I (current MBA student) got an offer from an MBB in the Dubai and the day I signed the Parisian office of the same firm called me suggesting I take an interview and transfer my offer.
My post consulting goals are to be in Europe preferably in PE, I know I don’t want to be in consulting all my life.
What are exit opps in the Middle East? is there any? what about Paris? Background is in Real Estate finance.
Hi there,
Ultimately only you can make this decision! We all have our own values, biases, etc. and I wouldn't want to influence your choice!
My advice is to figure out what are the 2-3 most important factors to you. Then, see which offer fits that best.
Also, try thinking through future regret minimization…where can you actually see yourself in the future…where are you happier/better off.
From what you're saying, it does sound like you'd prefer to be in Paris and therefore there's no reason to “dance around” those aims. Again though, think through what you truly want!
Dubai and Paris are two very different places - the key question for you is where you want to live. I recommend thinking first and foremost about where you want to put down roots.
After that, you want to consider things like:
Good luck!
In the Middle East (Dubai included), consulting is the best paying job for someone with that type of skillset. There are a limited number of start-ups that would pay handsomely or similar to what you receive in consulting (including benefits). That is not the case in other European locations such as Paris, where you may have better exit opportunities. One other point to note is that there are a lot of tech companies in Dubai that are focused on sales or post sales support, that hire consultants and also provide slightly lower compensation (e.g., LinkedIn, google, etc.)
Hi there,
As I understood, you are solving for a longer term in Europe, outside consulting. This means that a European experience takes priority over a Dubai experience which has other advantages (quick growth, better comp etc.,).
I would recommend sticking to what is better for your future at this stage. Joining Dubai later on is always an option.
Mario
Hi,
If your aim is to be in Private Equity in Europe, you should choose the Paris office.
European PE firms will look for (1) DD experience and (2) knowledge/network in Europe. Working in Paris will provide these elements, working in Dubai will not (no DDs, mainly FS/Public Sector/Oil & Gas projects for local companies).
Hopefully this helps.
Jorn
What are FS?
