Why do you want to work at BCG's Manila office rather than at another consulting firm or even another regional office?

Situation

During my final year at Ateneo, I was deciding between offers from two consulting firms and a tech company. I wanted a firm where I could work on high-impact projects across Southeast Asia while staying rooted in the Philippines, and where I could learn from the best in a collaborative environment.

Task

My task was to evaluate which firm aligned with my long-term goal of becoming a strategy consultant in the region, offering both professional growth and exposure to the Philippine market's unique dynamics.

Action

I researched firms extensively, talked to alumni in consulting, and attended BCG Manila's 'Emeralds Program' information session. I was impressed by how juniors were given ownership of workstreams early and how the Manila office collaborates closely with Southeast Asian teams. I also learned about BCG's focus on purpose-driven work, like a project helping a Philippine social enterprise scale its operations. I compared this with the more hierarchical structure at another firm and the siloed nature of the tech role.

Result

I concluded that BCG Manila offered the best mix of regional exposure, mentorship through structured programs like Emeralds, and a culture that values impact. I turned down other offers and am confident this is where I can contribute to Philippine industries while building a global consulting career.