Breaking into consulting in the Middle East with your current profile and limited work experience is possible but may require a strategic approach. Here are some steps you can take to maximize your profile and increase your chances of securing an internship in the consulting industry:

Networking: Networking is crucial in consulting. Start by reaching out to alumni from your school who are working in consulting firms in the Middle East. Join professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the industry. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to referrals and valuable insights.

Referrals: Referrals can be highly beneficial at the internship stage. A referral from someone within a consulting firm can help your application stand out. To secure referrals, you can:

• Build relationships with professionals in the industry and express your interest in joining their firm.
• Leverage your existing network, including alumni, professors, and peers, to identify potential connections.
• Request informational interviews to learn more about their experiences and the firm's culture, which can naturally lead to referrals if they see you as a good fit.

Case Competitions: Highlight your achievements in case competitions on your resume and in your cover letter. Winning national and international case competitions demonstrates problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure – all qualities valued in consulting.

Internship Experience: While you may not have extensive work experience, emphasize the skills and knowledge gained from your management internships. Highlight any relevant responsibilities and achievements that demonstrate your ability to contribute to consulting projects.

Strong Resume and Cover Letter: Craft a compelling resume and cover letter that showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for consulting. Tailor your application materials to each firm and position you apply for to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit.

Industry Research: Stay informed about the consulting industry in the Middle East. Understand the specific challenges and opportunities in the region and be prepared to discuss how your background and skills align with the needs of the firms there.

Interview Preparation: If you secure interviews, thorough preparation is essential. Practice case interviews extensively, and be ready to discuss your experiences and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Seek guidance from career services, mentors, or peers for mock interviews.

Cultural Sensitivity: Given the diverse nature of the Middle East, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the region's dynamics in your interactions and interviews.

Persistence: The consulting application process can be competitive, so be prepared for potential rejections and continue applying to multiple firms. Learn from each interview experience and continuously improve your interview skills.

Overall, a combination of networking, leveraging your case competition successes, and effectively communicating your skills and passion for consulting can help you maximize your profile and secure an internship in the Middle East. Remember that building relationships and seeking referrals can be especially valuable in this process.

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• First of all, considering you have a Master's degree from ESCP Business School and have won case competitions, your profile may still be quite strong. However, I would advise you to get more local experience or at least demonstrate understanding of the local business culture. This will show your commitment and suitability for consulting roles in the region.
• Moreover, referrals can be tremendously helpful, even for internships. Given your academic background, you can connect with alumni who are currently working in your target consulting firms and offices in the Middle East. After connecting with them via LinkedIn or your school's alumni database, ask for a virtual coffee chat.
• Lastly, since you don't have extensive work experience, I would advise you to focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, leadership, and aptitude for consulting during networking and interviews. The case competitions you won could serve as excellent talking points.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there!

You seem to have a cool profile.

A few things that I'd do if I were you:

1. Leverage ESCP. They can help with many things like educating you about the application process, developing an okish CV, even connecting you with alumni for referrals. 

2. Network. Basically, find people in your target firms at a similar seniority as the one that you're applying for. Here's how to do it:

• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn? 
• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

3. Apply broadly and have an application strategy. You can use the following guide as a starting point:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Last but not least, yes, referrals can also help at the intership stage when you're applying in competitive markets.

Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Hi there,

Here's some reading to help: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

You need to:

1. Try to get experiential learning programs on your resume (Impact Consulting, Highbridge, 180 Consulting, etc.)
2. Make your resume as strong as possible with a coach review
3. Make your cover letter as strong as possible with a coach review
4. 100% aim for referrals and network extensively (get coaching to learn how to do this effectively)

FYI effective networking is very important