MBB - what route to take??

Question

I graduated from law school last year (University of London International Program) I know my undergrad is bummer but I had no other options, thanks to COVID and some other factors involved.

Anyways, ever since I’ve graduated and a year before that, I’ve been working at a School - Academic Strategy & Operations Analyst. Moreover, for a coffee shop startup as Business and Operations analyst.

My long term goal is either McKinsey or Bain (Middle East or Europe) I applied for McKinsey YLP and was rejected earlier this month (I had only put my legal internships experience - not the startup ones)

I also applied for a Business Analyst Intern / Business Analyst earlier this month. My updated CV included my two recent roles. I’ve been told they’ll get back to me on a certain date.

I’m super confused - what are my options at the moment? I’m from Pakistan so I have EY, KPMG and PwC and McKinsey. That’s it. However, there are NO openings here. Nothing for me. Nothing that will make them even consider my application.

My other route is MBA @ INSEAD - but again I’m being told I need a relevant prior experience.

Please help as to what should I do?!

Answer 1

You’ve already built some solid early experience in strategy and operations, even if it’s not the “traditional” MBB path — and that’s completely fine. Many successful consultants started from unconventional roles. What matters now is how you play your next 2–3 career moves.

? Option 1: Expand Your Target Pool (Now)

Instead of focusing solely on MBB, your immediate priority should be to broaden your consulting targets. For example:

Strategy& (PwC)
Kearney
EY-Parthenon
Monitor Deloitte
KPMG Strategy
Roland Berger
Oliver Wyman
LEK Consulting

What’s important is that most of these firms serve as strong pipelines into MBB or top MBAs later on.

Given your location, you should prioritize their Middle East offices (Dubai, Riyadh, Doha). These markets are growing rapidly, offer exposure to large transformation projects, and are geographically and culturally closer to home.

Also reach out cold via LinkedIn to consultants in those offices — especially those with similar backgrounds or from the region, and can help you navigate the consulting recruiting process and refer you.

? Option 2: Mid-Term Strategy (If Consulting Doesn’t Happen)

If you’re unable to break directly into consulting, your next best move is to join a renowned global company that consistently feeds talent into top MBA programs. These could include:

• Top multinationals (e.g., Unilever, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo)

• Top tech players (e.g.,Google, Amazon, Meta, SAP, Microsoft)

Check if they have offices in Pakistan or the Middle East, so relocation isn’t a major barrier. Target roles in graduation/rotaional programs or positions strategy, transformation, or business operations — anything that develops your analytical and problem-solving skills.

After 1–2 years there, you’ll be in a much stronger position to apply for an MBA at schools like INSEAD, LBS, HEC, etc. — all of which are major MBB feeders in the region.

? Option 3: If All Else Fails

If neither consulting nor a top corporate role works out right now, consider applying for a Master’s in Management (if you’re still under 26). Programs like LBS, HEC, Bocconi, and ESSEC offer access to European consulting firms through campus recruitment and can open the door to MBB full-time.

Final Thoughts

You’re on the right track — the key is to treat this as a multi-step journey, not a single make-or-break shot. If you can get into a strong strategy-related role in the Middle East (even if it’s not MBB), and then build your narrative, network, and experience, you’ll absolutely have a shot at MBB via MBA or lateral recruitment.

Answer 2

Hi there!

First of all, why do you think your graduation is “a bummer”? Usually, MBB’s hire people from all different backgrounds, so don’t worry about it.

Second, related to the rejection: It may be that your CV was not well crafted. That happens more often than not and it is the critical step one must pass to enter the recruiting process.

As for your last question, keep those companies in your target list and add other smaller companies as well that may get you starting in the business, so you can move laterally in the future if needed.

You need a strong CV (not related to the amount of time or companies you have worked with), a referral (not deal breaker, but def can help you) and study for the case interviews so you don’t waste your chances once you’re invited to the meetings.

Don’t give up, you definitely have chances to become a consultant, if not now, in the near future!

I can support you with the CV at this stage. I recently helped a coachee that also had an unconventional background and very limited experience get into McKinsey’s process. If you want to learn more, feel free to DM me.

Best,

Mari

Answer 3

I suggest you dig deeper into the reason for the rejection—ideally by speaking with consultants or a coach. It could be due to:

1. Your application materials (resume and cover letter) not meeting the expectations of recruiters

2. A low GPA

3. Limited openings at the firms and in the region where you’re applying

Once you understand the root cause, here are a few alternatives:

1. Improve your application materials with targeted adjustments

2. Transition to the Middle East by joining a company that will strengthen your resume—whether that’s a tier-2, boutique, Big4 consulting firm, or a company with strong brand recognition

Send me a private message if you’d like help.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Chic & Stitch - Fashion Market Expansion

Answer 4

Hey there ?,

First of all—you’ve clearly put in a lot of effort already, and it shows ? The good news is: you still have multiple viable paths toward MBB, even with your non-traditional background. Here’s a short breakdown for clarity:

? Goal: MBB (Middle East / Europe)
That’s realistic—but it may not be a straight shot from where you are right now. The key is to build up relevant experience or credibility to strengthen your application for the next 12–24 months.

? Short-Term Strategy (Next 1–2 years):
Since openings in Pakistan are limited, try to target a role with a global brand or Tier 2 consulting (think Strategy&, Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman, or even internal strategy at a multinational). If not available locally, consider remote roles or relocate to UAE / KSA if you have the means.

Also: reach out for referrals—Middle East firms rely heavily on network-based applications, especially for off-cycle roles.

? MBA @ INSEAD or similar later on?
Yes, that’s a great route. You don’t need traditional consulting experience to get in—just a clear career story, strong GMAT, and impact-driven work experience.
And MBB hires heavily from INSEAD, even for candidates without classic CVs. The key is to spend the next 1–2 years building leadership experience + quant/strategic exposure, even if it’s in startups or internal strategy.

? What not to do:
Don’t get stuck waiting for the “perfect” opening in Pakistan. Build experience now—even if it’s outside MBB—for a better shot later, either via MBA or experienced hire track.

If you want, I’d be happy to help you map out a clear strategy or review your application—just reach out ?

Best,
Alessa ?

Answer 5

Hi there,

Totally hear you - sounds frustrating and confusing, especially when you feel like you’ve done all you could with what you had.

Here’s the short take:

Don’t count yourself out: Your roles in strategy and ops (even in non-traditional settings) are relevant. Own them. Keep refining your CV and story with the help of a pro to make sure those elements are properly reflected.
Region matters: MBB Middle East is extremely competitive (you compete with MBAs from top-schools and people with way more business experience). Europe without the local language is pretty much impossible (also chances of visa sponsorship are very low). Your best chance is either in your home country or the next two points:
Strategy roles: If there are no consulting openings in Pakistan, look into remote or regional teams, or even advisory roles or corporate strategy roles to build credibility and expertise.
MBA at INSEAD: It's a great move - but not the only one. Could work well in combination with a strategy role as a first step.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 6

Your options are:

1. Apply to other strategy firms and boutiques.

2. If that doesn't work, apply to other jobs that are of interest to you, and in 2 years reapply. You may at that point consider whether you want to do an MBA, but not earlier.