How flexible is the remote work policy in MBB ME?

Adding to the more general answers from the other coaches above. My experience shows that (client-specific) cultures also play a significant role in this. For many firms, clients in the ME tend to place more value on consultant face time which will as a result be reflected in (limitations to) remote working policies.

Hi there,

The answer is it depends. May differ by client, by project, and by requirements of the role you’ll play. One cannot determine upfront, but you’re likely to be on client more often than not (unless you’re doing things like outside-in analysis or taking on a minimal client stakeholder Workstream/task). Beyond just clients, co-location is also good for team connectivity and quickly building that chemistry because you never really work with the same people repeatedly enough.

If you are pursuing remote projects, you might need to do a bit more networking within the firm you’ll join to get them…but these would be limited. At some stage, you’ll need to demonstrate your “client hands”, in-person project create that platform pretty well for client-facing roles.

Hi,

There is really no way to have an 'average' answer. The project and client will determine the working model.

• For e.g. if you are on a due diligence, you may meet the client for readouts but 80% of the time you are working out of your home office
• For e.g. if you are on a transformation, you will likely be at the client site the majority of the week
  • And even on the days that you are not at the client site, there will be internal team meetings etc.

Lets put it this way - consulting is a people business. Whether it's external or internal - and honestly I wouldn't try and join and try and do the work remotely.. it really just doesn't work if you ask me.

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, to add some firsthand experience to the more general statements made thus far, remote work in Middle Eastern offices is typically quite limited. Most clients expect physical presence, especially in this region where face time is still seen as a sign of commitment and value.
• Moreover, for most other questions, the answer depends heavily on the specific project, client, and team setting.
• Lastly, based exclusively on the questions you asked, I would strongly advise you to reconsider whether strategy consulting is what you want to do. While it's important to have a sustainable work-life balance, strategy consulting is certainly a field where your personal degrees of freedom are somewhat limited because you work in a professional services environment.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi!

• How often do you need to be on-site at the client or in the office?

  Often, that’s the standard.

• Is remote work allowed, or do clients expect you to be present?

  It’s a people’s business, you have to be present for the client, for your team and your career.

• Are you allowed to work remotely from another country (with some jet lag)?

  I don’t know, but probably it doesn’t matter considering the above.

• What are typical working hours like?

  14 - 18h depending on the project. Fridays are shorter and weekends are free.

• Any flexibility depending on team or project?

  Regarding what? 
  
  Best,

  Mari

Hi there,

I see you've already received several great answers on this one. 

What's important to know is that while indeed the standard differs from project to project (and industry, function, etc.), in most cases, the arrangements are also negotiable. So if there's anything important for you try and communicate it in a constructive way to your manager and discuss whether there are any options to cater for it.

If you're interested in work life balance more generally, you might find this guide useful:

• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

I absolutely advise against starting your MBB journey working remotely. Here’s why:

• The learning curve is brutal and you simply don’t absorb as much when you’re not in the room with your team. Watching someone build a slide or run a client call over Zoom just isn’t the same.
• You miss out on the hallway conversations, impromptu feedback, and bonding moments that build trust and unlock the best staffing and mentorship opportunities.
• Networking = career progression in consulting. If you’re not there, you’re invisible.

It’s not impossible to make it work remotely, but if that’s a non-negotiable for you, maybe rethink whether MBB is the right path.

Best,

Alberto

As other coaches have said, it really depends on the project you’re on.

Actually, my advice would be to try and work in person as much as you can, especially in your first year.

You’ll learn much quicker that way.