EPS.10 - BCG Project Leader: The ACCA Grind, & Why Germany for MBA | Sardor Uzakov | FinEcon Podcast

Welcome to FinEcon Podcast Episode 10! We are honoured to host Sardor Uzakov, Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), an ACCA holder, and former Senior Manager at PwC.

Sardor shares his journey from a local bank internship to one of the world's elite management consulting firms. This episode is a must-watch for anyone planning a career in Big Four or MBB, especially those looking for an affordable path to top-tier education.

In this episode, Sardor reveals:

The Skills Progression Curve: How the importance of soft skills (vision, relationships, creativity) increases as you move from junior to senior roles.

The MBB Strategy: Why you should apply directly to BCG if you know consulting is your path, rather than starting at the Big Four.

The Value of Non-Finance Jobs: How internships in PR/Marketing helped him master client management and creative thinking needed in consulting.

The ACCA Grind: Why he chose ACCA, why it's not mandatory for MBB, and his "coffee and bread rolls" study approach (and why you shouldn't follow it!).

The Affordable MBA Hack: How he leveraged free German education to obtain a dual degree, including an MBA in Spain, with a limited budget.

Career Mindset: Why you should pursue work you enjoy and the importance of travel and volunteering (ISEC) to broaden your horizon.

His ambition to leverage his role at BCG to contribute to the growth and welfare of the Uzbek financial sector.

This episode is essential viewing for any finance professional aiming for the top tier of global consulting.

Key Moments & Timestamps:

0:00 Intro: FinEcon & Sardor Uzakov, Project Leader @ BCG

1:40 My Career Journey: From Asakabank Intern to BCG Project Leader

3:30 The Skills Progression Curve in Consulting: From Technical to Creative/Soft Skills

5:30 Should I Start at Big Four or Apply Directly to MBB?

7:00 Resources for Case Study Preparation (The Importance of Clubs)

8:30 The Value of Non-Finance Jobs (PR/Marketing) in Consulting

10:45 Mindset: Finding Your Enjoyment vs. Just Grinding

12:00 How Relocations (Tashkent, Dubai, Riyadh) Shaped My Mindset

14:30 The Power of Volunteering (ISEC) & What I Learned in Brazil

17:30 Why I Chose ACCA & The Management/Study Strategy

20:00 Is ACCA Mandatory for MBB? (The Honest Answer)

21:30 The Affordable MBA Hack: Dual Master's in Germany & Spain

24:30 My Impact Goals for the Uzbekistan Financial Sector

27:00 Final Advice: Would I Choose Consulting Again? (Freedom & Bright Minds)

29:00 The One Thing I'd Do Differently: Apply to Harvard/Oxford Early

31:00 Live Q&A: Why I Left PwC (Big Four) for BCG (MBB)

33:00 Live Q&A: How to Finance Expensive Certifications (ACCA/CFA)

35:00 Final Words: Consistency is Key to Balancing Work and Study
About FinEcon:
FinEcon is your go-to source for in-depth finance insights, expert interviews, and practical financial education. We aim to demystify the world of finance and help you navigate your career and investments with confidence.

Subscribe to FinEcon for weekly finance wisdom and career guidance!

#ACCA #FinanceCareer #SardorUzakov #InvestmentBanking #KPMG #BCG #CheveningScholarship #ImperialCollege #FinancialEducation #Podcast #CareerAdvice #FinEcon #Uzbekistan #GlobalFinance #SkillsDevelopment #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #SuccessInFinance #Chevening