Consulting firms seem confusing. What does a “Business Analyst” do? How is that different from an “Associate”?
If you don’t understand the job titles and roles at places like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, you’re not the only one scratching your head!
This short guide will explain what each position does in simple terms. We’ll look at their daily work, pay, and how people move up the ladder.
No fancy words or titles you need a dictionary to understand. Just clear, easy-to-grasp comparisons so you can wrap your mind around these complex firms and impressive careers.
Sound helpful? Read on!
Entry-Level Roles in Top Consulting Firms
For most, the journey begins at the bottom rung of the consulting career ladder. Each firm has specific titles for their junior-most roles geared towards recent graduates.
McKinsey: Business Analyst / Associate
The typical starting point at McKinsey is Business Analyst (BA) or Associate, depending on which part of the world you’re in. This introductory role serves as the launching pad into the world of consulting for university graduates.
As a BA or Associate, you’ll be entrusted with key responsibilities like:
- Crunching data and conducting research
- Supporting senior colleagues with various project tasks
- Contributing ideas to solve problems and shape strategy
The BA program typically lasts around two years. It’s designed to let you spread your wings a bit before taking on more responsibility.
BCG: Associate
At BCG, there’s no fancy title for beginners – you start plain and simple as an Associate. This gives sharp, ambitious grads a chance to dive right into consulting work.
The core responsibilities BCG Associates take on include:
- Compiling and analyzing data
- Assisting the consulting team in multiple capacities
- Preparing presentations and reports for clients
The duration can vary by office, but it’s usually up to two years. Long enough to get your feet wet!
Bain: Associate Consultant
Newbies at Bain begin their journey as Associate Consultants. It’s Bain’s way of welcoming fresh talent into the fold.
As an AC, you’ll be tasked with:
- Conducting research and analysis
- Supporting the consulting team on project execution
- Helping develop solutions for clients
Like the other firms, roles here typically last around two years.
Pro Tip: Bain is renowned for its strong culture, so ACs often participate in culture-building activities early on. It’s a great way to immerse yourself!
No matter where you start as a junior consultant, the first couple of years are all about honing your skills through hands-on learning. Now let’s level up and see what comes next!
Post-MBA and Mid-Level Roles
After paying their dues, consultants often move into post-MBA or mid-level roles around years 3-5. The jump in responsibility is substantial.
McKinsey: Associate and Engagement Manager
At McKinsey, the path usually goes:
Associate (ACA)
For most BAs, this is the first post-MBA role. Around 10-30% get directly promoted from BA.
As an Associate, you’ll take on more complex tasks like:
- Leading intricate analyses
- Increased interaction with clients
- Beginning to manage small teams
Stints here typically last 2-3 years.
Engagement Manager (EM)
This role marks a significant step up into project leadership. Key responsibilities are:
- Leading day-to-day operations on projects
- Managing client relationships
- Mentoring and overseeing junior colleagues
Engagement Managers usually spend 3-5 years in this role before moving up again.
BCG: Consultant and Project Leader
The middle rungs of the ladder at BCG are:
Consultant
Like the Associate role at McKinsey, Consultants at BCG are often recent MBA grads or those with similar experience.
In this role, you’ll:
- Lead chunks of work within bigger projects
- Perform in-depth analysis
- Interact directly with clients more often
Stints last around 2 years typically.
Project Leader (PL)
This position equals an Engagement Manager at McKinsey. As a Project Leader, you’ll:
- Lead full project teams
- Manage key client relationships
- Ensure successful project delivery
Project Leaders usually spend 2-3 years in the role.
Bain: Consultant and Manager
The middle ground at Bain includes:
Consultant
Like at BCG, Consultants here are usually MBAs or seasoned pros. You’ll get to:
- Spearhead significant parts of engagements
- Perform complex analysis
- Build client relationships
Duration is 2-3 years generally.
Manager / Case Team Leader (CTL)
This role mirrors the EM at McKinsey and PL at BCG. As a Manager, you’ll:
- Lead entire project teams
- Manage day-to-day client interactions
- Oversee project execution and team growth
Managers typically spend 2-4 years in the role before advancing.
Reaching these mid-career roles shows you’ve got the chops to take on more responsibility. But the climb doesn’t stop here!
Senior Roles and Partnership Track
The next level up are principal/partner track roles with increased leadership responsibility:
McKinsey: Associate Partner and Partner
McKinsey’s senior roles follow this path:
Associate Partner (AP)
Previously called Associate Principal, this step marks your entry into senior leadership. Key activities are:
- Leading multiple project teams
- Building strong client relationships
- Contributing to firm strategy and sales
Associate Partners usually spend 2-4 years in the role.
Partner
The pinnacle! Becoming a Partner at McKinsey is a huge milestone, typically 6-8 years post-MBA. As a Partner, you’ll:
- Own major client accounts
- Shape firm strategy and thought leadership
- Lead business development
BCG: Principal and Partner
The top levels at BCG include:
Principal
Like an AP at McKinsey, Principals lead multiple projects, develop clients, and shape firm strategy. They usually spend 2-4 years as a Principal.
Partner
BCG recently split this into two tiers:
- Non-equity Partner (years 3-4 as Principal)
- Managing Director & Partner – MDP (Equity Partner)
As a Partner, you’ll:
- Lead strategic client accounts
- Drive firm strategy and growth
- Spearhead thought leadership
Bain: Principal and Partner
And finally, the summit roles at Bain:
Principal / Senior Manager
Mirroring the AP and Principal roles at peer firms, Principals here:
- Lead multiple engagements
- Maintain key client relationships
- Contribute to firm strategy and growth
Tenure is also typically 2-4 years.
Partner
As Partner, you’ll be part of Bain’s senior leadership team. Your focus will be:
- Managing major client accounts
- Driving strategy and sales
- Leading thought leadership and innovation
Reaching the upper echelons takes motivation, skill, and a bit of luck. But the rewards are immense!
Specialized and Expert Roles
The firms also have roles for those with niche expertise:
McKinsey: Specialist and Expert tracks
McKinsey has formal titles here:
Specialist
- Equivalent to Associate for generalists
- Applies specialized knowledge to client work
Expert
- Mirrors Engagement Manager level
- Leads projects within their expertise
Expert Associate Partner
- Path for experts to work towards Partner
- Can lead to an Expert Partner or generalist Partner role
These roles let professionals leverage niche skills while progressing.
BCG: Expert Consultant roles
BCG’s expert track is a bit different:
Expert Consultant
- Entry point for experienced hires
- Brings niche knowledge to client projects
Project Leader (Expert track)
- Leads engagements in the domain of expertise
Associate Director
- Equal to Principal for generalists
- Focuses on thought leadership and complex problem-solving in specialty
At BCG, experts can rise up to partnership positions like Partner & Associate Director.
Bain: Advanced Specialist positions
Bain’s specialist roles are more fluid:
Advanced Specialist
- Brings deep expertise to engagements
- Can range from Consultant to Manager
Expert Partner
- Senior role for those with significant niche knowledge
- Leads complex projects and drives thought leadership
These specialized roles let consultants go deep in a domain while advancing their careers.
Why the Differences in Titles and Structures?
Despite varying titles, the overarching career progression is quite similar across firms:
- Junior analyst/associate roles
- Mid-level project leadership
- Senior client and firm leadership
This reflects consulting’s universal need for analytical skills, project management, and business development.
But why the differences in titles? They often reflect each firm’s distinct culture and approach:
- McKinsey’s “Business Analyst” emphasizes analytics
- BCG’s “Associate” mirrors investment banks
- Bain’s “Associate Consultant” highlights consultative nature
The unique identities help attract talent aligned with the specific cultures.
There’s also variation across geographies and offices:
- Some European offices have extra junior roles
- Tenures fluctuate significantly by region
- Certain offices may need localized roles
Key Takeaway: While career trajectories are similar, it’s crucial to research the structures specific to your desired firms, offices, and regions.
Estimated Timelines for Progression and Promotion
While individual experiences vary, here are typical timeframes:
- Entry-level – 2 to 3 years
- Post-MBA – 2 to 3 years
- Project/Engagement Manager – 2 to 4 years
- Principal/Associate Partner – 2 to 4 years
- Partner – 4 to 6 years before Senior Partner consideration
At BCG, the additional Partner tier potentially prolongs the path to full equity Partner status.
Several factors influence the speed of progression:
- Performance – consistently exceeding expectations is key
- Leadership – ability to lead teams and manage clients
- Business development – driving firm growth gets important at senior levels
- Specialization – deep expertise can accelerate advancement
- Firm needs – promotion depends on growth and staffing needs
How progression is evaluated:
- Regular feedback – often project and semi-annual/annual reviews
- 360 feedback – from superiors, peers, subordinates
- Client feedback – satisfaction and impact
- Metrics – utilization, profitability, etc.
- Qualitative assessments – leadership potential, problem-solving, relationship skills
Pro Tip: Seek frequent feedback and mentorship. Using constructive criticism to improve is crucial for rapid advancement.
Required Qualifications and Skills by Role
Here are typical qualifications and competencies needed:
Educational Background
- Entry-level – top-tier bachelor’s degree, often in business, economics, engineering, or sciences
- Post-MBA – MBA from a leading school or equivalent
- Expert track – advanced degrees like PhD or MD in Domain
Work Experience
- Entry-level – internships/relevant experience valuable, but not required
- Post-MBA – typically 3-5 years experience
- Expert – often 5+ years of industry/functional experience
Key Skills
- Analytical – ability to break down and analyze complex problems
- Communication – clear, persuasive communication skills
- Leadership – increasingly vital from team to firm leadership
- Client management – building strong client relationships
- Business acumen – understanding concepts, trends, and industries
- Adaptability – the ability to quickly learn and work across functions
- Problem-solving – structured and creative approach
Interesting Note: While technical prowess is crucial initially, “soft skills” become more important at senior levels.
Compensation Packages Across Roles and Firms
Here’s an overview of typical pay packages:
Entry-level
- Base salary – $100,000 to $120,000
- Signing bonus – $5,000 to $10,000
- Performance bonus – 10% to 25% of base
Note: Compensation varies significantly by location and often includes additional perks.
Mid and Senior Roles
- Post-MBA – $150,000 to $200,000 base
- Project/Engagement Manager – $200,000 to $250,000
- Principal/Associate Partner – $300,000 to $500,000 base plus significant bonus
Key Point: Bonuses and profit sharing comprise more pay at senior levels.
Partner
Partner pay is complex and highly variable:
- Base over $500,000
- Performance bonus can double or triple base
- Equity stake for ownership
- Profit sharing can substantially increase total comp
The table below provides an overview of typical compensation ranges for various roles in top consulting firms:”
| Role | Base Salary Range | Bonus Range | Additional Compensation |
| Entry-level | $80,000 – $100,000 | 10-25% of base | $5,000 – $10,000 signing bonus |
| Post-MBA | $150,000 – $200,000 | Performance-based | Various perks and benefits |
| Project/Engagement Manager | $200,000 – $250,000 | Performance-based | Profit sharing may begin |
| Principal/Associate Partner | $300,000 – $500,000 | Significant performance-based | Increased profit sharing |
| Partner | $500,000+ | Can double or triple base | Equity stake, substantial profit sharing |
Final Words
The road from junior analyst to senior partner at MBB is challenging but rewarding. While titles differ, the typical career progression looks like:
- Start as an analyst/associate and hone your skills
- Move into project leadership roles
- Advance to senior positions focused on sales and strategy
- Ultimately, reaches the partner ranks and shapes the firm’s future
While this guide covers the landscape, remember your journey is unique. As you chart your consulting path:
- Research the specific structures at your desired firms, offices, and regions.
- Network to get insider perspectives from current and former consultants.
- Consider how each firm’s culture and specialties align with your goals.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes at each firm.
A career at an MBB firm offers unmatched opportunities for growth and impact. Whether starting out or considering a move, understanding these roles and structures will empower you to navigate a successful consulting journey.
I wish you the very best in your consulting endeavors! Just remember, with hard work and perseverance, you can reach the top of the mountain.