Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Moving from MBB London to Dubai/Singapore

Bain BCG dubai London MBB McKinsey Middle East SEA Singapore
New answer on Dec 27, 2020
5 Answers
2.3 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 04, 2020

Hi PrepLounge Community,

I was wondering if it is possible to move to MBB Dubai/Singapore if I am currently an employee with MBB London?

1. I am at a fairly junior position at the moment, so would it make more sense to try for the move sooner or later?

2. How can I best facilitate this shift?

3. Do ME/SEA offices make someone partner without an MBA (I do not have an MBA at the moment). Or would it make more sense to join another consulting firm in the Middle East after getting an MBA? I want to move to Asia/ME because my family is there.

Thanks a ton!

(edited)

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 04, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

It's absolutely doable with the following caveats

  • You need to be a strong performer
  • You have to (most of the time with some exceptions) provide a strong reason why - especially establishing ties to the region (e.g., school, family, country of origin etc.) - seems like you have this sorted but they should be in the region you are interested in
  • You have to meet any language requirements
  • The firm has to have a clear policy which you need to be in line with- e.g., McK has a clear policy for 3rd year BAs to transfer but not a clear one for 2nd year BAs to do so. An exception is for very strong personal reasons (marriage)

How to do it?

  • Start networking in the office you are most interested in. You will need senior partner support so work on obtaining that asap
  • Start conversations with HR as appropriate to understand the logistical issues involved. Every firm has a clear policy and you need to be clear about how to do transfer
  • Maintain high performance ratings and reviews - this is critical!
  • Ensure you have people in your office who will vouch for you

Note - MBA is definitely not needed its an old requirement and all firms have moved away from it. That being said if they sponsor you and you want to I would highly recommend that as a way to go about it.

All the best,

Udayan

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Nov 04, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

1. Look, no harm in starting these discussions now. Express your interest, and figure out what options are option in the future. However, 100% expect to make the actual move later

2. Speak with HR, speak to other people who have transfered, learn all of the transfer programs available (i.e. short term projects, 6-month transfers, ambassador programs, etc)

3) So first, you are thinking WAY too far down the line! Second, you have nothing to worry about...you are made Partner if you rise up the ranks and are capable. An MBA has literally 0 impact at that level.

I've transfered a few times within companies and have the following advice:

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

Bide your time, keep pushing, be smart, and you'll get there!

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
Ken
Expert
replied on Nov 04, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

To build on the existing responses, Singapore is usually a difficult office for junior consultants to transfer to unless they are a Singaporean citizen. The government has restrictions on the number of foreign visa workers where most firms like to prioritise the allowance for partners.

Was this answer helpful?
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 05, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

To add on top of what has been said already and not be repetitive: Singapore is one of the most difficult offices to get in.

When I was back in Mckinsey, there were months of waiting list in order to get in! Mostly for tax reasons: you pay so so little % there.

Cheers,

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 27, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

It is definitely possible provided that you:

  • perform well at your current position, which needs some time
  • build a strong network in Dubai office you want to move to (since Singapore is really competitive)
  • find out the information needed for the transfer and speak to HR

MBA is not necessary for doing all this.

Hope it helps.
Cheers,
GB

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely