Office transfer from Bain Milan to Dubai

Hi there, 

I would try both, starting with the internal transfer. 

There is a high variability between offices in terms of how easy it is to transfer within firms. In some geographies (and especially if the office is large and language is not an issue), it's literally just a matter of paperwork and a couple of calls with HR and the office head. In others, it's a lot more complicated, requiring that you have both a push (current office is supporting the transfer) and an even stronger pull (a Partner from your desired office wants you there for a specific reason).

The short timeline makes it even more complicated. It's not impossible to get transferred after your first year, but it's rather unusual. Usually people do it after at least two years, and by then they have a clear value proposition and a good network of people in the target office to go the pull. 

So what I would advise is the following:

• Trigger the process internally, figuring out what are the requirements and timelines. Ask around your colleagues to see whether they know other people who did it and then connect with them to understand how. 
• Identify Partners in your target office and try to get staffed with them. This will make the transfer significantly easier because once they know they will support your application. 
• Give this entire process a couple of months and if there is no hope in sight and you're getting a lot of pushback, start applying at other firms in your target geography. 

Best of luck! This is not easy, but it's also not impossible.

Cristian

Hi there - 

To hedge your bets, definitely apply to BCG and Mck. I would also recommend applying to S&, they have a very strong presence in the region and I believe are the pay master in the region as well. (this could be wrong) 

With regards to Bain. I have seen offers being shifted to other regions. Even more so when there is a possibility to lose the candidate to a competitor and there is a strong need of talent in Dubai. So, start the conversation, explain your circumstances and see what HR says. 

I am currently at Bain London. Feel free to reach out via DM, I am happy to help if I can be useful. 

Getting a transfer is easier that getting an offer…

You have a good reason to want to move. They may not want to transfer you immediately, but what you need is a plan they commit to. I would bring up the topic some 3 months before your target move date.

If they are not open to the transfer, then of course apply to the competitors.

Hello!

Congratulazioni! Also Milan is such a wonderful city to live in, I miss it. 

Your best shot is to start in Bain Dubai and then change. Also this one is riskless. After 1 year, you can either transfer or do some projects there, which would be even easier. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Both.

Ask for a transfer and simultaneously apply to McK+BCG (ideally with a referral).

Whether they accept the transfer or not is truly going to be very situational (their office demand, Dubai's demand, their relationship, how you communicate your ask, etc.)