BCG Sophomore Internship: BCG GFL & Other Programs

Last Updated January, 2024

BCG sophomore internship programs are great opportunities for college sophomores who aspire to enter consulting.

One of BCG’s programs is the BCG Growing Future Leaders (GFL) Internship Program, which gives Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Indigenous/Native American/Alaska Native students an immersive opportunity to experience consulting.

BCG GFL provides a competitive edge needed for consulting recruiting, with real work experience, mentorship, and resources.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

An overview of the BCG Sophomore Internship Program and who should apply
How to apply for the BCG Growing Future Leaders Internship Program
6 tips on how to make the most of your experience in the BCG GFL Internship Program
Other BCG sophomore leadership programs to consider

Let’s get started!

What is the BCG Sophomore Internship Program & Who is it For?

The BCG Growing Future Leaders Program is a prestigious internship focused on providing opportunities to underrepresented college sophomores who demonstrate exceptional potential, ambition, and leadership skills. Through this program, BCG aims to promote a diverse talent pool of future leaders in consulting. BCG also wants to foster diversity and inclusion within its ranks while tapping into the vast pool of emerging talents.

The BCG GFL Internship Program allows a highly selective group of sophomore students to experience BCG’s work and culture in one of the US or Canadian offices. During the internship, the candidates work with a mentor, participate in training and development programs, and work as a member of a BCG case team. Upon completing the BCG GFL Internship Program, candidates are eligible for a scholarship & an offer to return as a Summer Associate following their junior year.

If you meet these criteria, you should consider applying for the BCG GFL Internship Program:

Sophomore (second year) student at a U.S. or Canadian university
Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Indigenous/Native American/Alaska Native
Outstanding academic achievement
Passionate problem solver and analytical thinker
Strong leadership skills and team player
Excellent communication skills

How to Apply to BCG GFL Internship Program

The BCG GFL Internship Program application process is similar to the general consulting internship application process.

When filling out the application, you will need the following:

Resume
Cover letter (although it is optional, we highly recommend you submit one to help you stand out from the other applicants)
College transcripts
ACT and/or SAT total scores with sub-score breakdowns (for candidates applying to a U.S. office)
Your top 3 U.S. or Canadian office preferences

Upon applying, you will receive a confirmation email with a link inviting you to play the BCG Pymetrics games. These games are neuroscience-based games to assess your cognitive and emotional skills. It also gives an insight into your potential to succeed at BCG. You will get 25 minutes to complete the games, and the invitation link expires 48 hours after you receive the email.

Refer to BCG’s Growing Future Leaders website for the latest program and application deadlines.

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6 Tips to Make the Most of the BCG Sophomore Internship Program

1. Have a Learning Mindset

Consulting internships are a great opportunity to learn and improve various skills like communication, problem-solving, business acumen, etc. Approach the internship with a curiosity to learn and grow.

2. Immerse Yourself in Case Work

At the core of consulting lies problem-solving for interesting case problems. Immerse yourself in the assigned casework. Aim to take ownership of the assigned tasks and provide valuable insights.

3. Seek Feedback and Apply It

Constructive feedback is invaluable for your professional growth and undeniably an integral part of any consulting opportunity. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, and project leaders. Use the feedback to identify areas for improvement and work on refining your skills throughout the internship.

4. Build Relationships

Networking is essential in any career, and consulting is no exception. Don’t limit your interactions to just your team. Try to connect with fellow interns, mentors, and project leaders during the internship through networking events and social gatherings. Take the initiative to network with employees from different teams and practice areas. Exposure to diverse projects and people will broaden your understanding of consulting and help you gain the maximum from the internship.

5. Participate in Firm Activities

Like most consulting firms, BCG organizes various events and initiatives to help full-time employees and interns connect with the company’s culture and values. Attend workshops, seminars, and social events organized by the firm. Active participation will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the BCG community.

6. Showcase Your Uniqueness

Consulting firms value diverse viewpoints, and your perspective could provide fresh insights and solutions. Improve your contributions to projects and discussions by emphasizing your unique background and perspectives.

By actively engaging in the BCG Growing Future Leaders Internship Program and applying these strategies, you will maximize your experience and position yourself for future success in BCG and the consulting industry. Remember that this opportunity is a stepping stone towards a promising career, and the skills and relationships you build during this internship can impact your journey as a future BCG leader.

Other BCG Sophomore Programs

Bridge to Consulting Workshop

Bridge to Consulting Workshop is an exclusive opportunity for freshman/first-year and sophomore/second-year students from underrepresented minority groups, like Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Indigenous/Native American/Alaska Native, to explore and understand life as a BCG Associate.

During the workshop, the attendees get a chance to:

Learn about BCG and the collaborative work culture
Meet BCG leaders and consultants
Network and build connections with peers from across the country
Participate in interview prep to develop the interview toolkit

If you meet this criteria, you can apply for the workshop:

Current freshman/first-year or sophomore/second-year student at a U.S. or Canadian university, and identifies as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Indigenous/Native American/Alaska Native
Outstanding academic achievement
Passionate and natural problem solvers
Strong leadership skills and teamwork
Excellent communication skills

You can read more about the program and application deadlines on BCG’s Bridge to Consulting Workshop website.

BCG Advance Program

BCG Advance is an interactive, invite-only virtual conference that can open the doors for a potential BCG summer internship the following year.

This 1-week winter conference is for sophomore/second-year women currently enrolled at a college or university in the U.S. or Canada.

The BCG Advance Program application includes:

BCG Advance digital application (5 to 10 minutes)
Pymetrics games (30 minutes)
One-way video interview (45 to 60 minutes, to be completed within 72 hours of receiving the prompt)

For more information, check out BCG’s Advance Program website.

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In this article, we’ve covered:

BCG Growing Future Leaders Internship Program and who is the right candidate for it
Applying to the BCG GFL Internship Program
How to make the most of the BCG GFL Internship Program
Various other BCG sophomore leadership programs

Still have questions?

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

Want to know how to prepare for these internship applications? You can check out the other articles below:

Help with Your Consulting Application

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