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Establish connection with the Dubai Offices

dubai
New answer on Nov 22, 2021
3 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Nov 18, 2021

I've recently been accepted to a target MiM Program and my post MiM Goal is to work at MBB/T2 Consulting, at the Dubai offices.

While I'm aware of some of the drawbacks with regard to working in this region, the tax-free income and the location, in general, take precedence for me in this regard. 

Now this comes with the challenge of trying to establish some connection with the region. I have seen non-Arabic speakers and Internationals being placed at the Dubai office from the school I'm going to, so I think it is doable. 

Other than trying to network with the Consultants at the Dubai offices, is there any other way I can establish some kind of connection with the region? And possible some good answers for the “Why Dubai” question.

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 18, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First of all, if you're American, remember that taxes are owed to the US no matter where you are (so the tax-free policy doesn't really apply).

Now, in terms of establishing a connection, you need to actually have something on your resume there. Do an internship there, volunteer there, take an Arabic course, do a semester abroad there as part of your MiM, etc.

You need literal experience from that region on your resume. Essentially, you have to prove your interest.

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Anonymous C on Nov 18, 2021

Well, apart from the tax part I do not agree with the rest. You DON'T need past experience to get a job in consulting in ME region. It's a plus, but not a requirement. Source: I moved from Europe to BCG ME and I met many others who didn't speak Arabic or had any past experience. The better way will be to reach out to consultants in the region and learn the type of projects they are doing (mostly public sector). Position your profile showcasing great experiences through internships during your MiM and try to get a referral to score an interview with you here. Note: Don't expect the question why ME during your interviews, I was never asked and similar feedback I got from a few candidates from my cohort, but you should be prepared to have an answer.

Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 18, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

The school should be able to help you with this a lot, if it´s a target company for consulting. Can you share which one is it?

For instance, in IE, where I was teaching, the connection is pretty strong, and that is the good starting point. 

 

Cheers, 

Clara

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Pedro
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replied on Nov 22, 2021
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Dubai is a regional hub. If you want to work/travel in the Middle East and Africa region it's a great place to be. It's safe, it has good quality of life, and you'll have a truly international experience as you will be travelling around a lot.

I don't think they will ask. They know very well why people go there for a while, and they also know why a lot of them don't plan to stay in the long run. They should be ok with it.

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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