“Is a pivot into MBB Middle East still realistic at 33 with 9 years in energy investments?”

Question

Hi all,

I’d really appreciate your honest perspective on my MBA and post-MBA consulting plan.

By the time I apply in 2026, I’ll have around 8 years of professional experience, and when I enroll in 2027, it’ll be about 9 years total. I currently work at an investment fund focused on energy transition and infrastructure, covering areas such as renewables, EV, and decarbonization projects.

My goal is to use the MBA to pivot internationally — ideally joining MBB in the Middle East (Dubai or Riyadh), given my sector background and the region’s strong focus on energy transition. I understand that at 33 and with 9 years of experience, I’ll be on the senior end of the intake curve, so I want to validate how realistic this path is.

My specific questions:

How do MBB firms view candidates with around 9 years of pre-MBA experience (aged 33 at graduation)?
Would I still receive structured consulting training similar to younger associates?
With my background in energy and investments, would MBB MENA consider me for a consultant-level role, or should I aim for a different entry point?
Are there other post-MBA paths (e.g., Strategy&, infrastructure PE, venture builders, or similar strategy roles) that make sense for someone at my experience level?

I’m aware this is a relatively late pivot, but I want to approach it strategically and understand how to position myself for the best outcome.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Your plan is realistic, and your profile actually aligns very well with what MBB firms in the Middle East are currently looking for. The region is heavily focused on energy transition, infrastructure, and sustainability, so your investment and sector experience would stand out.

At 33 with around nine years of experience, you would be on the senior side of the post-MBA cohort, but that is not a dealbreaker. MBB offices in the Middle East regularly hire candidates in their early to mid-30s, especially those bringing deep industry expertise. The key is how you frame your story: not as a late pivot, but as a move from investor and sector expert to strategic advisor helping governments and corporations navigate energy transition challenges.

You would still receive the full consulting training, though the expectations would be higher. Firms might place you as an Associate or Consultant initially, with a faster path to Engagement Manager given your experience. Alternatively, you could be considered for a specialist or expert consultant track if you want to leverage your energy background more directly.

If, after the MBA, you find that MBB is not the perfect fit, there are excellent alternatives in the region: Strategy&, large infrastructure or sovereign wealth funds, and internal strategy or venture-building units linked to major energy players.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Hi there,

Firstly, love your plan, sounds like an exciting path forward.

Here are my reflections on your questions:

1. The MBBs generally focus a bit more on hiring fresh graduates with limited work experience for generalist roles, and train them in internal training programs. However, the MBBs actually really like candidates that have 4-10 years of experience, as long as that experience is within some specific area of expertise! Your case is ideal here - you are someone with real & valuable experience within a complex sector - someone MBB would love to hire into an Expert Consulting role

2. Yes, you would still receive structured consulting training. I cannot speak in detail about Bain and BCG, but at McKinsey you would actually receive more training than other generalist entrants, because the firm wants to help ensure that you transition successfully.

3. MBB would either consider you for Senior Associate or Engagement Manager/Team Lead (not Junior Associate). The general rule of thumb at MBB is that 4 years of valuable industry experience is needed per role advancement in MBB. So in your case, you would definitely have the opportunity to try to join a firm at the Manager level.

4. Yes, there are lots of other opportunities that could make sense - you listed some of them yourself. What matters most is that you identify what it is that you want, and why you want it. What will truly motivate and energize you? Go for what you want!

PS: Main point - you are not too late to pivot into consulting at all. Your experience level and timing is actually quite ideal for targeting the Expert Consulting Track at one of the MBBs. Go for it, if it's what you want! :)

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,
Thor

Answer 3

Hi there,

In short, you have a strong profile that would make you an asset for a consulting firm, especially because of your deep industry experience. There's no reason to doubt whether you have a chance.

You would most likely join at the Associate or Manager level and go through the same training as the other firm members.

Regarding the specific role you should join, I would recommend you discuss this directly with the recruiter from the office you're targeting. They should inform you whether, aside from generalist roles, they are also recruiting for specialist/practice roles where you would be an asset with your industry experience.

Here's a guide that explains how to approach the application process step by step:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

About 1/3 of my candidates are ME based, so if you have any specific questions, feel free to drop me a line.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

Hey there :)

It’s definitely still realistic. MBB MENA regularly hires post-MBA consultants in their early to mid-30s, especially when they bring deep sector expertise like yours in energy and infrastructure. You’d still receive full training and integration, though your progression might be faster than younger peers. Given your background, you’d be a strong fit for consultant or even senior consultant level. If you want alternatives, Strategy&, infrastructure PE funds, or sovereign-backed investment entities in the Gulf could also be excellent options.

best, Alessa :)