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BCG & KEARNEY MIDDLE EAST

2nd round ATKearney A.T. Kearney BCG BCG middle east Middle East MiddleEast
New answer on Jul 25, 2020
5 Answers
3.8 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 23, 2020

Hello PrepLounge community,

Thanks in advance for taking the time and answering my two question!

Q1) Second round of interviews at KEARNEY Middle East: how are Interviews with partners and principals for an entry-level position in the middle east different from the first round interviews where its the usual case and FIT interview. Also, are there qualitative aspects to focus on, such as, the COVID-19 impact on the region ?

Q2) BCG and Kearney Offers: Between these two firms in the middle east, which offer is more attractive for an entry-level position in terms of learning, prestige, and exit opportunities ?

(edited)

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Sidi
Expert
replied on Jul 23, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

1. No structural differences! They will first and formemost check for consistency in your strengths, and ability to address any potential weaknesses (if you received such feedback after round 1). THe interviews will be practically identical.

2. BCG hands down. No question.

Cheers, Sidi

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 24, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q1) The structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.

Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:

  1. spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
  2. check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
  3. may not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company

So in order to prepare I would concentrate on:

  • Review in detail your fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
  • Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
  • Prepare cases as you did for the first round. More market sizing practice may be useful to think outside the box if you get unusual questions.

I helped a few people for Kearney Dubai (including finals) and have 15+ real questions asked there, please feel free to PM me if needed.

Q2) BCG is definitely better in terms of prestige and exit opportunities.

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous replied on Jul 24, 2020

Dear A,

Q1) ATKearney Dubai has the following process:

First, some candidates are introduced to pre-call, which is the short introdusction call for 10-15 min to speak about your motivation and CV (I think this you have already passed)

Then there are several rounds of interviews, depending on the candidate it might be 3-4 sometimes even 5 interviews, if there some doubts. In every case interview specific aspects are tested, so you have personal fit, where you might be asked about intellectual curiousity, teamwork, leadership and all this kind of staff as well as you have a case. Cases might be different either market-sizing or operations cases in different interview rounds.

Interview becomes harder from round to round. First starting with managers, then principals, then partners. And there is kick-off system: you actually need to pass the interview in order to get to the next level.

I have many friends working with ATKearney Dubai and already helped candidates to get there.

Q2) The companies like Kearney (former A. T. Kearney), Roland Berger, BCG, Strategy & (former Booz), Oliver Wymann, Bain and McKinsey have faced unpresented growth in the region and are hungry searching for the very high number of top candidates across hierchies.

Your exit option pretty much depends on 3 factors:

  1. your previous experience
  2. opportunistic options coming from headhunters
  3. your private preferences in terms of location

If you need any help, drop me a line directly.

Best,

André

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Linlin on Mar 12, 2022

Hi, I am interested in the real case in Kearney ME, how can i contact you?

Jamie replied on Jul 23, 2020
Former Tier 2, now MBB in Dubai. Here to chill :)

Hi there,

Giving my input as current BCG consultant in the Dubai office.

Q1) Pretty much the same. Potentially more senior interviewers in the second round but structure will be the same.

Q2) No question BCG is more attractive. Prestige has no comparison, BCG is the strongest firm in the entire region, biggest projects, best connections, you name it. With prestige and connections also comes better exit opportunities. BCG Dubai has a career services that will be a big help when you want to exit the firm. Compensation wise BCG has a better package too but will not be a differential factor.

Good luck!

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4
Anonymous B on Jul 29, 2020

Hey Jamie, I have heard Strategy& is right there up with BCG and Mckinsey. Is that true? Just a bit concerned about the exit ops.

Jamie on Jul 29, 2020

Hey there, this was true a few years ago. Strategy& used to be the biggest consulting firm in the region but after being acquired by PwC almost all the leadership left the company for BCG et al. I would say they are still strong but not on the same level. Also, they dont have such a strong brand in other parts of the world so exit ops will be limited. BCG is definitely a better option. I actually got an offer from Strategy& as well but their contract was total BS lol

Anonymous on Jul 29, 2020

ah okay! BS in what sense, If I may ask.

Jamie on Jul 29, 2020

position and compensation. my BCG salary was about 50% higher.

Anonymous on Jul 29, 2020

Right! I think PhDs at S& join at a Level 3 Associate position rather than the Senior Associate position. Kind of unfair imo

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 25, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Sounds like you have some interesting prospects in the Middle East - well done!

Q1: Really no major difference. Partners may be a bit more "brainstorming" focused, but that's about it. I would worry far less about this difference and focus much more on other areas you can improve on.

I do highly recommend you feel comfortable with COVID-19 impacts. To practice, here are a few cases for you!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/brain-teaser/beginner/coronavirus-times-covid-19-brainteaser-194

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/covid-19-impact-on-heathrow-airport-197

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-airline-business-during-covid-19-191

Q2: BCG without question across all 3 (and more) criteria

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