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Transitioning to London through networking (MBB)

Hello everyone. I'd like to apologise in advance as I'm sure this question is obnoxiously redundant and vague, but I would really appreciate any advice.
I've been working at an MBB firm for 15 months now in Dubai. My experience has been nothing but pleasent, but I lean more into working on private-sector projects.

I'd like to know if it is possible to transition to the London office through networking. Would it require me to downgrade to tier-2 if I want to move? (which is totally fine by me btw)

Thanks in advance.

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Top answer
on Mar 25, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

For sure it is possible, also within MBB. It may not be easy though given how competitive London is.

To maximize your chances you should ideally:

  • Have one or more partners in London favoring the transfer
  • Have one or more partners in Dubai favoring the transfer
  • Have a strong performance
  • Have or be able to get working rights in the UK

Best,

Francesco

Udayan
Coach
on Mar 25, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Are you a British citizen? Or maybe did you go to a top UK/US university? It is always possible to transfer via networking. London however is one of the top 3 choices for office transfers so alongside networking you need to be a really strong performer and have demonstrable ties to the region. If your company has a 3rd year analyst rotation program, that might be one way to try and transfer to London.

Udayan

Clara
Coach
on Mar 25, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

No need to apologize! This is a totally legitimate question :) 

You can indeed think of a transfer already, since you have been in ME for over a year. You don´t need to "downgrade", but look for an opportunity in your same level. 

The most important thing here -experience speaking for internal company transfer- is to gain/have the support from the destination office. Once you have that, the process if very fluid

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Ian
Coach
on Mar 25, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I've transfered a few times within companies and have the following advice:

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - how long have you tried for? This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

Bide your time, keep pushing, be smart, and you'll get there!

Gaurav
Coach
on Mar 26, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hello there!

Taking into consideration your working experience in Dubai, you definitely can do it. But, as the colleagues mentioned, it is an extremely difficult process. You need some insights from the London office and then you also need some connections there to increase your chances. 

Good luck!
GB

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