MBB/Tier 2 hiring season in Singapore

Hi there,

The most important line is: “I'm looking to make the move back to Singapore (citizen, so no visa issue) in consulting (entry level) as I think it best aligns with my long term career aspirations (T10 US MBA).”

This is what you want. Don't let others tell you otherwise.

Are MBB/T2 firms open to applications year round and how responsive will they be to a Non target uni grad.

Yes. But, right now they are quite restricted (depends on region), so it might be worth waiting a bit. Network a ton to get them more responsive.

After doing some research, it looks like it is year round, but surely entry level hires would be cyclical? How big is networking/referral here - it is pretty nonexistent in UK.

Anyone from university (Undergrad, MBA, etc.) is through a specific cycle. Anyone outside of that is generally at “any time” (which some nuance).

It's not nonexistent in the UK. I can promise you. No matter where you are in the world, networking is a huge huge factor in getting invites.

Everyone has told me to stay in London due to the amazing WLB and travel opportunities. However I feel it will be easier to break into consulting in Singapore than London as I do not have any visa issue, and overseas experience may be looked upon favourably. 

But these are people in London right? They are biased. Go where you want to be :)

Hi there,

1) Are MBB/T2 firms open to applications year round and how responsive will they be to a Non target uni grad?

If you cannot find deadlines listed for your seniority, it should be all year round. If you are from a non-target university, I would definitely recommend a referral – you can find more on that below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

2) How big is networking/referral here - it is pretty nonexistent in UK

A referral is always useful, so I would make the effort to find one, there can be just positive effects if you have it.

3) Everyone has told me to stay in London due to the amazing WLB and travel opportunities. However I feel it will be easier to break into consulting in Singapore than London as I do not have any visa issue, and overseas experience may be looked upon favourably

It depends on what is your priority. It seems you prefer Singapore, if that’s the case, given you are a citizen I would focus on that. Networking will be important though given you are overseas.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there, 

Interesting situation. 

It sounds like what you need to begin with is an application strategy. I outlined how to develop one in the guide below:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Second, you should make a list of your target firms. Then contact HR for each of them to identify whether there are any deadlines. Theoretically, if you are an experienced hire you can apply at any point, but it's best to clarify this directly with the recruiters. 

Third, in terms of referrals, these help anywhere. So if you can get them, it's great. In fact, for you it would be useful to have some coffee chats with current employees in Singapore just to get a sense of what to expect from the office culture there. Some of these discussions might then convert into referrals. To see how to do that, you can read this:

• Your Guide to Consulting Coffee Chats

Aside from this, the move is totally possible. You just need to be committed to it and know what you're getting yourself into. 

Best,

Cristian

Hello,

To answer your questions:

Are MBB/T2 firms open to applications year round and how responsive will they be to a Non target uni grad?

Depends on region - some post specific listings for specific roles, but many are year round. I would clarify with the recruiter at the office you are targeting.

How big is networking/referral here - it is pretty nonexistent in UK.

Networking is important in any region! Especially if you are looking for a position in a different country than the one you did your undergrad in. Getting a referral is the best thing you can do to increase your chances of getting an interview.

Everyone has told me to stay in London due to the amazing WLB and travel opportunities. However I feel it will be easier to break into consulting in Singapore than London as I do not have any visa issue, and overseas experience may be looked upon favourably. 

This is up to you - do you want to end up in London or in Singapore? The challenge with getting a job overseas is usually three-fold: 1) visa, 2) language barriers, 3) network, 4) recognition of international experience/qualifications. Since #1 and #2 are not an issue for you, networking will be all the more important. 

Hi,

I'm Singaporean and have worked in consulting in T2 and MBB for 8+ years in SEA. 

If you are still looking for additional POVs on some of your questions (e.g. difference between SG & London), I'm happy to connect and share what I know.

Just drop me a dm