BCG Europe to McKinsey Dubai

BCG dubai McKinsey
New answer on Dec 27, 2020
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Dec 24, 2020

Hi all

I am a junior BCG consultant in Europe planning to make a move for McKinsey Dubai. I'm a native Arabic speaker and have worked at multiple F50 compaies prior to BCG.

1- Should I simply send an aplication to McKinsey, or try recruitment firms (Consulting Point,.. etc), or approach people at Dubai office on LinkedIn to network before? What strategy is best?

2- What compensation package should I expect vs. other companies e.g Kearney, S&, BCG?

3- When is a good time to start the process if I'm planning for a start date in Fall 2021?

All your insights are very welcome and appreciated. Thank you

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Ian
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updated an answer on Dec 26, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

1. I highly highly recommend you network before. Your best bet is both your existing network and linkedIn. In terms of what you should do, follow the following steps:

a) Reach out to people in your network

b) Reach out to people once removed from your network

c) Reach out to people with a similar backgorund to you (i.e. same alma mater, same historically underrepresented demographic i.e. gender, orientation, ethnicity, etc., same career switch, etc.)

d) Tailor a message to them specifically both showing interest in them and their journey and demonstrating that you have done your research and could be a valuable hire

e) Play "tag" across calls you get so that you can work your way towards the company/office/role you want

f) Never directly ask for a referral, but "hint" at needing one (this is nuanced and important...happy to talk through wording)

2. Should be on par with the rest.

3. I would start in the new year. There's really no harm in starting early and progressing steadily!

(edited)

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Francesco
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replied on Dec 25, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I guess you want to move to McK as it is impossible to do so within BCG – otherwise an internal transfer would likely be the easiest path. I replied below to your questions:

  1. The best strategy is to find a referral internally that can refer you. You can find more on that at the following link: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176
  2. I would expect the same as BCG in Dubai for a consultant role
  3. You can start networking in January – the person referring you should let you know in case it is better to postpone due to COVID

Best,

Francesco

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Gaurav
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replied on Dec 25, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

1. The better option is definitely to connect people from Dubai office beforehand, networking could be a great help, indeed.

2. The compensation package wouldn't differ much from the one at BCG Dubai, I agree with Francesco here.

3. It's a good idea to start at the beginning of the next year in order to build a strong network.

Do you have any further questions?

GB

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Clara
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replied on Dec 25, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

QQ, why not a transfer with BCG to Dubai or somewhere in the ME? Probably much easier to do, even more at this time.

In any case, to your points:

  1. Much better networking before, and super easy for you since you are in MBB already. That world is really really small and you will know plenty of people in common
  2. Very similar to BCG in the same location
  3. Asap, since you would interview somewhere in the late winter-spring and then takes a while. Furthermore, you can always negotiate

Best and happy holidays,

Clara

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Antonello
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replied on Dec 27, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

I think the other coaches have given you helpful answers already.

If you're interested in doing an MBA, please keep in mind that Dubai offices might have different policies regarding that.

Best,

Antonello

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Anonymous replied on Dec 27, 2020

Hi,

Just for consideration but probably easier to move to BCG Dubai.

As for your question:

  1. Network first as you also need to deliver a message to McKinsey why not going to BCG Dubai. It is better if someone referring you that explain that story at first
  2. Should be similar with BCG Dubai
  3. As early as possible would be my suggestion

Best,
Iman

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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