MBB Singapore/Dubai Exit opportunities

Hi there,

Honestly, if you had said anything after "Does working at MBB lead to xxx" I would have said yes!

So, yes, honestly, you can truly chart your own course at MBB. Moreso, the course you'd like to take is quite common from MBB (corporate executive).

In order to get to this position you desire, make sure to do the following while at MBB:

1)  Create a strong name/brand for yourself and rise up the ranks

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-hard-is-it-to-excel-in-top-consulting-firms-6762

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-become-an-engagement-manager-and-partner-quickly-6722

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-build-up-confidence-and-look-smart-and-sharp-in-a-consultant-role-6955

2)  Become affiliated with Pharma + Consumer Goods

Target Pharma + CPG projects. Participate in the industry-specific events. Build up your knowledge base + resume to show that you really operate and understand this area

3) Network effectively (within and without)

Within MBB, make sure you know the right people (Principals, Partners) in these practices. They will ultimately connect you with your future job!

During projects, establish a strong reputation with the clients and stay connected with them afterwards. When the time is right, you'll be able to leverage those relationships to see if you can join their firms at a senior level.

Good luck!

Hi there,

Working in an MBB would definitely open doors for you, but you will have to create your own path to land and offer from your target company. For this, I would advise you to do the following:

1. Network with Partners, Principals, Associate Directors who work with clients on these industries
2. Get staffed as much as possible in projects on those industries (even outside of your region, ask for a Cross-Office Staffing to build expertise)
3. Try to work on internal projects to contribute to publications, reasearches on those topics
4. Manifest your interest in those topics publicly (share on LinkedIn articles your firms published on those topics, etc.)

I hope this helps!

Mehdi

Hi,

It will be almost impossible to get the executive (CEO-1) roles from consulting in Developed markets. It's still possible in developing. Several things to consider:

• Do you have the right background? In industries like pharma you also need the medical background for an executive role. In CPG you need marketing. Consulting is not enough
• Is there a market? There might be regional offices in Singapore. For CPG - there might be regional HQs in SG and Dubai. 

So the more realistinc scenario is getting the lower role - Head of PMO, Head of Transformation, etc.

Best

It could, if your profile makes sense for that. E.g. focusing on these sectors as a consultant, getting to the right tenure within consulting (associate partner or partner), building your network to PE funds that focus on this. Then you could end up in a executive position in e.g. a portfolio company or small/mid-size company.

Yes - 100%.

Note however that it also depends on the type of role. You will definitely be able to leverage MBB for roles that leverage your skills. For example Corporate Strategy roles. However you usually cannot leverage it for roles that require you to have prior experience in other fields - for example it is unlikely you will be a brand manager in a consumer goods company after MBB if you do not have directly relevant work experience for it

Best,

Udayan

Hi,

Will share a perspective from Singapore - having lived/worked there and seen/looked for exits.

• Consumer goods: many CPG players have their regional (either SEA or APAC) HQ in Singapore. However most of the time you will exit directly into Strategy/Supply Chain teams and rarely will you go into Brand directly
• Pharma: Pharma is not big in Singapore. Yes there are some players here but most of the big manufacturing is outside of SG, and in addition the HQs are normally in Japan for the bigger PharmaCos

Generally, you would not jump into a CEO-1 role even in a developing country for MNCs.

Dear A,

Of course you have to make your own career path, but in developing countries you can faster progression to executive positions. 

In my life I've made fast track promotion up to the manager for 2 years, if you need any help, ticks or recommendations, feel free to reach me out. 

Best,
André

By executive postion, do you mean CEO-1? Depending on the size of the corporate you are talking about, and what level you exit consulting. If you want to be CEO-1 for a sizable/global company directly after consulting, likely you need to exit at Partner level. But if you are okay to work your way up in the corporate, sure you can exit earlier.