Dubai Vs Paris

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!

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.)

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: 

• What industries you want to work in and how much of that industry is being run out of the office you're applying to
• How much it's important to you whether you travel / don't travel and how much travel is done out of the office
• How big the office is and how big an office you want to be part of
• If you get to meet people, what they're like and how you get on with them

Good luck!

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