Hi everyone,
I am a Masters (non-MBA) student in Europe in one of the top European B-schools. I want to move to Dubai for a consulting role (for multiple reasons) and would appreciate any advice on the following:
1. Is there a chance that consulting firms in the Middle East will freeze hiring for the 2021 intake? If not, will the class size reduce significantly? (MBB, S&, RB, Kearney)
2. I heard sometime back that McKinsey in the Middle East has stopped hiring non-nationals for its Dubai office. Could this be a possible scenario for other firms too, because of the KSA budget cuts and Covid-19?
3. Would it be a better option for me to work for 1-2 years in a Western European country and then re-apply as an experienced hire? Currently, I am looking at Tier-2 consulting (specialist consulting like Financial Services, Life Sciences etc.), fast growing startups or high finance (banking, PE etc.) in some W.European countries
4. Because of the excessive reliance on Oil and the Saudi Government for projects, as well as the possible impact of Covid, can Dubai continue to generate business for consulting firms, or is it on the decline? There was some recent speculation that clients are running out of money to pay the firms, even before Covid-19 hit.
Thanks a ton!
(edited)