Situated in the hip quarter known as "Mitte," BCG Berlin is housed in a former warehouse that's been converted into spectacular office space. The setting features an abundance of light from the high, vaulted ceilings, and retains its original factory brickwork. The surrounding neighborhood includes numerous bars, art galleries, and a number of up-and-coming companies. Founded in 1999, the Berlin office currently employs about 150 consultants and administrative staff.
The consultants at BCG Berlin come from a variety of backgrounds. As many of the clients are international companies, all consultants are fluent not only in English, but often also in other languages. Our consultants have earned degrees from German universities: business administration in addition to fields such as engineering, natural sciences, or humanities. Others earned their M.B.A.s from well-known business schools such as Harvard, Stanford, or INSEAD. Thanks to its diversity of people and great working atmosphere, BCG regularly ranks as one of the most popular employers in Germany.
With a population of 3.4 million, Berlin is the biggest city in Germany. The city plays an important role in European politics. Based on the service sector, Berlin's economy includes media companies, creative industries, congress venues, environmental services, and, of course, tourism. The city is known for numerous cultural events and contemporary architecture as well as for a liberal lifestyle and low cost of living.
As a member of the Germany & Austria system, BCG Berlin serves clients in all industries. A survey of German executives conducted every three years by the Institute for Consulting Management and Sciences ranks BCG as the top management consultancy in the country.
- Advise a pharmaceutical company on its R&D portfolio—The client wanted to know what investments would be the most rewarding. First, we interviewed medical practitioners to find out what products they missed most. It was not enough to know what the market wanted, we also needed to know what was feasible. We met with scientists around the world to learn more about the most recent technological developments. A profound analysis of the market and the company completed the research. We could then present our propositions to the company. The first of the products initiated by our recommendations are currently being tested.
- Develop a strategy for growth in the industrial goods industry—Our client, who produces components for the manufacturing of cranes as well as internal logistic systems, wanted our expertise to develop a strategy for growth. We conducted interviews both with customers and competitors and organized workshops with the client's staff on different levels in order to analyze and evaluate the different business units. We discovered that through a better internal coordination and the development of new products, sales could be increased. Together with the client we developed a new organizational structure for the research and the sales department. Additionally, we identified companies that would be attractive for acquisition and also further enlarge our client's product portfolio.
- Business@school—In 1998, BCG Germany founded business@school to help students learn firsthand how businesses work and function. Representatives from the business world—BCG consultants and employees from other companies—volunteer to coach students. Over the course of one school year, students aged 15 to 19 analyze large corporations and small-to medium-sized businesses in their respective region and develop their own business ideas. Over 70 schools in Germany and Austria, but also in Italy, Singapore, and Switzerland participate, supported by 400 company volunteers. In Germany, one out of four BCG consultants works on the project.
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