What does it take to join a world leading consulting firm? What’s it like to be inside a consulting firm?
As part of our #MeetBCGer series, we asked Adam Chang to share his key takeaways after almost three years at BCG. Adam joined us in 2015 through lateral hire with years of experience in the banking industry.
"Looking back after almost three years at BCG, I’m glad that I made the move—not only because of the challenges and excitement I encountered on a daily basis, but also because how BCG has reshaped the way I think and work.
Change was never easy. Pivoting from a money-driven industry to a logic-driven career was an unexpected struggle. Distilling from all the blood and sweat, I’m sharing with you three paradigms that I found most impactful during this transformation.
“WHAT IS THE KEY QUESTION?”
Yes, as simple as that. As a consultant, it is critical to identify the key questions we are trying to solve for our clients, and stay laser focused on tackling these questions with solid facts and clear logic. While information is oftentimes full of noises, bearing in mind the key questions prevents you from being carried away. This also serves the purpose of 80/20 working method—always spend your time on what is most important to you.
“SO WHAT? SO WHAT? SO WHAT?”
Another thing we keep asking ourselves is "So what?" We are never satisfied with surface level data and would always look deeper. During my first few projects, I thought my colleagues were just giving me a pressure test when they asked me nonstop "So what?" for each of the argument I made, but then I realized it’s just how consultants' mind operates—programmed to eagerly examining the truth. Since then, I have learned to constantly question the so-called facts, and started asking "So what" myself. Like peeling an onion, behind every layer you may find unexpected surprises.
“WHERE ARE THE INSIGHTS?”
After asking the right question (setting the right direction) and grilling facts with "So what" (uncover the truth), the next question is what to do with the findings. While consultants seek to generate insights and create value for our clients, it’s never easy to come up with eye-opening insights. At BCG, our Partners always ask “Do we have any insight?”, “Are you willing to pay for these insights?” and “What value are we adding to the client?” If you can’t answer these questions…all I can say is "Good luck, my friend". By following this train of thought, it enables you to crystallize your findings and outputs from the clients' perspective, and to come up with implications that really matter to them.
These lessons that I learned have helped me tremendously in the path of becoming a better consultant, and I hope they are valuable for you too."
Adam Chang is a Consultant at BCG. He holds a Master's degree in Finance and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He is now based in BCG's Tokyo office.
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