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Scaling from an analyst role in Nigeria to a tier 1 or 2 consulting company in Europe or other parts of the world.

Good day,

I am from Nigeria and I would like get your opinion on what to do. For the last two years it has been my number one career goal to work for a management consulting company hence me working as an analyst at an asset management company here in Nigeria. Nevertheless, i wish to practice management consulting in Europe or North America. This is because from my research i would have a wider range of cases to work on that cuts across many industries. With the obvious challenge of moving from a non-management consulting role in Nigeria to a consulting role in these continents, and coupled with the disruptions due to the COVID-19 on these management consulting companies, i would like to get your opinion on how I should go about securing a position with an MBB in these continent. I am also open to suggestions for securing internship positions with tier 2 consulting companies as a start.

I look forward to your response and advise.

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Jun 21, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

First of all, you have an admirable ambition and goal and not only do I wish you all the best in achieving it but, with hard work and perseverence you absolutely can!

My recommendation would be to consider 1) Entering a tier 1 or 2 in Nigeria first, and then getting transered to Europe later or 2) Entering a tier 2 or lower in Europe and then rising up to tier 1 later.

It's less direct but it's more manageabe :)

I also recommend you always remember the following to boost your chances:

  • Network intensively (make connections as and when you can)
  • Continue building your resume for experience/expertise, and to show continued growth/progress and responsibilities
  • Continue building concrete evidence of your ties to Europe (through academies, projects, study abroad experiences, etc.)
Udayan
Coach
on Jun 21, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

To add to Ian's answer - it is not easy to go to Europe directly without 

1. Studying there and therefore being part of the recruiting cycle

2. Establishing a meaningful connection to the country (e.g., family is based there)

I would highly encourage you to start in Nigeria and then look for a transfer or alternatively to study in the country you want to work in and then join a firm after that. 

Best,

Udayan

Clara
Coach
on Jun 23, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I admire this planning!

Bad news is it´s really hard to be recruited from Africa to Europe, for isntance, without having previous background/bonds/etc. there.

However, another way might be recruiting in consulting in Nigeria and doing a transfer afterwards. This is much more feasiable. 

On top, they finance business school, which is another way to acceess Europe and USA. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Luca
Coach
on Jun 23, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hi there,

Feel free to send me your CV so that I can understand better your background and give you a more detailed answer.

Best,
Luca

Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 16, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there, 

I recommend you do such steps:

  1. Work experience in Tier 1 in Nigeria
  2. Study at the university in Europe
  3. Build network opportunities
  4. Upgrade CV and CL
  5. Take an internship in Europe
  6. Apply for a consultant position in Tier 2 and Tier 1

Do you need any further help?

All the best, 

GB

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