BCG & KEARNEY MIDDLE EAST

Hi!

1. No structural differences! They will first and formemost check for consistency in your strengths, and ability to address any potential weaknesses (if you received such feedback after round 1). THe interviews will be practically identical.

2. BCG hands down. No question.

Cheers, Sidi

Dear A,

Q1) ATKearney Dubai has the following process:

First, some candidates are introduced to pre-call, which is the short introdusction call for 10-15 min to speak about your motivation and CV (I think this you have already passed)

Then there are several rounds of interviews, depending on the candidate it might be 3-4 sometimes even 5 interviews, if there some doubts. In every case interview specific aspects are tested, so you have personal fit, where you might be asked about intellectual curiousity, teamwork, leadership and all this kind of staff as well as you have a case. Cases might be different either market-sizing or operations cases in different interview rounds. 

Interview becomes harder from round to round. First starting with managers, then principals, then partners. And there is kick-off system: you actually need to pass the interview in order to get to the next level. 

I have many friends working with ATKearney Dubai and already helped candidates to get there. 

Q2) The companies like Kearney (former A. T. Kearney), Roland Berger, BCG, Strategy & (former Booz), Oliver Wymann, Bain and McKinsey have faced unpresented growth in the region and are hungry searching for the very high number of top candidates across hierchies.

Your exit option pretty much depends on 3 factors:

1. your previous experience
2. opportunistic options coming from headhunters
3. your private preferences in terms of location

If you need any help, drop me a line directly. 

Best,

André

Hi there,

Q1) The structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.

Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:

1. spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
2. check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
3. may not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company

So in order to prepare I would concentrate on:

• Review in detail your fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
• Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
• Prepare cases as you did for the first round. More market sizing practice may be useful to think outside the box if you get unusual questions.

I helped a few people for Kearney Dubai (including finals) and have 15+ real questions asked there, please feel free to PM me if needed.

Q2) BCG is definitely better in terms of prestige and exit opportunities.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Giving my input as current BCG consultant in the Dubai office.

Q1) Pretty much the same. Potentially more senior interviewers in the second round but structure will be the same.

Q2) No question BCG is more attractive. Prestige has no comparison, BCG is the strongest firm in the entire region, biggest projects, best connections, you name it. With prestige and connections also comes better exit opportunities. BCG Dubai has a career services that will be a big help when you want to exit the firm. Compensation wise BCG has a better package too but will not be a differential factor.

Good luck!

Hi there,

Sounds like you have some interesting prospects in the Middle East - well done!

Q1: Really no major difference. Partners may be a bit more "brainstorming" focused, but that's about it. I would worry far less about this difference and focus much more on other areas you can improve on.

I do highly recommend you feel comfortable with COVID-19 impacts. To practice, here are a few cases for you!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/brain-teaser/beginner/coronavirus-times-covid-19-brainteaser-194

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/covid-19-impact-on-heathrow-airport-197

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-airline-business-during-covid-19-191

Q2: BCG without question across all 3 (and more) criteria