From tax to management consulting

Question

Hello,

What a great platform! I am currently a tax consultant at Big4 company in UAE, freshly graduated in 2019. I am thinking of moving to managment consulting, with a referral would that be possible based on the fact that tax is a bit of a pigeon hole?

Best,

Answer 1

Hi there,

Yes, it is possible - Securing a referral is critical though because it's generally tough to move from Big4 to consulting in the Middle-East.

Of course, you still need to have a CV that can showcase your transferrable skills an appeal to recruiters.

Feel free to reach out for any additional tips regarding consulting in the Middle-East.

Best

Khaled

Answer 2

Hello,

As a first response, I would say yes why not.

To be recruited as an experienced hire, you must bring a skill that does not exist or hardly exists in the consulting firm that you want to join and also (maybe even especially) demonstrate that you have the soft skills of the consultants (problem solving, project management, customer interaction, teamwork, ...).

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have more details to give.

David

Answer 3

Hello!

Sure, why not?

Particularly since you later clarified that you would like to start as a BA, since you freshly graduated in 2019, the short tax experience is not going to be a problem -if you play it well, even an asset-.

Think that BAs are hired not only in their past achievements -mostly academic, since they are just starting their professional careers- but also on how promising they are. Hence, it´s all about what you demostrate in the interview.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi there,

The short answer is yes it's possible :)

The longer answer is we need to understand a bit more about your background (university degree, current responsibilities, etc.). It also sounds like you're a bit early for a switch, but after a few years of rapid progression this could indeed be a move.

Answer 5

Hi, I confirm it is achievable: moving from big4 to strategic consulting is a standard step. If quick feedback to your CV to boost your application can be helpful feel free to send it in PM

Best,
Antonello

Answer 6

Hi Anonymous,

Yes, this is definitely possible with a referral (without referral anyway it's more difficult.. so definitely make use of the referral if you can!).

Since your tax experience is your first real job after graduation for a short period of time, it does not really matter. At least not in a negative way, at the same time not really an asset either, unless you can find some good connecting points on what you learned and how this will help you specifically in your consulting role!

Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 7

Hello,

Sure, your background is not a problem, especially considering that you are a fresh graduated. I had a colleague that joined BCG after 4 years as doctor :)

Feel free to send me your cv for a more specific assessment.
Luca

Answer 8

Dear A,

Of course, it's possible. But make sure in the folowwing:

1. Comprehensive CV and cover letter that can proove you leadership skills and business knowledge

2. Referral - that maximezes your chances in passing CV screening significantly.

If you any help with referrals or CV, feel free to reach out.

Best,

André

Answer 9

Hi there, I have been in your exact shoes so will share my two cents. I have experienced a similar situation where yo... (read entire answer)

Hi there, I have been in your exact shoes so will share my two cents. I have experienced a similar situation where your best effort is not perceived as the best for the team. Yo... (read entire answer)