BCG Accelerate: A Program for Advanced Degree Candidates

Last Updated August, 2024

BCG Accelerate can truly “accelerate” your career if you’re an Advanced Degree candidate interested in the consulting industry. Securing a position at BCG is prestigious, and the recruiting process is often confusing, especially if you come from a non-business background.

BCG Accelerate opens doors to elite consulting opportunities and gives tailored support to help you navigate the complexities of transitioning into business.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

What is BCG Accelerate, and why should you apply?
Eligibility for the BCG Accelerate program
Other relevant programs, such as Bridge to BCG
3 tips on how to make the most of BCG Accelerate

Let’s get started!

Applying to BCG Accelerate Opens Doors Into Consulting

What is the BCG Accelerate Program?

The BCG Accelerate program is a virtual informational series designed for advanced degree candidates interested in learning more about BCG and consulting. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore what life is like as a BCG consultant, which is an opportunity that is typically not available to non-business advanced degree candidates.

BCG consultants host the virtual sessions, including live Q&A, case interview preparation, and more. Through these interactive sessions, you will connect with current BCGers who share their experiences transitioning from academia to consulting. You’ll also learn about BCG client projects, the different affinity networks, and how to navigate the recruiting process as an advanced degree candidate. The program content is regularly updated, and new facilitators lead the sessions to provide fresh perspectives.

BCG Accelerate is designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule. It offers live virtual sessions that you can watch on-demand if you can’t attend live. The program runs multiple times a year, with sessions typically held in the spring and summer.

Who is Eligible for BCG Accelerate?

BCG Accelerate is open to a wide range of advanced degree candidates. The following degree programs and pathways are welcome to register and participate:

PhDs
Postdocs (including industry postdocs)
JDs
MDs, MD/MBAs, MD residents/fellows
Practicing physicians
Professors
Current non-MBA Master’s degree holders with a JD, MD, or PhD

Registering for BCG Accelerate does not mean you have applied for a job at BCG. If you are interested in full-time consulting opportunities, you must apply separately according to the application calendar for your office of choice. For example, if you attend BCG Accelerate 2024, you can apply that summer for a start date in 2025.

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Other BCG Programs for Advanced Candidates

Bridge to BCG is another recruiting program that allows advanced degree candidates to explore consulting careers. The difference is that Bridge to BCG is a 3-day immersive and invite-only program designed to give hands-on experience in a BCG project team environment. There are in-person dates and also a separate virtual session. The program primarily caters to candidates who want to work in one of BCG’s North American offices.

During the Bridge to BCG program, you will work in a small team to solve a mini-business case under the supervision of a current BCG Project Leader. This experience will give you a taste of the types of challenges that BCG faces with its clients. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to network with a wide range of BCG consultants, from recent hires to senior partners, as well as fellow Bridge to BCG participants.

The other difference is that Bridge to BCG uses the same application as the full-time consulting position. In contrast, BCG Accelerate is open to all eligible for the informational session.

There are 2 parts to the Bridge to BCG application:

Full-time consulting application (check out how to write compelling Consulting Resumes)
BCG One-Way Video Interview (45 minutes): This allows you to add a personal touch to your BCG application and tell your story beyond a written cover letter. In the video interview, a few questions will be displayed on the screen for you to respond.

After these steps, the firm will invite successful Bridge to BCG candidates to the interview stage:

A behavioral interview on Zoom focused on your experiences and capabilities (30 minutes). Make sure you know your personal answer to the “Why BCG?” Question.
An online case exercise

Check out our deep dive on Bridge to BCG to decide if it is right for you.

3 Tips on How to Optimize Your Time at BCG Accelerate

1. Engage Actively, Even Though It’s a Virtual Session

Virtual events can sometimes feel less engaging than in-person. Asking questions and contributing to discussions helps you gain deeper insights and demonstrates your interest in BCG.

Be proactive and participate in all live sessions, Q&As, and case interview practices. Take notes during sessions so you can follow up on interesting points. For example, you could connect with one of the BCG presenters after and continue the discussion.

2. Network Strategically With BCG Facilitators and Participants

Use this opportunity with the current BCG consultants leading the sessions. Prepare thoughtful questions about their experiences and career paths at BCG.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow BCG Accelerate participants. These could be peers you lean on as you go through the consulting recruiting process and potential mock interview partners.

3. Leverage On-Demand Content As You Apply

Make the most of the recorded sessions and additional resources available to you, such as case interview tips. For example, when submitting your full-time application, you may want to review the recordings as you craft your answer to the “Why BCG?” Interview question.

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In this article, we’ve covered:

Understanding what the BCG Accelerate program entails and its benefits
Eligibility for registering for the BCG Accelerate program
Similar advanced degree programs, like Bridge to BCG
3 strategies to maximize your BCG Accelerate experience

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about BCG Accelerate, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.

Other people prepping for BCG Accelerate found the following pages helpful:

Help with Your Consulting Application

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for information on BCG Accelerate. My Consulting Offer has helped 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Kathryn was able to get her offer from BCG.