Hi Aanchal,

Q: I am looking at applying to MBB within Southeast Asian and India offices as an experienced professional with a Big 4 firm. Do we have an informed view on which of these offices are hiring now?

From the candidates I am coaching, I know BCG KL is still hiring. For other offices, I would recommend you look for a referral as this (i) will clarify if they are hiring and (ii) increase the chances of an invitation.

Please note that you will need to be able to secure working rights and normally speak the local language if you apply for a position abroad.

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Best,

Francesco

Hi Aanchal,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• While I can tell you, based on the experience of coachees of mine, that several offices in those regions still hire new people, I would highly advise you to reach out to the recruiting teams to inquire about the current situation, especially given that you are an experienced hire.
• Moreover, I would advise you to network with current employees to both verify the current hiring situation and eventually receive a referral to further strengthen your application.

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

Best,

Hagen

Hi Aanchal, 

I doubt you're going to get here an overview on a per firm, per office basis. If only something like this existed :)

The reality is that the needs of these offices are changing constantly and nobody has an overview on it. 

The only thing you can do is figure out what would be your target offices (both in terms of preference but also in terms of probability of getting in) and then to start networking with people who already work there. They will give you an up to date understanding of how the hiring situation is looking like. They might even help you with a referral - read HERE how to do that.

Best,

Cristian

Hi,

Are you based currently in SEA? What role are you applying for and do you know any local SEA languages?

The last I checked for BCG, some offices outside of Singapore are still hiring i.e. KL, but slots for 2023 are filling up fast.

Singapore is also still hiring but only for specific practice areas, so for that you'd typically need to have industry experience. And if you don't have a SG citizenship/PR, its really very difficult to get considered.

Most importantly, the best answer you will get is the one you get from recruiters - so I suggest that you reach out directly to the them asap.

All the best!

(edited)

Hi Aanchal,

From what I've seen most offices are “hiring” but at a subdued rate (especially compared to the peak or 2021 / 22).

Ultimately, this is why you network. You need to reach out to people and have conversations. From here you'll not only find out if they're hiring, but to watch extent, if they're hiring for your role and, whether they want you/like your profile.

Remember, apply where it makes sense (where you speak the language, have working rights, have worked/studied/lived, have relevant industry experience, etc.)

Hi there,

as of today, 

• BCG is hiring across both geographies. Limited foreigner intakes in Singapore due to visa restrictions, but rest still fine with solid interview volumes. 
• McK has become highly restrictive to say the least.  
• Bain somewhere in between, from what I hear

If you do have one or more specific target countries in mind, feel free to send me a PM, then I can give specific views.

Regards, Andi

Hey Aanchal,

Hiring in emerging economies like India, Middle East etc is relatively still strong compared to mature markets like US, UK, EU. 

Feel free to message me if you have any further questions specific to your applications.

Best,

Rushabh