Startup to consulting

Question

Hello,

If I’m not from a target school and I have one year of experience at a tech startup as a business development and partnerships associate, do you think I have a good chance of transitioning to MBB or Tier 2 consulting firms in Riyadh? note that as of now i can't pursue an MBA.

My role involves growth and market expansion. I am commercially minded and work closely with stakeholders. I have worked across multiple sectors, including banking, telecommunications, aviation, tourism, and government, and I collaborate cross-functionally with different teams.

I’m very interested in transitioning into a strategy-focused role.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi,

It’s hard to give a clear, realistic view without seeing your full resume.

Working in a startup in business development isn't automatically a bad or a good thing. MBBs often prefer more traditional corporate profiles but in reality a lot depends on other factors too. Things like the startup’s brand, the actual impact you’ve had, and how well you show strategic exposure vs pure sales all matter quite a bit.

Happy to take a look at your CV if you want and give you more detailed feedback, free of charge.

Given your background anyway I’d focus on making your resume really clear on impact and any strategic work you’ve done, and at the same time push hard on referrals. For non-target profiles referrals can make a big difference

If you’re open to it, just send your resume over and I’ll give you a more concrete view on where you stand and what to improve.

Either way, good luck.

Regards,
Franco

Answer 2

Hello there!

Let me share my two cents:

I do think that and underappreciated pre-MBB experience is working in a startup. Especially in countries with lower level of tech expertise and young entrepreneurship (like Saudi, but also Italy - my home country), startup employees, co-founders, etc. are seen as much needed disruptive innovators
However, the question is still how to pass the first step (i.e., the Recruiter selecting your resume from the pile of resumes on their desk) -- and that is something which is honestly hard to optimize for
Since you are mentioning it, I still think that the easiest/surest way for you to get into Saudi MBB is doing an MBA (I know that the government might sponsor a part of it) in a European/US school, and then applying to Saudi offices -- I know that MENA Recruiters particularly appreciate local profiles with international education/experience

Therefore: polish your resume (get help from an MBB friend, or from a coach!) try to apply to a few consulting roles (you'll have a chance, the question is how much of a chance!), and worst case plan for an MBA -- especially if the government sponsors it

Best,

Tom