Can IE land me a job at MBB

Question

Hi

I am thinking about doing my MBA at IE. I would like to note that I want to join in the middle east. However I have some questions:

1) Is it a target school for mbb as thats my main goal

2) Will having a referral affect my chances

Answer 1

Hey there,

IE may not necessarily be classified as a target school as such for MBB, but I do know that many students from IE manage to join MBB firms across the world (more particularly McKinsey)

Referrals are a good way to ensure your application gets some level of prioritization when it comes to being reviewed or followed up, however, in my experience they don't do much when it comes to your assessment. In other words, the "bar" does not change for referred candidates vs non-referred candidates. That said, I do recommend you get a referral vs not.

That said, ensure your application reflects lots of achievements and evidence of high performance to ensure that you pass the screening (whether or not you are referred). Then once you pass the screening, your performance in any online tests / Solve and the interviews is what will land you the job!

All the best

Answer 2

Hi!

IE is a strong school, but it’s not traditionally a top target for MBB in the Middle East, where firms tend to prioritize graduates from top-tier schools like INSEAD, LBS, or US Ivy Leagues. That said, IE alumni have successfully joined MBB, especially when they combine strong professional experience, excellent case preparation, and regional fit.

Having a referral can significantly boost your chances, as it helps your application stand out and may fast-track you to interviews. Since I worked at McKinsey full-time and interviewed candidates, I can confirm that networking and a solid referral often make a difference—especially if you’re coming from a less traditional school for the region. Good luck!

Alessa :)

Answer 3

I hold an MBA from IE, which helped me join McKinsey.

Referrals are still important to accelerate the recruiting process, but they don’t necessarily increase your chances.

You can learn more about consulting hiring processes here: MBB Hiring Hacks – Behind the Curtain Secrets.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: StayPro - Consumer Growth Strategy

Answer 4

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, IE Business School is generally not considered a target school for consulting firms in the Middle East. However, it may still be possible to land a job in the region.
Moreover, yes, securing a strong referral will always help with your chances of being invited to interviews.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 5

Hey there, Similarly to the full-time hiring process, companies such as the MBBs and tier 2 tend to recruit from sele... (read entire answer)

Hey there, Similarly to the full-time hiring process, companies such as the MBBs and tier 2 tend to recruit from select universities and schools (Target Schools), and their Midd... (read entire answer)