| Topic Name: |
BCG Associate offer for PhD - To take or not to take |
| Message Name: |
2 more cents |
| Date Posted: |
05/15/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
I have recently completed my PhD from a leading Asian program in the area of supply chain management. I also have 1.5 years work experience prior to my PhD, which I completed in about 3 years. I have lots of leadership experience in various social forums.
I recently interviewed with BCG and received an offer for an entry-level Associate (post-undergrad) position. I am keen to take up the offer if it is for the position of Senior Associate or Consultant-in-Training.
I think I have a good chance of landing up a better position with the Big-4 given their interest in Supply Chain Management.
Is the offer a reflection of the state of the market or is this because BCG does not recognise Asian programs ?? (I know they take students from IIM at Senior Associate Level) Should I reconsider and take up the offer ?? What are the pros and cons of joining at Associate level after a PhD. I fear that it would be hard to explain to future employers why I took up the position after my PhD.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-NVS |
| Message: |
It may be too late for my 2 cents as it looks like your offer was given to you about a month ago. But for what it's worth, I would agree with most of the key points written by the Econ/Strat person.
However, your decision would also need to factor in: (1) your career objectives (2) cultural fit 3) which opportunity you enjoy more and (4) alternative options
Assuming you remain passionate about Supply Chain (and the technologies and ops changes required to formulate and implement this), then the Big 4 may be your ticket to gain this type of experience.
Also, try to figure out which opportunity will bring you most enjoyment and learning. See if you like their work styles and more importantly, figure out if you would like working with the people in each respective firm. Meet and try to get to know your Partner or a possible mentor better prior to accepting the offer to see how well you may hit it off. At such an early stage of your career, the skillsets and network you build will end up being more important then the name "BCG" as the Big 4 name also has brand value, but in a different market niche (goes back to my point #1).
Additionally, weigh the pros and cons (financially as well as otherwise) of this deal vs the other options. Which one will get you closer to where you want to end up?
However, if you are not certain what your career objectives may be, then while I would tend to agree that it is a bit easier to move from the Big B's & M's to the Big 4 then vice-versa, if you don't yet have a destination in mind, then I guess it doesn't make much difference which road to take (ie. if you are not sure of your short-medium career objectives, under this circumstance, take the offer with the higher $ amount)
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