IE Business School MBA for breaking into Consulting, Middle East preferably, open to other locations.

Hi there,

Your experience is definitely relevant for consulting, especially given your exposure to strategy, digital transformation, and product development across industries. Your time at a startup founded by ex-McKinsey partners is a strong point, as is your entrepreneurial background, which showcases problem-solving and leadership skills.

To maximize your chances of breaking into consulting, here’s what I’d suggest:
    1.    Leverage IE’s Consulting Resources – IE has solid consulting recruitment, though not as strong as INSEAD or LBS. Use the consulting club, networking events, and alumni connections strategically.
    2.    Target Middle East & European Offices – MBB and Tier 2 firms (e.g., Strategy&, EY-Parthenon, Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger) are quite active in the Middle East and value local experience, but also consider UK or Western European offices if you can work there.
    3.    Case Prep Early – Start mastering case interviews well before applications open. Firms often recruit early from MBAs, and IE’s one-year format means you’ll have limited prep time once the program starts.
    4.    Highlight Your Digital & Strategy Expertise – Your digital transformation and procurement work, along with your product strategy experience, align well with consulting trends. Make sure to position yourself as someone who can drive business impact.

Please reach out if you need further guidance, interview prep! Happy to help!

Best,

Evelina

Hey! From my experience I would say to break into MBB or Tier 2 firms post-IE MBA, focus on:

- Networking: Engage with alumni, attend consulting events, and connect with recruiters early.
- Case Prep: Start practicing early to sharpen problem-solving and structuring skills.
- Internships: Secure a summer internship in consulting to boost your profile.
- Target Locations: Middle East is a strong consulting market, but also consider London, Singapore, or North America for English-speaking opportunities.
 

Alessa

Hi there,

Your background is quite strong, and there are multiple paths to break into consulting, especially with an MBA from IE Business School. Here’s what you should consider for both Middle East and other regions:

1. Relevant Experience: Your time at a top e-commerce company, a start-up founded by ex-McKinsey partners, and your current role in digital transformations within a top healthcare conglomerate are highly relevant. Consulting firms value strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration—which you’ve demonstrated. Even though the start-up may not be a household name, the fact that it’s backed by ex-McKinsey partners adds significant credibility to your profile.
2. Tailor Your Story: When applying to consulting firms, focus on impact and leadership. For example, showcase how you’ve influenced product strategy, led digital transformation initiatives, or solved complex problems in your past roles. Demonstrate that you’re ready to take on the challenges that come with consulting.
3. Prepare for Case Interviews: As you prepare for your MBA and consulting applications, focus on case study prep. This is the core of consulting recruitment. Use your background to demonstrate business acumen in interviews, particularly in areas where you’ve worked with strategy, operations, or digital transformation.
4. Leverage Networking: Use your network, particularly those in consulting, to get introductions or insights about opportunities in the Middle East or other regions. Having connections in consulting firms or with ex-consultants (like your start-up’s founders) will be valuable.
5. Consider the Location Factor: Firms are actively hiring in the Middle East, and your experience in the region will be beneficial. However, since you're open to other locations, it’s worth expanding your search. Firms in London, Singapore, and New York also value diverse international experience.

Best of luck with your MBA and consulting journey! With the right preparation and focus, you're in a great position to transition into consulting.

Hi there,

Your experience is definitely relevant to consulting! Here’s a breakdown of how it aligns with the skills consulting firms look for:

1. E-commerce Internship: Your experience at a top e-commerce company is valuable, especially if you worked on areas like strategy, operations, or digital projects. Firms appreciate problem-solving and data-driven insights from candidates with this background.
2. Business Analyst at a Start-Up: Working at a start-up, especially one with ex-McKinsey partners, is a huge asset. Strategic thinking and the ability to manage projects and interact with large brands (Amazon, telcos) is very relevant for consulting. Don’t underestimate the value of this experience, even if the start-up isn’t a household name—it’s about the impact you had, not just the company’s name.
3. Healthcare Experience: Digital transformation in procurement and business operations is increasingly sought after in consulting. Firms are looking for candidates who understand complex business processes and can drive change management. This experience will make you stand out, especially in the Middle East where healthcare consulting is a growing field.
4. Entrepreneurial Experience: Consulting firms love candidates who have an entrepreneurial mindset, as it demonstrates problem-solving, risk-taking, and the ability to drive change. Highlight this experience in your CV and interviews to show that you're a self-starter with innovative thinking.

How to Break into Consulting:

• Leverage Your Network: Use your connections from IE Business School and the Middle East to network with consultants. Getting insider advice from professionals can give you an edge.
• Case Interview Prep: Start preparing for case interviews early, as they are crucial for consulting recruitment. Focus on practicing with frameworks, and make sure you can apply them to different industries.
• Highlight Regional Experience: Your knowledge of the Middle East market and work experience in the region will be especially attractive to firms hiring there.
• Focus on Your Strengths: In interviews, emphasize your experience in digital transformation, strategy, and leading projects—all highly relevant to consulting roles.

You’re in a strong position with your background! Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you need more guidance.

Hi there,

1) Is my experience relevant? 

Yes, your experience + MBA should be a good fit to get consulting invitations.

2) Also, what would be your advice to break into consulting. I am open to other English speaking offices as well. 

I would recommend the following:

▶ How to Land a Consulting Offer

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Your profile works very well for the region. I don't see any reason why to look elsewhere, also keeping in mind that other regions are much more difficult to break in from the outside.

All the best and keep us posted!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there!

Yes you have an appropriated profile, make sure to highlight your achievements as what you have done is what will make recruiters decide if you’re a good fit, more than the companies you’ve worked for. 
To be part of the MBB recruitment process, make sure to (1) network - leverage EI alumni base and get good referrals, (2) prepare a great CV (consulting style) and (3) study for the case and experience interviews (here you’ll find resrouces and coaches to help you succeed).

Good luck!