BCG ME global transfer opportunities

Congrats!

You can transfer, but transfers are not that easy. 

Typically, they happen after 2-3 years of tenure, when you already have a value proposition of some sorts. 

And they happen because you have the support of some Partners from your target office who make a case for wanting you in their office. 

Otherwise, you can always try to put more emphasis on international staffing (going mostly for projects abroad, which you can express as an option) or go for temporary (6-12 month) temporary transfers (with these, if you develop the right network, they could turn into permanent transfers as well). 

Since you're starting in consulting soon, you might also find these two guides useful:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

Transfers out of MBB ME are possible, but not easy. A few things to be aware of:

• Eligibility: 2 years is typically the minimum before you can apply. You’ll need consistently high ratings, “tracking / strong” usually won’t cut it.
• Context matters: if the ME office is overloaded (which it usually is) and your target office isn’t, they simply won’t let you go unless you network hard. Personal reasons (spouse/family in the target location, migration ease based on your passport) help a lot.
• Reality check: it’s generally much easier for people to come into ME than for us to go out. I personally applied two years in a row with strong networking and local support, and still didn’t get it (I'm from the region and don't have a foreign passport)
• Tactics: build relationships with partners in your target office early. Try to do an engagement loan, contribute to and/or participate in trainings run by people from that office, or get visibility in the practice you want to transfer into.

In short, it’s not impossible, but it’s political / bureaucratic and timing-heavy. If you want to keep the option open, network deliberately from day one.

Hi there,

Congrats on your BCG ME offer. You’re right that global mobility can be a bit trickier from the Middle East compared to some other regions, but it’s definitely possible. A few points that might help:

• Timing & criteria: Formal office transfers usually happen after ~2 years, when you’ve built a strong performance record and sponsor relationships. Offices will look at your reviews, capacity in the destination office, and your own case portfolio
• Mobility programs: BCG runs global secondments and short-term mobility initiatives (like “Project Abroad” or “Ambassador” programs) where you can work in another office for 6–12 months. People from ME do get placed in these, though competition is high
• Success stories: I’ve seen colleagues move to London, Europe, and Asia after proving themselves on demanding ME projects and building connections with partners in those regions. It’s less about where you start and more about consistently strong performance and having advocates
• Positioning yourself: Focus on building a skillset that’s in demand globally (e.g. digital, energy transition, PE, transformation). These travel better than purely local public-sector experience
• Networking: Proactively reach out to peers and managers you meet in global trainings, practice area events, and cross-staffing opportunities. Staying plugged into functional practice areas (like TMT, Energy, etc.) also helps create bridges beyond the ME region

So while the path might not be automatic, if you deliver well, align with a global practice, and actively nurture sponsor relationships, a transfer is very feasible within a few years.

Feel free to reach out if you need further advice :)

Best,
Evelina

Hey there :)

Congrats on your offer! From what I’ve seen, transferring from BCG ME is possible, but usually after you’ve spent at least two years in the region and shown strong performance. Offices prioritize local staffing, so you need to establish yourself first before mobility opens up. Short-term secondments (a few months in another office or on a global project) are sometimes easier to get than full transfers, and many people use those as a first step.

Success stories do exist, but the ones that worked best usually had a clear business case (unique skills, language, or client needs) or strong relationships with partners in the target office. Building a global network is key: join regional/global projects when they come up, take part in BCG’s functional practice areas, and actively reach out to colleagues abroad.

So in short: mobility is definitely possible, but you need to perform well, invest in relationships, and be patient for the right window.

best,
Alessa :)