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Anonymous A

on Oct 29, 2020

Global

Applying to MBB/Tier 2 Europe

Hi community,

I’m a South American student completing a degree at a top Canadian university. The recruitment process for some European MBB/Tier 2 consulting firms has just kicked off and I was wondering how feasible it is for a non-EU applicant to even make it past the screening phase and all the interviews after. Are they evaluated more harshly than local students? Should I even give it a try and apply? The language requirement is not a problem as I’m fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese and French.

Some South American consulting firms (where I might stand a bigger chance) are not recruiting this year so my concern is that if I applied and didn't get in, I could 'burn my bridges' and would have to wait a year or two to re-apply.

Thx.

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Top answer

Clara

Coach

on Oct 30, 2020

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

The big roadblock I see, and more with COVID times, is the VISA.

At a junior level, visas don´t get sponsored.

However, you have other interesting options:

Shifting your strategy towards US/Canada companies that have global staffing (e.g., MBB is like this), and hence traveling in Europe without the need of a permanent visa, only in a project basis
Shifting your strategy to US/Canada companies and then, after couple yeards, doing a transfer to Europe. Once you are in a company, it´s easier.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

4 comments

Anonymous A

on Oct 30, 2020

Hi Clara, Thanks for your reply. In fact, my reason behind applying was more related to increasing my opportunities than anything else (I'd love to work in Europe, though). I was actually interested in applying to MBB Spain but now I am not sure if I should do it because as you mentioned visa sponsorship can be an issue. During your time at McKinsey, did you know of any non-EU consultant who was sponsored? My other concern is that if I apply and don't get it, I could not reapply next year when the South American offices start their recruitment process.

Anonymous B

on Nov 02, 2020

There are lots of non EU visa sponsored McKinsey consultants working in Europe!!

Anonymous A

on Nov 02, 2020

I'm guessing visa sponsorship is only available for MBAs/Experienced hires, right?

Anonymous

on Nov 02, 2020

Not true

Ian

Coach

on Oct 29, 2020

Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I'm sorry, but you really don't stand a good chance in Europe. You really do need to have clear ties to the region and, ideally, working rights...it's expensive to get people into the country!

So, I highly highly recommend you focus your efforts on Canada and S America where applicable. Once in, you will be able to transfer to another office after about a year and strong performance.

Good luck!

1 comment

Anonymous A

on Oct 30, 2020

Hi Ian. Thanks for your candor, I really appreciate it. The reason behind my question wasn't so much my desire to work in Europe as it was increasing my options. As stated, in South America, some MBB are not recruiting this year and even when they do so, I do not know what my chances are to land an interview at any other South American country (besides my home country). Is there something I could do to increase my chances like networking with those working at these South American offices? What kind of job could be more relevant to consulting if I didn't get in and decided to reapply next year? Thx

Ken

Coach

on Oct 30, 2020

Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

If you have no local exposure (i.e., personal or education background), then it will be extremely difficult even if you speak the local language fluently. Your best bet is to stick with North America where the are more opportunities from a number perspective too.

Udayan

Coach

on Oct 29, 2020

Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

To start your career in Management Consulting in a country you have no ties to is very difficult. There needs to be a very strong reason why you want to start in WE vs Canada or South America where you have either citizenship or work authorization and most importantly social connections that tie you to the location.

Relocating after a couple of years to a different office is much more feasible.

I would strongly recommend sticking to either Canada or your home country

Best,

Udayan

2 comments

Anonymous A

on Oct 30, 2020

Hi Udayan, Thanks for your reply. I have a question, though. In Canada, Bain and BCG usually hire previous interns for full-time role so that only leaves McKinsey. In South America, Bain and BCG are not recruiting this year. I applied to McKinsey over two months ago but I haven't heard back yet so I'm guessing I didn't make it past the screening phase. Most MBB in other South American countries besides my home country advertise their recruitment events usually at local universities. So, as you can see, my options are already limited. Is there something I could do from networking to considering graduate studies to increase my options/chances? What would be the best way to network with the other South American countries? Thx

Udayan

Coach

on Oct 30, 2020

Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Hi. In terms of increasing your chances - the highest probability is if you do an MBA from a top 8 school in the US. That is not cheap or easy but it will mean you get a very good shot at MBB. I always think networking pays off, I have a whole guide on how to go about it :) There is a lot to cover but essentially getting a partner to refer you will be the most optimal outcome. Why not consider T2 firms in Canada and then re apply in 2 years? That may be another good strategy for now

Pascal

Coach

on Oct 29, 2020

Ex-Bain Manager | 10 yrs MBB experience | 250+ people interviewed | Written case expert | Open to give limited discounts

Hi Anonymous,

I am actually a Manager at Bain who started in Western Europe, who worked all around Europe (including Northern and Southern) and who is currently working and living in Latin America. If you'd like, we could chat about what the differences are, what will be required and expected from you, what you need to be careful about, and how office cultures change by country in EMEA. On the latter point, there are HUGE differences between European offices (even within the same brand), so it is important to understand in detail what you sign up for and to pick your office well.

Cheers,

Pascal

1 comment

Anonymous A

on Oct 30, 2020

Hi Pascal, Thanks for you answer and offer. Based on the comments above, I'm unsure as to whether applying is a good idea since consulting firms might not offer visa sponsorships. My concern is that if I apply this year and don't get in (as it seems to be the case), I might not be able to reapply next year when the recruitment process at South American and Canadian offices stars (and where I can stand a bigger chance).