Hey everyone,I’m planning to apply to MBB firms in Dubai this coming year and wanted some input on whether I’d qualify as an Advanced Professional Degree candidate (and therefore enter as an Associate) or whether I’d be placed as a BA.Background:Graduated from a non target medical school in 2024; just completed a 1-year internship at one of the top hospitals in the GCC. Strong academic record (research activity): overall average 86/100, final 3 clinical years at 93/100.National team athlete, ranked in the top 250 worldwide in my sport.Founder of a startup that’s steadily gaining traction.Fluent in Arabic and English; grew up in the UAE.From McKinsey’s website, I’d assume my MD would place me in the Associate track, but I’d appreciate hearing from anyone with experience or insight into similar cases. Thanks guys

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20 hrs ago

Middle East

Fresh medical grad, apply as associate?

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply to MBB firms in Dubai this coming year and wanted some input on whether I’d qualify as an Advanced Professional Degree candidate (and therefore enter as an Associate) or whether I’d be placed as a BA.

Background:

Graduated from a non target medical school in 2024; just completed a 1-year internship at one of the top hospitals in the GCC. Strong academic record (research activity): overall average 86/100, final 3 clinical years at 93/100.
National team athlete, ranked in the top 250 worldwide in my sport.
Founder of a startup that’s steadily gaining traction.
Fluent in Arabic and English; grew up in the UAE.

From McKinsey’s website, I’d assume my MD would place me in the Associate track, but I’d appreciate hearing from anyone with experience or insight into similar cases.

Thanks guys

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Kevin

Coach

13 hrs ago

Hi there,

You are right, with an advanced degree (such as an MD), you are welcome to apply to McKinsey as an Associate. That is the policy online, and this is also what I have frequently seen during my time at the Firm.

Cheers,

Kevin

Alessa

Coach

11 hrs ago

Hey there :)

Your MD plus internship should qualify you for the Associate track in Dubai. I know several medics who worked with me at McKinsey and joined directly as Associates after finishing their degree and internship, even without other full-time work experience. Your extracurriculars and startup experience are strong differentiators too, and the UAE background plus Arabic will be a big plus for the region.

best, Alessa :)

Cristian

Coach

10 hrs ago

#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

You have a great profile and yes, you should qualify.

Reach out to the Dubai recruiter to confirm exactly on what recruiting path you should go on, but in terms of your profile, it's attractive. I've actually worked with multiple candidates (even in the ME) making the transition from medicine to consulting, so feel free to reach out directly if you have any specific questions.

In terms of approach the application process, you might find this useful:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Salman

Coach

edited on Aug 13, 2025

Ex-McKinsey (Dubai) | Jr. Engagement Manager in Private Capital + Public Sector | Interviewer-led MBB coaching

With McKinsey Middle East specifically, you're more likely to be placed as a Junior Associate. I've had examples of colleagues come in with PhDs in biomed / engineering, and an MD from a target school, along with other related fields, although their progression tends to be more based on how quickly they ramp up and transition into a consulting environment.