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

Africa MBB recruitment
New answer on Nov 16, 2020
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jun 21, 2020

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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Ian
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replied on Jun 21, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

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.)
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Udayan
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replied 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

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Gaurav
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replied on Nov 16, 2020
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & 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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Luca
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replied 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

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Clara
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replied 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

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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