Scaling from an analyst role in Nigeria to a tier 1 or 2 consulting company in Europe or other parts of the world.

Question

Good day,

I am from Nigeria and I would like get your opinion on what to do. For the last two years it has been my number one career goal to work for a management consulting company hence me working as an analyst at an asset management company here in Nigeria. Nevertheless, i wish to practice management consulting in Europe or North America. This is because from my research i would have a wider range of cases to work on that cuts across many industries. With the obvious challenge of moving from a non-management consulting role in Nigeria to a consulting role in these continents, and coupled with the disruptions due to the COVID-19 on these management consulting companies, i would like to get your opinion on how I should go about securing a position with an MBB in these continent. I am also open to suggestions for securing internship positions with tier 2 consulting companies as a start.

I look forward to your response and advise.

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, you have an admirable ambition and goal and not only do I wish you all the best in achieving it but, with hard work and perseverence you absolutely can!

My recommendation would be to consider 1) Entering a tier 1 or 2 in Nigeria first, and then getting transered to Europe later or 2) Entering a tier 2 or lower in Europe and then rising up to tier 1 later.

It's less direct but it's more manageabe :)

I also recommend you always remember the following to boost your chances:

Network intensively (make connections as and when you can)
Continue building your resume for experience/expertise, and to show continued growth/progress and responsibilities
Continue building concrete evidence of your ties to Europe (through academies, projects, study abroad experiences, etc.)

Answer 2

To add to Ian's answer - it is not easy to go to Europe directly without

1. Studying there and therefore being part of the recruiting cycle

2. Establishing a meaningful connection to the country (e.g., family is based there)

I would highly encourage you to start in Nigeria and then look for a transfer or alternatively to study in the country you want to work in and then join a firm after that.

Best,

Udayan

Answer 3

Hello!

I admire this planning!

Bad news is it´s really hard to be recruited from Africa to Europe, for isntance, without having previous background/bonds/etc. there.

However, another way might be recruiting in consulting in Nigeria and doing a transfer afterwards. This is much more feasiable.

On top, they finance business school, which is another way to acceess Europe and USA.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi there,

Feel free to send me your CV so that I can understand better your background and give you a more detailed answer.

Best,
Luca

Answer 5

Hi there,

I recommend you do such steps:

Work experience in Tier 1 in Nigeria
Study at the university in Europe
Build network opportunities
Upgrade CV and CL
Take an internship in Europe
Apply for a consultant position in Tier 2 and Tier 1

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB