I am interviewing both with Bain and BCG, but, until now, cannot make a decision on which one is better. What is the opinion of you guys out there??? Please help...! Cheers

Personally, unless you are looking to join at a fairly senior level, I'd base it on the people you meet and how well you think you'll get on with them and 'fit'. There are well-flagged differences in approach between the two firms, but when you consider than Bain left BCG in the early 70s, much of it will be folkloric by now. You'll get more of a feel for which one is 'better' for you from the people than from any abstract analysis of their reputations, approach, etc. Ultimately, they're both great firms if you know what you're getting yourself into and are comfortable with it. Best of luck.

Hi Strat. Can you please explain what do you mean by: "...if you know what you're getting yourself into "? Also, what is the difference in the approach between the two? Cheers

Only that it's going to be 'body and soul' hard work at any of the strat houses - it's just the nature of the job; it's intense. Fascinating, challenging, and rewarding, yes - but also intense. As to differences, you might find people articulating a view that BCG is more cerebral/conceptual/academic and Bain more data-driven/analytical/action-orientated, but these distinctions are very old: ADL begat BCG in the 60s, which begat Bain in the 70s, which begat LEK in the 80s and Parthenon in the 90s :) - it's inevitable that people try to talk up the differences when, objectively, the similarities might be the more striking. I'd still recommend choosing on the basis of the people, as you'll be spending an awful lot of time with them, but you could also look to understand the mix of work (sectors, type of engagement, length of project and working location) at the offices you might be joining.