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MBB Pipeline for 2023 is full in ME

I'm hearing that MBB's pipeline for 2023 hiring in the Middle East is full. They are no longer considering any more applications. If they are, only through specific campus recruiting, and that too very limited. I'm hearing even referrals are being sent on a backlog. is that true? Is that true for other firms like Kearney too?

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Top answer
Deleted user
on Feb 01, 2023

Yes, its a slowdown pretty much is all geographies and is expected to remain like this till Jun. There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment and companies just need to get through the next 6 months

7
Florian
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

I still have MBB clients in the funnel for the Middle East. I can tell you more in 1-2 weeks' time if no new candidates show up.

For most other regions that is true! I had several clients, who were in the funnel already, have their scheduled interviews canceled even…

All the best! :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Anonymous B
on Feb 01, 2023
Mind being more specific about which geographies have *already* filled their funnel for 2023?
Florian
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
Send me a DM :-)
Dennis
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

It's the economic uncertainty. With that, their regular employee turnover is also likely to be lower for the time being because people are holding on to the jobs they have if they can. It's a challenging situation in many industries at the moment

Udayan
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

They are hiring but it is very very slow compared to first half of 2022. The reality is that we are in a hiring downcycle right now and will be for at least the first half of this year. Everyone is waiting to see what happens from an economic perspective and how client demand is faring before staffing up for the year.

Deleted
Coach
edited on Feb 01, 2023
1st&2nd session 33% off|Incoming BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA|Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello A,

I am positive that Bain Dubai, BCG Riyadh and Doha, and McKinsey Riyadh are still recruiting. Not as much as they did during the first half of 2022, but they still do.

Especially BCG Riyadh is making a huge effort to grow and create a stronger presence in Saudi than they do in UAE, because it is something that their clients really want.

So if you really want to work there, I would suggest that you apply. Of course, it goes without saying that thorough research and intense preparation are needed.

Let me know if I can help in any way. Best of luck:)

on Feb 02, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Lots of this is also hearsay. No firms have publicly communicated these things. 

However, there are certain regions which have instituted a certain hiring freeze for Q1-2.

There's not much that you can do about it. The only thing you can control is actually applying widely and maximizing your chances for passing the screening. Happy to discuss this in more detail if you're interested.

Best,

Cristian

Anonymous C
on Mar 02, 2023

Yes I can confirm that hiring for ba at mck mena is at a standstill temporarily. 

2
on Feb 01, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Yes it is known now that hiring has slowed down across firms. From an Asian perspective, BCG hiring has also slowed down (i.e. less than 2021 / 2022), but there is still -some- pipeline depending on the specific office.

Lucie
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

MBB needs more people to support their spectacular YoY growth and ME is the region with the greatest growth, hence I can definitely confirm go ahead and apply, we - MBB - don't have enough staff!

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Moritz
Coach
on Feb 01, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

There is currently a slowdown, yes. However, it's only February and a lot can happen in a year - good and bad (that's what uncertainty means). In case it's good, recruiting will pick up again. In case it's bad, it won't.

Bottom line: Nobody can reasonably claim that it's game over for 2023, until we get closer to the end of the year. For now, we just don't know.

Best of luck!

Moritz

Pedro
Coach
on Feb 02, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

What you describe is a bit extreme and does not seem to translate what is happening in reality, which is a slow down, but there's still demand in the Middle East (at least I am supporting candidates applying to the region).

Hagen
Coach
on Feb 02, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

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

  • First of all, anything you've heard so far, even from us, are assumptions and vague ideas about the reality. The best way to find out is to apply and see the reaction for your specific case.
  • Additionally, MBB in the Middle East is still recruiting, albeit possibly at a slower pace than usual. Nonetheless, regardless of the region and company, there is a slowdown in recruiting due to the uncertain economic situation. Yet, again, this doesn’t need to mean anything for your specific case.

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

Ian
Coach
on Feb 03, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

We are in the beginning of the 2nd month of the year 2023…it's literally not possible for anyone to say that 2023 is now full for an entire geopolitical region.

Are things slower than 2021 / 2022? Absolutely!

Keep networking aggressively, keep improving your resume, and keep case prepping. There will be hiring.

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