u/yassine-sesame-2026

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the interview process for a Data Scientist role at a BCG. During the HR screening, the recruiter mentioned that there might be an issue because my current company used to be a client of BCG.

For context:

• The consulting project with my company ended around 2023 or 2024, as far as I know.
• I joined my current company in 2025, after that project had already ended.
• I did not work with BCG on that project.
• I’m applying in 2026.
• HR was actually the one who reached out to me to restart the interview process, since I had interviewed with them before.

HR said they may need to check internally whether they are allowed to proceed.

Has anyone seen this happen before? Is it common for consulting firms to have restrictions around hiring from former clients, even if the person joined after the project ended? Could this be a real blocker, or is it usually just a compliance/legal check?

I’m trying to understand how worried I should be and what the best next step is.

Thanks in advance.

I’m a data scientist with ~2 years of experience, and I honestly feel lost about my career situation right now.
I work in a company where most of my work has been tied to one client/project (the client is a subsidiary of my company). Recently, the client announced they want to become independent and build their own internal digital/data team instead of relying on us. Since then, things internally have become very unclear:
- Leadership keeps talking about budget pressure and internal mobility
- there’s less and less actual data science work
- projects are vague and constantly changing
- management communication feels chaotic

I’m being subtly pushed toward transitioning to the client company. The problem is: the client company seems even less structured from a data science perspective

there’s no clear DS lead/team there yet
I’m afraid I’ll stagnate technically if I move

but if I stay, I’m worried there won’t be meaningful work left for me

What’s affecting me most mentally is feeling like my career has stalled this past year. I used to be confident and motivated, but this environment made me anxious, exhausted, and constantly uncertain. I also feel behind compared to peers who are growing in more structured environments.
At the same time, I’m trying to prepare for interviews and apply elsewhere, but the stress and uncertainty are making it hard to focus consistently.
If you were in my situation, what would you do?
Stay temporarily and prepare an exit?

Take the transition and use it as experience?

Push for internal mobility?

Focus 100% on leaving?

Would appreciate honest advice from people who’ve gone through unstable/toxic company situations.