Bachelor in Business Administration and International Relations student Eva Jodar was selected to participate in the latest edition of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Women’s Bootcamp, held in June in Madrid. The three-day event seeks to connect top university talent with this premium consulting firm.
BCG is part of MBB, the name colloquially given to the world’s three largest strategy consulting firms by revenue, also considered the most prestigious employers in management consulting: McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company.
Eva previously interned at Pfizer in the USA, and is currently spending her summer at Accenture Strategy as a Business Consultant Intern. She shared her experience at the bootcamp with us.
How did you find out about this opportunity and why were you interested in applying?
One of my friends from class told me about it. She really recommended the experience so I thought I would give it a try. I had already applied to BCG for a summer internship in the past and, although I was not selected, I believed this could be my second chance. I wanted to make a better impression and really show them what I am capable of. I also wanted to learn more about the company itself: its culture, its main clients, its main areas of expertise, etc. Overall, it seemed like a great opportunity to learn more about consulting, meet new people, and make friends!
Can you tell us a little more about the bcg women’s bootcamp? What does it consist of?
It was three-days-long, and packed with activities. We had time to meet with BCG consultants, ask questions, and meet new people. They also organized other fun activities like classes, seminars, simulations, and even a sports class! We had plenty of time to bond with both BCG consultants and the other bootcampers. The environment they created was purely collaborative and relaxed. It was an amazing experience and I left with a far greater understanding, great memories, and a huge network of friends, all eager to help.
What can you tell us about the selection process?
The selection process is quite difficult. There is a multiple-choice test that you have to pass in the first round, consisting of numerical, logic and strategy questions related to a specific case. The questions are not impossible but the test is too long for the time they give you. I recommend answering as many as you can correctly instead of rushing to finish the exam. I only answered 15 out of 23 and still passed! The second and third rounds consist of two back-to-back interviews with 10 minutes of personal questions and 45 minutes or so to work on a business case problem. The first two interviews are with consultants and the last two interviews are with partners. I recommend practicing as much as you can with someone else. Honestly, there are plenty of resources available and the only secret is practice. There are no right or wrong answers. There is always a numerical aspect of the case where you have to analyze a graph or a table, but nothing too complicated. As long as you structure your thoughts well, you will do fine.
How do you think your ie university experience and/or the support of the ie talent & careers team helped you obtain this opportunity?
IE University has helped me learn much more about the world of consulting. I practiced case-solving with the IE Consulting Club and have access to amazing resources such as PrepLounge to get all the practice I need. The IE University Talent and Careers Team is there for any questions you may have and once you let them know you are interested in consulting, they will offer you all the resources you may need. My IE University experience, in general, has helped with this as well. As a business student, business cases come more naturally to me. Strategic Management last year has proved especially helpful in learning how to solve business cases.
What do you think are the benefits of participating in an event like this? What about this experience would you highlight?
There are so many benefits to participating in an event like this. To start off, you get any questions you may have about consulting answered. Anything that bothers you or that you are unsure about will be resolved by the end of the bootcamp, for better or worse. You may leave thinking you hate consulting and that’s okay. This opportunity is a great way to test the waters and decide what career path is best for you.
Second, you practice skills and learn new things. They usually have classes, presentations, cases, activities to test your creativity and group work. Don’t feel stressed about these—they’re never cutthroat events where you are pitted against your fellow bootcampers. These activities are only to have fun, bond, and learn.
Finally, you meet so many new people. Not only is it networking since you meet a lot of important consultants, but it is also a great way to make new friends. I have to say that I have left with three or four really close friends for life. In any case, it doesn’t matter how close you get with the other girls. You know that they will all support you and help you with whatever you need. BCG made it clear that we weren’t competing against each other. In the end, we are all in this together.
What would you say to other students interested in applying for future editions?
I seriously recommend this event! I mean, the worst thing that could happen is that you leave thinking that consulting is not for you. The experiences that you have are incomparable and the people at BCG always make sure that you are treated right. So, honestly, give it a shot—because why wouldn’t you?