BCG Saudi vs. EY management consulting London office

Hey there ! 

The question isn't straightforward but hopefully what I'll say will at least help inform your decision given that I actually worked extensively in the region (incl., projects in Saudi) and that I also have a wide network of consultants based there today (incl., females)

1- Saudi is changing yes, but more importantly you're not alone there and you can find your routine.

A lot of consultants are taking offers in Saudi (directly sign to be based there or are moving from Dubai) given the attractive packages and given that there is a top-down push to open offices there to be able to serve the market. As a result of that, compounds and other residential areas are becoming packed with expats that have found their own way of living, routine, activities and outings ! You would be surprised (and relieved) to hear how happy some of my friends are there. Obviously, it remains different from Dubai on multiple fronts, but you can find your bubble there. 

2- Your exits will depend on your broader background and the type of projects you do in Saudi

What you want to avoid is doing public sector studies ONLY (e.g., Ministries, public funds etc.,). I personally did my fair share of those but also did lots of mergers, corporate restructuring, corporate finance and transformation studies there. That helped balance out my Saudi experience and gave me more credibility globally. 

Also, exit opportunities depend on your personal background (the passport you hold, the experience you have outside consulting etc.,). Recently, I also saw a couple of moves to Paris, London, New York and other cities. If you want to make it happen, you can and Saudi experience isn't a big blocker.

Best of luck !

Mario

Hi there,

First of all congratulations on the offers!

Q: Which one do you think have better exit opportunities? 

I would expect BCG to still have stronger exits. You can double-check as follows:

1. Look for alumni of BCG and EY on LinkedIn for the relevant regions
2. Check how many moved to your desired exit
3. Normalize for the size of BCG and EY in the relevant regions

Personally, assuming that (i) BCG aligns with your exits, (ii) you had a good impression from the team and (iii) you are fine with the region, I would go for BCG for the stronger brand.

You can find a few more tips here for a similar question:

▶ MBB vs Tier 2 Comparison

If you want to do extra due diligence, contact Alumni of your university (not current consultants) that worked in those offices (bonus if they worked for both companies). You will learn more in a 30min call with them than with any online research you may do.

I cannot answer the other question so will leave to someone else to comment on it ;)

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

This is a highly highly personal decision. You need to figure out if the brand “upgrade” is worth the personal/life sacrifice.

Importantly, you absolutely cannot assume that you will be able to easily move out of Saudi Arabia once you start working there (trust me, I made the same mistake…twice….when trying to get back “home”!).

Personally, at this stage in my life I would never sacrifice the physical location I want to be for a brand. That said, I'm glad I sacrificed “happiness” for 2 years and lived somewhere I didn't love to get that brand (which allowed me future flexibility).

It's all about trade-offs here…and you certainly should not downplay the culture shock that awaits you in Saudi (especially if you are a Western woman).

Hi there, 

Indeed, based on your description, I'd probably go for EY. 

However, do bear in mind that it's quite easy to transfer across offices after about a year. So you could have your cake and eat it too. Get into BCG, work in Saudi for a year or so, then transfer to London. You get the prestige, the benefits and the work culture all in one pack. 

Best,

Cristian

hey! Congrats on both offers. 

This definitely depends on the phase of life and what you want out of the experiences and what's next for you. 

However, I was debating between London and MEA. My two cents is that over-index on the quality of life and office culture. I know that the work-life balance is close to nil in the middle east and you are living in Saudi which has its own troubles. I love London as a city and the lifestyle here is great. With regards to work, the London offices work a bit less than the middle east offices (What I hear from my friends) so your life is more sustainable. You do get paid more in Saudi which is a plus. 

I almost made a pros and cons board with factors important to me and put pluses and minuses 
- Work life balance 
- The city itself 
- Where do I have friends 
- Money 
- Type of projects/ Clients 
- Possible exit opportunities (companies)
- Possible exits (Geographies) 
- Access to sports I love (Playing)

I am giving a free session and happy to chat through a similar decision. 

Best,
Eishan 

Hi,

I would recommend you to start at EY in London and then try to move into Big 3 after a while.

I have done work in Saudi and you cannot compare the experience with London, where you have more demanding and sophisticated clients. Also, in terms of the ilfestyle, London will be so much better.

I had started at EYP in London initially and then moved to Bain London after a few years. 

Good luck with your decision!