EMBA Bocconi Opinion

Usually full time MBAs are better as consulting firms go to campus and have specific processes for those MBA students. 

But... this doesn't mean that they don't want to talk to you... just means that less EMBAs target them as a potential employer. 

Honestly, I would reach out to your career services to ask for some advice, as they may comfortable in including you in the regular MBA recruiting activities (or have other ways to support you).

To conclude, yes, you should be able to pursue MBB opportunities just like any other Bocconi MBA student, and there may be a chance for you to be integrated in the full time MBA student processes / networking / trainings / meetings.

Hello there,

You should apply for the same full-MBA positions. That would the equivalent of Associate at McKinsey, for instance. Since you won’t have the opportunity to do the internships, you’ll probably have to network more and get a referral from your target companies. That can be done with current alumni from Bocconi for instance, who can be found on LinkedIn or referred by the school.

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

Q: I would appreciate your insights on whether this EMBA at Bocconi would add value in pursuing opportunities at MBB firms in the Middle East.

You can get a data-driven answer as follows:

1. Go to LinkedIn
2. Add Bocconi as "School". If possible, filter by EMBA
3. Filter by target region
4. Filter by each MBB/target company as “Current company” for your target geography

If you find a significant number of EMBA Bocconi with a background similar to yours, it means it could be a good option.

If you are unsure what constitutes a good number, you can use a school you are confident is a target as a benchmark.

Below, you can find an example for Harvard and McKinsey:

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

In your case, a lot would depend on strong networking in the region to push your applications since your profile is a bit "non-standard" for what the usually look for (even with the EMBA).

I'd try to find people with a similar background (founders, hospitality, Bocconi, other universities you attended) at MBB in the Middle East via LinkedIn and reach out to start discussions.

As a position, you would usually enter as an ASC (one above the entry-level).

Cheers,

Florian

Hey there ?,

Congrats on starting your EMBA at Bocconi—it’s a well-respected school, especially in Europe and increasingly recognized in the Middle East, including Dubai. Whether it helps you break into MBB depends on how you position your background and a few strategic moves.

? Will Bocconi EMBA Add Value for MBB in Dubai?

✅ Yes, it can add credibility, especially if paired with your entrepreneurial and finance background. MBB in Dubai often looks for diverse profiles, and they appreciate candidates with real business experience and regional interest.
✅ That said, EMBAs are not as standard a recruiting funnel as full-time MBAs. So you'll likely need to network more intentionally and perhaps target experienced hire tracks (not campus recruiting).

? What Roles Can You Realistically Target?

Given your 6 years of experience, including corporate finance and entrepreneurship, you could be a fit for:
– Senior Business Analyst / Associate at MBB (depending on the firm and fit)
– Consultant / Senior Associate at Tier 2 firms (Oliver Wyman, Kearney, Strategy&, Roland Berger)
– Post-MBA roles in in-house strategy or VC/PE portfolio ops, if you want to explore outside of pure consulting

If you make a strong case for your entrepreneurial impact, team leadership, and analytical thinking, you might be able to skip entry-level positions.

✅ To Strengthen Your Application

– Leverage networking during your EMBA—use every speaker session, alumni channel, and class project to get visibility with MBB consultants
– Focus on building a strong consulting-style CV and preparing well for cases + personal fit
– Consider Dubai-focused projects or internships during your EMBA, if possible

Let me know if you’d like help building your strategy or working on your materials—I’m happy to support ?

Best, Alessa ?