Breaking into ME consulting without consulting experience or MBA

Question

Hi everyone,

I have been exploring a career in consulting, and am particularly drawn to the ME region and particularly Dubai. Based on a couple of calls I have had so far with people in the region, it seems that there is a very strong preference for people with previous consulting experience or MBA candidates for consultant-level roles.

How hard is it to break into ME consulting without the above? Would it be a case of some serious networking?

For reference, I have 3+ years of WE and 2 MSc Degrees (Engineering & Management).

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Is it possible? Yes.

Is it realistic? Depends mainly on the following:

If you get a referral
If your previous work experience and school match the requirements for consulting
If you structure correctly your CV (plus Cover, if required)

You can find more on referrals here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

If you need additional help, please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hello! It is absolutely reasonable to consider consulting in your position, if it is something that interests you. In fact, your experience and quantitative MSc can be used as an advantage. It is difficult to assess how good of a chance you have without seeing your resume and working with you, but it is definitely possible to get a job as an experienced hire with no prior consulting experience.

Networking is definitely your best way forward. Go to company events, email partners to introduce yourself and try to schedule some calls, maybe try to talk to people in the practice closest to your industry experience. This will help you better understand what the work involves, establish some positive relationships, and hopefully earn a referral.

Answer 3

Hey! Anything is possible in consulting. Your one-line details you mention are not something alien and unseen in consulting. I would say your chances are “existent”. You can do few things to increase your chances - If you prepare very well, get a good referral, get your personal profile to the very cutting edge - then why not. Do DM me with more details to discuss!

Answer 4

Hi, I would work on getting a referral from ex alumni of your university or your LinkedIn contacts

best,

antonello

Answer 5

Hey there,

It is a bit tricky to answer without knowing the key details of your resume.

Resume steps to check

1. Target school and excellent academic performance

2. Relevant work experience with a reputable company

3. Extracurricular activities besides school and work

4. Experience abroad

Networking to do

1. Identify consultants via Linkedin that you could approach for feedback and referrals based on a common background (same university, employer, hometown, etc.)

2. Reach out, state your motivation, and ask for guidance and potentially a short intro call to understand the situation and your chances better

3. Try to get a referral from them if they feel you have a chance to get in

I am happy to take a quick glance at your resume to check for the first step.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 6

Hi there,

Francesco said it best.

Look, it's not going to be easy (I think you already know that), but it's absolutely do-able.

My advice:

1) Pad your resume with consulting projects. There are all kinds of pro-bono “get experience” programs out there (5 hours a week, etc). Feel free to message me and I can send you some.

2) Network extensively. The more people you can meet who see you as a strong candidate with big potential, the better.

3) Aim smaller, then build up. First, get a consulting gig in your current country. Then build up from there (company prestige and region)

Best of luck to you!