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

Hey everyone, 

I will be starting my MBA at IE Business in September 2025, and I'm currently based in the Middle East, Dubai to be specific. I, however, am an Indian Citizen

My experience is: 
1. Analyst (Internship) at a top e-commerce company in the region. 8 months 
2. Business Analyst at a Start-Up which has many partnerships with bigger brands (Amazon, Big Telcos etc.). I worked on Product and Strategy here. This start-up is also founded by ex-Mckinsey Partners. Even though the start-up is #1 in the niche it is in, it is no household name.  3 years
3. Currently working at a top healthcare conglomerate as an assistant Manager. Mostly focused on digital transformations in Procurement and Biz Ops.  will be just shy of a year when i start my MBA

I also have some entrepreneurial experience during my undergrad where my friends and I launched a service (app-based in its later phase) to solve a local problem in finding reliable transportation. 

Is my experience relevant? Also, what would be your advice to break into consulting. I am open to other English speaking offices as well. 

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Feb 02, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the admission to IE Business School!

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

  • First of all, based on the information you have provided, yes, it seems that your experience is relevant. While an MBA from IE Business School may not be well known in the Middle East, it will not be a problem either.
  • Moreover, what exactly are you looking for advice on when it comes to entering the consulting industry?

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 applications, pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Evelina
Coach
on Jan 30, 2025
EY-Parthenon (6 years) l Ex BCG l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS

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

Alessa
Coach
on Jan 29, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

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

Georges
Coach
on Jan 29, 2025
Ex Senior Manager at Bain | 8+ Years MBB Experience | 90%+ offer success rate| Middle East Expert

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.

Anonymous A
on Jan 30, 2025
Thank you for your answer. I appreciate it. Do you think IE’s MBA is taken seriously in the Middle East? Thanks!
on Jan 30, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

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

Florian
Coach
on Jan 30, 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

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

on Feb 07, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

In terms of office locations - some have mentioned Singapore. The reality is that unless you are a citizen/PR, you can practically forget about getting placed in Singapore.

However, SEA is a different story. Many firms are still growing in developing markets, so there is possibility of joining offies in KL/BKK/JKT/HCM/MNL.

SEA is a very different market and place to work than middle east however. If you are interested in this region, you can check out an article I wrote going into much more detail what consulting is like in SEA:

Consulting Industry in Southeast Asia

All the best!

Georges
Coach
on Jan 30, 2025
Ex Senior Manager at Bain | 8+ Years MBB Experience | 90%+ offer success rate| Middle East Expert

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.

Mariana
Coach
on Jan 30, 2025
You CAN make it! | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions |Free 15-Minute Call

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!

Thabang
Coach
on Feb 03, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there,

Yes - you're experience is relevant. Moreover, what you want to reflect in your profile and CV is evidence of problem solving and generating impact

To break into consulting, focus on getting a strong referral, boost and optimize the strength of your CV and profile, practice cases rigorously, practices behavioral fit interviews too - and then....... go ace those interviews! :-) 

Let me know if you'd like help on implementation on any of the steps above

All the best!

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