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Who can I expect a referral from?

Hi everyone. I've been told many times that referral is the most important thing in MBB middle east recruitment. This statement is understandable, but it's really vague. Who exactly should I expect a referral from? Associates (entry-level) or senior level employees, or either? 

I'm trying to choose between 2 masters programs, both are ranked very well. One school has a bigger network, but comprised of mostly senior level employees. 

Thank you everyone in advance.

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Top answer
Vlad
Coach
on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

The short answer - anyone can give a referral:

  • Entry-level consultants
  • Senior levels consultants
  • MBA classmates ex-consultants (if you have on-campus recruiters)

Best

on Jan 13, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Any consultant can refer you within the company, however a referral from a senior employee brings more weight. The strongest referral will come from a Partner or Director.

Hope this helps,
Francesco

Gaurav
Coach
on Jan 13, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

anyone can refer you, the higher the position of the person, the more value the referral has. 

Cheers, 

GB

Ian
Coach
on Jan 13, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Anyone currently at the company can refer you! It doesn't matter (too much) what exact level they are).

My general networking tips are as follows:

a) Reach out to people in your network

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 historically underrepresented demographic i.e. gender, orientation, ethnicity, etc., 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) Never directly ask for a referral, but "hint" at needing one (this is nuanced and important...happy to talk through wording)

Clara
Coach
on Jan 14, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I disagree, they are for sure not the only way in. However, they are a good one. 

In short, all employees, even analysts, can refer you, and it weights equally. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

on Jan 18, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

Managers and Partners should be your target for a referral if you're going to attend those master programs.

Good luck,

Antonello

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