International travel in MBB

Question

I am really interested in Global Impact and International Business. I speak a couple languages and have lived in a few countries. So when I interviewed for MBBs, one of the first questions I asked was if I would be able to work internationally for some projects and across regions (even if I didn't travel). They said absolutely yes!

At least the MBB I am at, and I am in a rather small office, has never been able to offer me any of these opportunities. I have tried very hard, I've even visited 3 of my MBBs offices while traveling internationally and had so many coffee chats with international partners. But I am rather junior, and the answer is always - unless you have some expertise and thus give us a reason for cross-office staffing, there's zero chance.

What are some other roles/companies outside MBB that can offer this international insight aspect, even to junior folks?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Have you explored the internal ambassador programs within MBB (though they might be called differently)? That's usually how consultants get more international exposure.

Simply just for case - the opportunities are not that often to come by, esp if you are based in the US. Unless there is suddenly an huge shortage of resource somewhere, which is not likely the case currently.

I don't think it would be easier outside of MBB for juniors. Cost, culture fit, local language and experience would always be in the consideration...

Best,

Emily

Answer 2

hey!

Totally hear you! Many junior consultants expect global work early on, but cross-office staffing usually requires niche expertise. If you're looking for more international exposure soon, consider global leadership programs at firms like Unilever or Siemens, development orgs like the World Bank or Dalberg, or remote-first startups with international teams. These often give you that global angle from the start. Happy to help shortlist options if you’d like!

Best, Alessa

Answer 3

Hi there,

I agree with Emily, specially under the current economic conditions.

At McKinsey there was a program such as the one she mentioned, not sure if Bain/BCG have it too. Also, have you reached out to HR to see if there is a possibility for you to rotate to other offices even if outside such programs?

Best,

Mari

Answer 4

Hi!

Your desire to experience work in different countries is admirable! In terms of MBB - the value proposition to enable cross country work experience use to be things like talent retention, knowledge building, knowledge sharing etc. However, as the world has evolved, the need for the above has decreased especially post COVID.

To now have these opportunities, the following is most helpful

1. Becoming a global expert in a niche area (this sounds complicated but it just means focusing on an area or two of your interest, writing white papers about it and delivering results) - if you spend 2-3 years building this you will have ample opportunities to travel for work as people will be willing to pay for your expertise.

2. Working in companies that nurture cross country talent - typically these are large multinational corporations which encourage mobility. However, note that even here you will need to spend 5-7 years before this can happen. Examples here tend to be in the consumer sector (Unilever, P&G, Colgate, Pepsi Co etc.)

3. For something quicker - consider a 1 year transfer to a different office as a compromise. Most MBB firms will allow this based on your performance to date and demand for talent in the office you are applying to.

Best,

Udayan

Answer 5

Hi there!

Totally understand your frustration.

Your opportunities for international experience fall in the following buckets:

1. Project with foreign client

For example, if you are based in the US working on a project for a Brazilian client (with no strong ties to the US)

2. Project with international client (based in your home market)

For example, working for General Motors on a project in Brazil

3. Rotation programs (called Ambassador program at BCG)

As part of the Ambassador Program with BCG, you will spend ~12 months in a foreign office. Fantastic program, but tends to be competitive and somewhat restrictive in terms of who is allowed to apply (tenure + performance rating) and where you can go (e.g. some locations have language requirements)

4. Temporary office transfer

Some consultants manage to create their own rotation program through their own networking. This requires a lot of initiative, but obviously is much more flexible than the above, as it is our "own program"

Generally (2) tends to be "easiest" as in most of people's international exprience occurs through projects of that kind.

A variation of (1) that is somewhat common is that you have a client, where the senior relationship is held by a (Senior) Partner in your office (but the client is international).

I was fortunate (while based in the US) to work on projects in Australia, Germany, Italy, UK and China and was based in Hong Kong as part of the Ambassador program.

Please reach out, if you'd like to connect. I can talk you through my experience and give you more tailored advice.

Best of luck!

-Andreas