Hello,
I am a civil engineer located in the Middle East. I am working on a career shift from engineering to management consulting. Since I already have some experience in the construction industry, I think it is easier to join boutique consulting companies or not very known management consulting companies. Please advise on some company names to look up in the Middle East.
Hi there,
I agree with the other coaches - you're really not necessarily limited just because of your engineering background.
in fact, I just had a middle eastern candidate with a civil engineering background who has received offers for Oliver Wyman Implementation and Arthur D Little Strategy.
Here is a list to get you started:
https://www.consultancy-me.com/news/2812/the-top-25-strategy-consulting-firms-in-the-middle-east
Hello there!
Having experience in engineering it's possible to join MBB as well. I know consultants with an engineering background at McKinsey in the Middle East.
Boutique companies are not so easy to get to as they seem, by the way.
So basically you can apply to any big management consulting firm there and work on engineering projects.
Hope it helps and Merry Christmas!
GB
Hello!
I don´t agree that it would be easier in a boutique. You can also join MBB in a specialized role in the CAPEX and Infraestructure practice.
Precisely I worked in this topic in McK, and precisely form people from McK Dubai who came from the construction industry. It can totally be done!
Best and happy holidays,
Clara
Hi Clara, thank you for your reply. I am considering the Capex and infra practice of Mckinsey. Can you recommend similar roles in different companies in order to widen my opportunities?
Hi,
You can join any company, both as a generalist and as an expert. Please don't limit yourself! And of course invest time in prep!
Best
Hi,
I would suggest not to limit yourself and apply also to the big consulting firms Tier 1 (MBB), Tier 2 (Strategy&, Oliver Wayman, Kearney, Roland Berger) and the Big 4 (KPMG, EY, PwC, Deloitte)
Engineering background is not a disadvantage for consulting companies.
Best,
Iman
Hey,
Please dont make that assumption. People switch to consulting (and big firms) from all sorts of prior backgrounds and from all sorts of prior companies.
Important thing is for you to find the right target companies and then prepare comprehensively to get in. BIG4 and Accenture also hire people with your background in the region and I recently helped someone get in BIG4 in KSA.
Good luck and feel free to message me if you wish to discuss further.
Hi Adi, thank you for your reply. Can you suggest other company names that I can look into? Thanks a lot.
I am a civil engineer myself and have worked in the construction industry in the Middle-East for about 6 years. I managed to make the shift to consulting after an MBA. Plenty of engineers managed to do it with an MBA, a regular master's degree or out of college.
Your success will ultimately depend on the networking you do, resume, interview prep, and actual interviews.
I agree with what has been said that boutique consulting firms tend to be more selective, so if you want to make a shift try and widen your net as much as possible.
Not sure why you want to focus on boutiques only. There's nothing wrong with your background.
This is a well-trodden path not just in the middle east. You should have a good shot across MBBs and Tier 2 along with boutiques. You can position yourself as an experienced hire within Infra/Capital Projects/Public Sector teams.
Feel free to PM me for more advice
