I joined BCG Moscow as a lateral hire after several years of consulting experience at one of the Big Four companies. I had worked for several industries across Europe and the CIS, and afterwards had operational responsibility for the business of a medium-sized company in Russia. My answer to the big question “Why consulting again?” is easy—it offers you unique opportunities to work on really interesting and relevant questions with great people, and make things happen. You will never find such intensity of experience elsewhere. What thrills me is the opportunity to work on intellectual challenges, taking responsibility for decisions while having the entire company supporting you. The learning curve never stops—after each project you look back to see how you could have done things differently and more effectively, and you always have a chance to apply this experience with new clients.

The question “Why BCG?” is also easily answered—the reputation of the company is excellent in all dimensions and what I have experienced during my work so far absolutely confirms this. BCG does not think in predefined frameworks—solutions are created during each individual case, and in my view this is one of the fundamental reasons for our success. BCG is very serious about supporting the integration of lateral hires at all levels, and if you are thinking about joining BCG then an openness to different cultures, receptiveness to feedback on your performance, and a readiness and willingness to learn are prerequisites.