BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop: Overview, Tips, and What to Know
Discover the key details about the BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop, including who it’s for, how to apply, benefits, and tips to stand out. A great opportunity for freshmen and sophomores to get their foot in the door, this guide will help you make the most of it.
Posted November 23, 2024
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The BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop
The BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop is a unique opportunity college underclassmen who are curious about the world of consulting and eager to explore what a career at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has to offer. As one of the top consulting firms globally, BCG is known for solving complex business challenges and fostering leadership skills in talented individuals.
This program is specially tailored to provide early exposure to the consulting field, offering students an inside look into BCG’s dynamic culture, problem-solving approach, and impactful work. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and networking opportunities, participants can begin building the foundation for a successful consulting career. Whether you're already interested in consulting or just beginning to explore career options, the Bridge to Consulting Workshop can be a valuable first step.
*Note that Leland is a platform that connects ambitious people with coaches, courses, and content that can help them reach their career and educational goals. While we do help people prepare for their BCG applications and have former BCG employees coaching on Leland, our services do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with BCG.
What Is the BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop?
The BCG Bridge to Consulting Workshop is designed to introduce freshmen and sophomores to the dynamic world of consulting and the impactful work done at the firm. The purpose of the workshop is indicative in the name: it serves as a bridge, connecting early-career students to the consulting industry and helping them develop essential skills and insights that can shape their professional futures.
Interested in this program? Here’s what you need to know.
Eligibility
This workshop is for current freshmen/first-year or sophomore/second-year students at universities in the US or Canada. For the 2025 application, they’ll need to expect to graduate in 2027 or 2028. Applicants must identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Indigenous/Native American/Alaska Native.
In addition, students must have a track record of excellent academic achievement and be skilled in problem-solving, leadership, communication, and teamwork. The program is open to all majors and backgrounds, and no prior experience in consulting or business is required.
If you’re pursuing an advanced degree, BCG offers a different Bridge to Consulting workshop for PhD, MD, JD, and other candidates. See details here.
Application Deadline
The application for 2024 was on March 25 at 11:59pm ET. Deadlines for the 2025 cycle have not yet been posted.
Application Requirements
Applicants to this program will be required to submit the following to the online portal:
- Resume
- Cover letter (optional)
- College transcripts
- ACT and/or SAT scores with subscore breakdowns (for U.S. candidates)
- Your top 3 office preferences (weighted to reflect your level of interest in each)
- One-way video interview (45-60 minutes)
BCG explains that the one-way video is a way for the interviewers to learn more about you and to provide a personal touch to the application. It is conducted via SparkHire and the prompt will be sent out to applicants a couple of days after the deadline. Note that you must complete the interview within 72 hours of receiving the prompt.
Also, note that the office preferences you select will not influence your chances of admission to the workshop. BCG encourages applicants to choose the locations that they are genuinely excited to live and work in post-graduation. All offices have the same recruiting standards and processes.
Downloadable Resume Template
Access our free consulting resume template to quickly build a standout application
Key Features
As listed on the official program page, program attendees will get the chance to learn about the firm and the work it does, meet BCG leaders and consultants, network and build connections with peers from across the nation, and participate in interview prep.
The workshop takes place in person. For the 2024 cycle, US candidates went to the Chicago office and Canada candidates went to the Toronto office.
Why Should You Apply to the BCG’s Bridge to Consulting Workshop?
If you’re interested in a consulting career, this workshop is an excellent way to get your foot in the door, learn about what it takes to succeed, and build a relationship with a great firm. Here are a couple of particularly weighty benefits:
- Priority Interviews – Workshop attendees will have the chance to interview with Boston Consulting Group before the rest of the on-campus recruiting efforts begin.
- Networking Opportunities – Meet and connect with current BCG consultants, hiring managers, and like-minded peers. These connections can prove invaluable as you explore internships, mentorships, and long-term career opportunities.
- Access to Mentorship – Interact directly with BCG professionals who can provide guidance on your career path, application tips, and insight into what makes a successful consultant.
- Resume Boost – Having the Bridge to Consulting Workshop on your resume signals to future employers, including BCG, that you are proactive and well-prepared for the challenges of a consulting role.
- Skill Development – Through interactive case studies and exercises, workshop participants will build valuable skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic analysis – skills that are transferable to various industries and roles, but will also help you be a better consultant if you decide to continue down that path.
- Interview Tips – BCG will provide important interview tips to help you succeed when you’re ready for internship/full-time recruiting.
Application Tips
Highlight your leadership experience
Consulting is all about solving problems in collaborative settings. In your application, showcase examples of leadership from your academic, extracurricular, or volunteer activities. Be specific about your role, actions, and the impact you made, and quantify wherever possible.
Example: Instead of "Led a club event," write "Organized a campus-wide event for 200 students, resulting in a 30% increase in membership applications."
Tailor your resume for consulting and the workshop
BCG explicitly outlines that it’s looking for “passionate and natural problem-solvers, strong leadership skills, team players, and excellent communication skills.” In your resume, highlight experiences that demonstrate these qualities. Here are some examples.
Problem-solving
- Conducted market research and developed a pricing strategy for a startup, increasing revenue by 10% in three months.
- Designed and implemented a data analytics dashboard, improving team decision-making speed by 25%.
Leadership
- Led a team of 20 in organizing a university-wide conference, securing $15,000 in sponsorships and hosting 500 attendees.
- Directed a team of six in developing a business case competition proposal that won first place out of 40 submissions.
Teamwork
- Collaborated with a cross-functional team of engineers and marketers to design a new product prototype, delivering the project two weeks ahead of schedule.
- Worked with a group of peers to develop a strategic growth plan for a small business, resulting in a 20% increase in client acquisition.
Communication
- Presented findings on a semester-long consulting project to a panel of executives, earning the highest grade in the course.
- Delivered a guest lecture on marketing strategies to an audience of 100 undergraduates.
For more tips on consulting resumes, see Consulting Resume Guide – Examples & Template
Research BCG and know your answer to “why this firm?”
In both your cover letter and interviews, knowing and explaining your reasons for “Why BCG?” can help you present a much more compelling candidacy. Look into the firm’s values, recent initiatives, projects, culture, and current team members/alumni. What about BCG is interesting/exciting to you? What makes it stand out from other firms? How do your background and your values align with the firm’s?
Emphasize your unique perspective
Think about what makes you stand out from other applicants. What experiences, perspectives, extracurricular involvement, academic background, or skills make you a more competitive candidate and future consultant? BCG wants to admit people to this workshop who will make great future consultants and great future BCG’ers. Show early on in your application that you are motivated and prepared to succeed.
Don’t skimp on the details
Small mistakes can weaken an otherwise strong application. Proofread your materials carefully, follow instructions precisely, and ensure your submission is professional and polished. We highly recommend reviewing your resume with an expert to make sure it’s as compelling as possible and accurately displays your strengths and experiences.
FAQs
Can I apply to offices outside of the US and Canada?
- The Bridge to Consulting workshop is only for offices in the US and Canada. If you select an office somewhere else, your application will not be considered for the program. If you are interested in working at a different location, you are encouraged to apply for a summer internship after you’ve completed your sophomore year of college.
Can non-business majors apply?
- Yes! Students from all majors and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What is bridge to BCG?
- Bridge to BCG is a program designed to introduce students to consulting. There are two versions: one for underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) interested in learning about consulting fundamentals, and another for advanced degree candidates (PhDs, JDs, MDs, postdocs) exploring a career at BCG. Both programs include workshops, networking, and case study exercises to build consulting skills.
How hard is it to get a consulting job at BCG?
- Landing a consulting job at BCG is highly competitive, with acceptance rates around 1%. Success requires strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills, along with excellent performance in case and behavioral interviews.
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