Best MiM program for MBB (UAE, EU, Asia)

Question

Hello everyone,

I'm currently a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Economics with a minor in Neuroscience at Erasmus University College in Rotterdam (NL). I'm looking to break into MBB with a particular interest in their offices in Switzerland and the Middle East. Although I am open to other options just these seem like the most fitting/plausible as they are still hiring quite a bit (unlike UK) plus I only speak English Lithuanian and Russian.

So far my GPA is solid but not outstanding. What I do have going for me is my work experience. I started a 6 month internship at a small local consulting firm (we work with big international clients tho) and I work there till now after receiving an offer (total work time 1 year). I am currently a project leader for a phrama project we have as well as closely working with Military and Defense projects, as well as helping oversee and train 2 interns.

Given that I'm not from a target school incase I do not get into MBB after Bachelors, I'm considering pursuing a Master in Management.

My questions are:

Is pursuing a MiM the most effective strategy to enhance my chances with MBB?
Among the following MiM programs, which would best position me for a role at MBB, especially in the Swiss and Middle Eastern markets?
- University of St. Gallen – Strategy and International Management (SIM)
- ESCP – Master in Management
- LSE – Masters in Management
- HEC Paris – Master in Management
- London Business School – Masters in Management
- INSEAD – Master in Management
- ESSEC – Master in Management (International)
- RSM – MScBA Master in Management
- RSM – MSc Strategic Management
- Bocconi – MSc in International Management
- IESE – Master in Management

I would greatly appreciate any help or experiences you could share regarding my 2 questions as well as anything else I might not even think to ask!

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Thanks for the detailed overview, your early consulting exposure and leadership responsibilities already give you a strong foundation. Here's a concise response to your questions:

1. Is pursuing a MiM a good move for MBB?

Yes, a top-tier MiM is a proven pathway into MBB, especially if you're not from a traditional target undergrad. It gives you brand recognition, networking access, and often direct on-campus recruiting into MBB.

2. Best MiM programs for MBB in Switzerland & Middle East:

Here’s how top programs align with those regions:

Strong fit for both regions (Swiss + Middle East):

HEC Paris – excellent MBB placement, strong in both markets
St. Gallen (SIM) – especially strong for Swiss offices
INSEAD – well-recognized in the Middle East and among MBB
LBS – strong brand in both regions, especially for later-stage roles

Also good but slightly less region-focused:

LSE, ESCP, ESSEC, Bocconi – solid programs with MBB access, but placement is more EU-focused
RSM, IESE – respected but generally more regional in placement (NL, Spain)

Other Tips:

Focus on MBB pre-Master internships if possible; some MBB offices hire interns in Year 3
Strengthen your story around leadership, analytical thinking, and international mindset
For the Middle East, express clear regional motivation and ideally get relevant exposure (e.g. project, travel, language interest)

You're already on a great track. Let me know if you'd like help framing your story or choosing between specific programs.

Answer 2

Honestly, having worked with candidates from virtually all of the programs you listed, I can confirm they are all more than decent and a platform to get a job in consulting.

What will make a big difference is not as much the program, but what you will do while you're there and what sort of application strategy you develop to get into consulting.

You might find these two resources useful:

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

From an Asia POV, it's only INSEAD. But take note that the bulk of the hiring comes from the MBA program.

Answer 4

Yes, an MiM in one of those schools is likely to be a plus.

In any case, please apply to MBB anyway, you may be invited to interview even without the MiM.

All of those schools are good brand names, however some of them are not the best platforms to get a job in your target regions. I suggest you perform a LinkedIn search to figure out how many of people coming from each of those schools are working at your target companies and regions.