How to get into MBB/T2 consulting AFTER MBA

Hi,

Even if the campus cycle is closed, MBBs / Tier 2 firms also hire off-cycle in the Middle East. The problem is not so much about the recruiting cycle but rather that the Middle East has heavily reduced its recruiting intakes due to the geopolitical situation in the region. The only office that is a bit more active is Doha.

Having said that, regardless of the target location, I would try to apply as soon as possible so that your MBA experience is still fresh.

I would focus on 3 things:

1. Get a referral before you apply. This helps a lot regardless of the location.
2. Look also at the digital and tech arms like BCG X or McKinsey Digital, where an AI Product background is directly relevant and can be a faster way in.
3. Have a short and clear explanation of the last few months ready. The start-up story is easy to understand and the visa issue was outside your control, so if well thought and structured, 2 sentences are enough before moving on to why consulting.

If you want a pair of external eyes on your specific situation and more tailor made suggestions, feel free to write to me.

Best,
Franco

Hi there,

You'd be surprised - this really isn't as big of a deal as you think!

Now, have you missed out on the recruiting pipelines at your MBA (i.e. top-tier companies literally coming to you and begging you to apply)? Yes. Does this mean they value you any less now? No at all!

However, you won't have anything handed to you like during the MBA program

How do you bridge this gap?

Here, I cannot overemphasize the importance of networking, networking, networking. Yes, make sure you have a killer resume and cover letter, but also, network heavily and target a referral.

In terms of networking tactics:

a) Reach out to people in your network - here, you have a huge advantage...reach out to your fellow MBAers, the career office, etc.

b) Reach out to people once removed from your network

c) Reach out to people with a similar backgorund to you (i.e. same alma mater, same hometown, same career switch, etc.)

d) Tailor a message to them specifically both showing interest in them and their journey and demonstrating that you have done your research and could be a valuable hire

e) Play "tag" across calls you get so that you can work your way towards the company/office/role you want

f) Leave a strong impression - i.e. don't ask "basic questions". Rather, demonstrate your ability/intelligence by 

asking smart questions, carrying a natural conversation, showing genuine interest, etc.

We're literally just covering the surface now. I highly recommend my Applications Course, which dives into all things networking, referrals, firm targeting, outreach and application strategy.

I'd also use my Application Tracker as you build out a broader MBB/T2 pipeline rather than waiting for one Dubai cycle.

Hi there,

With 4.5 years of experience + an MBA, you would be approaching these firms as an experienced hire.

From there, I would separate three possible routes:

• a digital / tech-focused path, such as BCG X or McKinsey Digital;
• joining the core consulting business as a generalist experienced hire;
• joining the core consulting business with a more specialist positioning, for example around a specific sector or functional area.

Your Product / AI background can support any of the three. It does not mean you need to move into a digital-only track if what you really want is core strategy consulting. If positioned correctly, it can actually become a strong differentiator rather than a constraint.

If your target is the second or third route, I would focus on a few things:

• Decide your positioning firm by firm before applying. Some firms may respond better to a broad generalist story, while others may see more value in a specialised angle. Do the research first, understand what each office is hiring for and then tailor the application accordingly.
• Use the startup experience as a positive part of the story. You were approached for an attractive AI Product opportunity and made a deliberate decision around it. I would make sure the experience strengthens your profile rather than allowing the fact that it ultimately did not continue to dominate the narrative.
• Leverage your Product / AI background as an additional strength. It gives you credibility around technology, transformation and product-led businesses, even if you are applying for a broader consulting role.
• Use the alumni network aggressively. Coming from IE / ESADE / IESE gives you access to a very strong network across the Middle East, Spain and other European offices. Speak with alumni in your target offices to understand current hiring, how your profile would be positioned internally and whether a generalist or specialist route makes more sense before applying.
• Be interview-ready before activating the process heavily. Experienced-hire recruiting can move unpredictably, so once you start networking and applying, you want to be ready if an interview comes quickly.

The key is to choose the route first, validate it with people inside the target firms, and then tailor both the application and the interview preparation around that positioning.

Best,
Carlos

Hey there :)

I’d definitely still apply. Your 4.5 years of Product experience plus a strong MBA is a credible profile for MBB and T2, especially if you can position the Product work around strategy, ownership, analytics and measurable impact. I also wouldn’t worry too much about the short startup stint. Explain it simply as a role that ultimately could not proceed due to visa constraints and move on.

Since Dubai is closed for this cycle, I’d look at other offices where your profile and work authorization make sense, while continuing to build relationships with Dubai recruiters and consultants for the next cycle. A referral can help, but I’d focus first on getting your CV and positioning very sharp.

If you want, feel free to reach out and I can also have a look at how you’re positioning the MBA and Product experience.

Best, Alessa :)

Hi there,

I wouldn't view this as a major setback. You still have 4.5 years of Product experience, an MBA from a top business school, and a strong AI story, all of which are attractive profiles for consulting firms.

Given the timing, you could absolutely target MBB/T2 as an experienced hire rather than waiting for MBA recruiting cycles. I'd lean into your AI and Product background, which is currently in high demand. For example, at BCG, teams such as TDA (Tech & Digital Advantage) or BCG X could be particularly relevant.

I'd also recommend networking proactively. The Middle East offices have a large number of MBA alumni, so reach out to them to understand the current hiring situation, upcoming recruiting needs, and office-specific dynamics. If the conversations go well, referrals can significantly help get your profile noticed.

Finally, don't limit yourself to Dubai. If your goal is to break into consulting, consider applying across multiple offices where experienced-hire recruiting remains active, then explore transferring back to the Middle East later if that's your preferred long-term location.

Hmm, I'm sorry to hear that. That sounds frustrating. 

There are lots of things to discuss. You might want to consider having a session to discussion your application strategy. 

To begin with, I'd try to create visibility on what firms are currently hiring at the moment and what offices it would make sense to target considering your background. 

Sharing here a guide that might help you think through the process, but if you have any specific questions feel free to drop me a line:

• • Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian