Hello,I am hopefully due to receive offers from both BCG and Bain in the coming weeks, based on feedback from the final rounds.I am interviewing with an office on Continental Europe, without specifying, that could be Paris, Rome, Munich or Zurich.I wanted to check the board and hear if there were any suggestions on which to go for? Assuming salary will be equivalent, is one brand more recognized / valued on the Continent? Are there any insights into culture that you can share? Is one more academic vs. commercial vs. financial?I know in London and the US these firms can have a slightly different feel so I would appreciate Continental references, if possible.FYI I am pre-MBA and would do 2/3 years before going to pursue an MBA sponsored by the chosen Firm.Thank you in advance,Michael.

What's your background and what level are you going in at?IMHO Bain has a slightly stronger brand. From what I've heard Bain has a strong entrepreneurial culture. I’ve also known them to have a bit more of qualitative, soft, marketing etc. lean than BCG but I’m sure it depends on project.

There are some marked differences between them, but in terms of prestige and reputation in the continental market nothing really between them.My choice, by a hair's breadth, would be BCG: they are less locked in to PE work, have a phenomenal rep in market strategy, and hire a slightly more diverse pool than Bain. Frankly it will come down to which makes an offer: if both do, go with the best package/location as either will give you a great start.