Have multiple MBB offers, not sure how to decide (Bain Middle East and McKinsey Pakistan)

Hi!

Given your description you have a couple of options:

A. Join Bain in Dubai

B. Join McK in Karachi

C. Try to join McK in Dubai

Since you don't feel comfortable with working in Pakistan, are concerned about the compensation and miss the personal click, it is a no-brainer that option A dominates option B. The question is whether McKinsey in Dubai would be a better fit for you (compared to Karachi)? Compensation wise for sure, but what a bout the people?

• If you still see a better fir with Bain, even if you compare the Dubai offices, then go for option A!
• If it is not the case, then you have nothing to lose by being open with McKinsey and tell them that you have decided to start in Dubai and that you have another offer there. Just ask whether starting in Dubai would be an option. If yes, great. If not, go for Option A.

Cheers, Sidi

(editiert)

Hey A,

First of all my congratulations to both offers – really well done!

Let me share my story.

I am born Ukrainian and started my consulting career with an internship in Kyiv in 2010. After my studies in Ukraine and Germany I applied to several consulting companies, got multiple offers including MBB and decided to go for RB in Munich HQ and later on Dubai.

Over the past years I used to work and live in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, Far East and Middle East where I spent roughly two years.

So first of all don’t listen to us, but listen to your gut feeling!!!

If it says, you need to join Bain Dubai (due to 3 reasons: better cultural fit & existing network, international exposure and absolutely great tax free compensation) then simply go for it!

You will be more successful at Bain Dubai than at McKinsey Pakistan if that’s the right choice for you?

If you need any help, I am happy to share my experience since I have a partner at Bain Dubai.

Good luck,

André

I have a bias towards McKinsey, however I do see your point. Culture is very important and if you feel like you fit in better with Bain then you should go for it.

One thing to keep in mind is that McKinsey is very good at trasnfering you internationally after 2 years. However prioritize fit - you will enjoy your experience where you fit in best

Hi there,

first of all congratulations on your offers!

Bain in the Middle East is not particularly strong, however in terms of plus and minus you considered, Bain seems the best choice vs McK Karachi:

+

• Higher compensation
• International location
• Cultural fit

-

• Lower brand recognition (although Bain still has a strong brand as Tier 1)

McKinsey Dubai could be an interesting option (although they may ask to do additional rounds if you ask to move there). If it is possible to move, you should check if there is a cultural fit, and make a decision based on that versus Bain Dubai.

Since the average tenure of consultants is 3 years, you may also want to consider which are the usual exit opportunities for the various options you have (you may check on LinkedIn) and see which one fits better your long-term goals.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

(editiert)

Hello!

I would personally prioritize the location and go for Dubai, that is a totally privilaged hub.

Furthermore, in you post you yourself mention a + for Bain (you have a community already, which helps, and you feel a bigger fit) and a - for Pakistan (that is very localized).

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi! Definitely try to convince McKinsey to give you an offer from Dubai. Just tell them openly that you have a Bain offer from there and you prefer the location. I think they can definitely do something. If not, I would go for Dubai anyway.

Hope this helps!

Best,

Daniel

Hi Congrats! Bain Dubai is the best option also in my opinion :)

Best,
Antonello

Hi Anonymous,

Based on your description the decision looks rather straigt-forward to me as an external party.

Let's start with the seemingly simplest option frist: If you can convince McKinsey to give you an offer for Dubai, then this is the way to go.

If this won't be possible, my advice would be Bain/Dubai.

Robert