Life after BCG...

BCG's success relies on its people and, no matter how long they stay with us, they never totally cut their ties with BCG. Whether they leave to start their own businesses, take up positions in leading corporations, or pursue other dreams outside the business world, they stay in touch with the firm and each other through our worldwide alumni network.

Xudong Yin

I joined BCG China in 2000 after 2 years in another consulting firm based in Hong Kong. I wanted to establish a career in China, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry, and decided BCG was the only company that could give me that opportunity.

My experience at BCG certainly fulfilled that goal. I spent 4 years consulting to pharmaceutical industry clients in China, as well as Hong Kong, Japan and the United States. This meant providing advice on a diverse set of issues, including strategy, manufacturing, marketing and sales, as well as regulatory matters. In the process I established a strong reputation as one of the experts in the pharmaceutical industry in China. My BCG training and experience have also proved very valuable in my current role, where I am responsible for marketing, strategic planning and business development at AstraZeneca China.

Before joining BCG, I was a research scientist in a US biotechnology company. I have a BS in Biochemistry from Beijing University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a PhD in Biological Sciences (cancer research) from Stanford University.

Eric Rosenblum

I joined BCG in 1993 as an Associate, and left in 1999 as a Consultant (in between, I had a 2 year BCG-sponsored sojourn at MIT for business school).

I was interested in consulting because I wasn't ready to give up the academic life, and felt that consulting was a good 'half-way house.' At a top consulting firm, I could continue studying business in China AND let my parents know I was gainfully employed. BCG was my choice because of the people - BCG people all over the world tend to be a mix of smart/creative/nice. This sounds trite, but it's true: BCG seems to hire nice people who happen to be really smart and creative.

On joining BCG, I felt completely overwhelmed by the work. There were many late nights and a constant fear of making major mistakes. Fortunately, new Associates can't go too far astray, and I quickly became sharp at the sorts of analyses that BCG values. I also became involved in office functions, from the social committee, to training, to internal knowledge management. Friends made fun of me for liking my job so much (it's certainly not the norm for anyone to love their first job).

After working a few years with BCG, I had to try my hand in business. After 4 years in China's high tech industry, I'm still grateful for my BCG training. From business planning, to presentations to investors, to financial planning, to sales management EVERYTHING comes down to strategy and execution, which are honed at BCG.

Scott Ohman

BCG was the perfect way to address my dual interests in business and China, the world's preeminent emerging market. In BCG's Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices, I was perfectly positioned to observe and advise Chinese and multinational companies as they struggled to succeed in China's unique commercial environment.

I came to China hoping to develop the analytical, planning, people management and organizational disciplines I needed for a successful business career. I also wanted to cultivate a wide range of business contacts and do interesting work.

I would not have spent the last 8 years any other way. My time at BCG gave me great insights into the China business scene, as well as a unique set of China-relevant business skills.

My decision to reposition my career was also the right one. At Cathay Pacific, I'm using my consulting skills to tackle important strategic issues with senior management. I will also be able to try my hand at a line management role, leading a team of 25 people, something I've always wanted to do.

The 'on the job' experience I picked up as a BCG Project Leader and Principal has been most useful in my role at Cathay Pacific. Strategic thinking, married with organizational, motivational and team management skills, is an invaluable resource for any company.

For those considering a career in consulting - make the most of your BCG experience by staying on the steep bit of the learning curve. If you feel you're coasting, that's the time to figure out a way to raise the bar of personal challenge.