Transitioning to London through networking (MBB)

Hi there,

For sure it is possible, also within MBB. It may not be easy though given how competitive London is.

To maximize your chances you should ideally:

• Have one or more partners in London favoring the transfer
• Have one or more partners in Dubai favoring the transfer
• Have a strong performance
• Have or be able to get working rights in the UK

Best,

Francesco

Are you a British citizen? Or maybe did you go to a top UK/US university? It is always possible to transfer via networking. London however is one of the top 3 choices for office transfers so alongside networking you need to be a really strong performer and have demonstrable ties to the region. If your company has a 3rd year analyst rotation program, that might be one way to try and transfer to London.

Udayan

Hello!

No need to apologize! This is a totally legitimate question :) 

You can indeed think of a transfer already, since you have been in ME for over a year. You don´t need to "downgrade", but look for an opportunity in your same level. 

The most important thing here -experience speaking for internal company transfer- is to gain/have the support from the destination office. Once you have that, the process if very fluid

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

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 - how long have you tried for? 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!

Hello there!

Taking into consideration your working experience in Dubai, you definitely can do it. But, as the colleagues mentioned, it is an extremely difficult process. You need some insights from the London office and then you also need some connections there to increase your chances. 

Good luck!
GB