How do I network? Don't really know people at MBB / Tier 2 and no one's replying on linkedin.

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, there is no need to contact potential referers already now. Wait at least until you have started your MBA program.
• Moreover, I would advise you to adjust your message slightly. Your current message is a bit long and asks for a call up front, which may lower your response rate. Keep it shorter, show genuine interest in their experience, and don't ask for a call right away. Also, how many consultants have you reached out to? While you should make an effort with every outreach, it seems to be a numbers game since many people don't check their LinkedIn regularly.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

One way to start networking is by attending online of offline events. You can find the recruitment events the MBB consultancy firms organize on their website and LinkedIn page. By attending, it is way easier to start a conversation and request their contact details for follow-up questions.

If you reach out via LinkedIn directly, reach out to consultants with a common friend. You can ask your common friend to bring you in contact with the consultant. Always sent a personal message with a more specific question and find common ground (e.g., education, prior working experience).

Let me know if you have further questions.

Mattijs

Hi there,

You’re right that cold outreach on LinkedIn can have a low response rate, especially if the message feels generic or if the person is busy. Here are a few ways to improve your approach and expand your networking beyond LinkedIn:

1. Improve Your LinkedIn Message for Higher Response Rates

Your current message is well-written, but it might feel a bit transactional. Try making it more personal and concise:

Example:

Subject: Advice on pivoting into consulting

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching consulting in the Middle East and really admire your journey from [their previous role/school] to [their firm]. I’ll be starting my MBA at IE Business School this September and hope to pivot into consulting post-graduation.

Would you be open to a quick chat? I’d love to hear your advice on how I can best prepare for the transition.

Best,
[Your Name]

2. Engage on LinkedIn Before Messaging
    •    Comment on their posts before reaching out so they recognize your name.
    •    Like and engage with firm-related content (especially posts about recruiting).
    •    Post about your MBA journey and consulting aspirations—sometimes consultants will reach out to you instead.

3. Use Warm Intros & IE Alumni Network
    •    Instead of messaging alumni cold, ask current IE MBA students if they can introduce you to alums they spoke to.
    •    IE might have regional WhatsApp groups where people share contacts and insights.
    •    Find Middle East-based consultants from other MBA programs (INSEAD, LBS, etc.)—they may be more open to chatting.

4. In-Person Events & Conferences
    •    Consulting firm events in Dubai: Many firms host invite-only sessions, but you can often network after public ones.
    •    Industry conferences: Events related to digital transformation, fintech, healthcare, etc., attract consultants.
    •    MBA fairs / consulting panels: Even if they’re online, firm reps may be more responsive after you interact there.

5. Leverage Friends, Family & Second-Degree Connections
    •    Ask colleagues, friends, or former managers if they know anyone in consulting. Even a second-degree intro can help.
    •    Your previous startup/healthcare contacts might have ex-consultants in their network.
 

Feel free to reach out if you need any further advice! :)

Best,

Evelina

Hi there,

As someone who studied at IE (though not in the MBA program), I’d suggest considering to hold off on cold-calling IE alumni on LinkedIn for MBB/Tier 2 roles in the Middle East until you’re officially part of the network. Once you start your MBA, you’ll have access to IE Connects and a alumni network, which gives you a natural shared background and makes it much easier to build meaningful connections.

Here’s why waiting can be more effective:

• Access to the IE Alumni Network: Once enrolled, you should benefit from structured networking events, mentorship programs, and targeted alumni mixers—all designed to help you connect with professionals in your target industries and regions.
• Shared Credibility: Being a current student creates an immediate point of connection. Alumni are generally more open to sharing insights with someone who’s part of the one's university's community.
• Peer Insights: Many of your fellow students, even if they’re not originally from the Middle East, have experience in MBB/Tier 2 firms and can offer invaluable recruiting advice and career priorities. Additionally, these peers might even be able to refer you to HR—even if they're on leave—if the firm’s referral system allows it.
• Natural Relationship-Building: Networking through official IE channels leads to warmer, more productive conversations than cold outreach on LinkedIn.

Until you’re officially at IE, focus on researching your target roles and firms so you’re well-prepared with informed questions when you get the opportunity to connect.

Enjoy your time in Madrid and best of luck on your MBA journey!

Warm regards,
Johannes

Hey!

Your approach is good, but a few tweaks might improve your response rate. First, personalize each message—mention something specific about their background, role, or projects they’ve worked on. People are more likely to respond if they see effort and relevance. Second, make it easier for them by asking a short, specific question instead of a broad “quick chat” request. Something like, "I see you transitioned into consulting from X background—what was most helpful in your journey?" Lastly, expand beyond LinkedIn—attend industry events, consulting webinars, and alumni gatherings where you can make personal connections. If no one replies, don’t take it personally; networking takes persistence. I’ve seen this challenge many times—let me know if you need more guidance! ?

Alessa

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Outside of the advice already shared, a few things to keep in mind:

1. Customize the message for every person. You don't want to tell someone from one firm that a different firm (McKinsey) is your first choice. If possible, add some reason why you are interested in that specific firm. Remember even small things turn people off.

2. Keep it short and crisp. People are busy - no one wants to read long emails.

Overall your message is crisp. People are very busy - you may find more luck if you were already a student and reaching out. If you want to prepare early, you can also  reach out to students from your future business school on linked-in who did internships at these firms and seek their advice on early preparation tips.

All the est,b

Soh

Hey there, 

Let's keep this simple... If you were on the other side of someone contacting you via LinkedIn, what would make you respond or interact with that message and what would make you not? Then work backwards and reconstruct your message to have all the right elements. 

So make it personable, not seem generic, try look for common points of interest / school / experience / topics / etc. 

Just think about what would make one human being want to connect with you.. :-) 

All the best

Hi there,

Your LinkedIn message is a bit generic. You need to tailor it more to the individual person and reach out to people where you have some sort of common background (e.g., same school, previous employer, hometown).

Let's dissect it a bit:

• You briefly introduce your background but then jump straight into a request without clearly defining it. Avoid assuming they have an MBA or asking them about what you should do during the MBA. Rather, focus on McKinsey and consulting instead. Additionally, you don’t acknowledge their time or establish a personal connection. These professionals work 60+ hours per week and responding to generic messages isn’t a priority for them.
• If you're reaching out to a McKinsey consultant, make it clear that McKinsey is your top choice, not just one of several options.
   

Rather write a brief message like:

Dear X,

I came across your profile and noticed that we both <share a common background, e.g., attended the same university, worked at the same company, or are from the same hometown>. I’m currently pursuing my MBA at XZY with the goal of joining McKinsey’s Dubai office after graduation.

I’d really appreciate the chance to hear about your experience at McKinsey and any advice you might have to successfully recruit with the firm in the current market environment. If you have 10 minutes for a quick chat, I’d be grateful. Of course, I completely understand if your schedule is packed.

Looking forward to connecting!

Best,
Y

A proper pre-selection of the recipients and tailored message will do the trick.

Cheers,

Florian

Here's what I suggest:

Wait until the MBA starts and those consulting companies show up on campus. They will be able to direct you to any people in those specific offices. That will be easier to you, and will be the right moment.

Instead, if I were in your shoes, I would focus on getting my case interview skills ready.