MBA or advanced degrees for promotion at MBB MENA

Question

Hello,

I wanted to ask if it is necessary to have an MBA or an advanced degree to rise up the ranks and reach partner at an MBB firm in the Middle East (Dubai/Riyadh).

If you get into MBB straight out of undergrad and graduated from a prestigious undergraduate school, do you still need to pursue any other degrees after a couple of years? Does it differ by firm? Does it affect exit ops in the region?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Short Answer: No, you don’t necessarily need an advanced degree (e.g., MBA) to rise through the ranks and reach Partner at an MBB firm in the Middle East (Dubai/Riyadh).

Long Answer: The factors influencing promotion within MBB vary across different stages of your career:

Early Career (Business Analyst to Manager):
At this stage, your promotion depends primarily on your performance on projects—first as an individual contributor and later as a team and client leader. Your ability to deliver results, manage stakeholders, and lead teams is pivotal. While an advanced degree can provide useful skills (e.g., strategic thinking, problem-solving frameworks), it isn’t a promotion prerequisite.
Later Career (Principal to Partner):
In the senior stages of your career, the focus shifts to client relationships and business development (e.g., selling projects, building trust with key clients). An advanced degree does not directly contribute to these capabilities, nor is it required to reach Partner. That said, it might offer indirect benefits—like strengthening your network through alumni connections, especially in regions where professional relationships carry significant weight.

Additional Insight:
In my experience (incl. in the Middle East), consultants who pursue advanced degrees like MBAs after starting at MBB typically do so for reasons unrelated to promotions. These may include a desire to relocate (e.g., switching offices post-MBA), take a break from consulting’s fast-paced environment, or explore other career opportunities (including exit options). While advanced degrees can be a valuable experience, they are by no means a requirement for career growth within MBB.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

Hi! Sorry to hear the interviews didn't go according to your expectations, but also don't read too much into them - i... (read entire answer)

Hi! Sorry to hear the interviews didn't go according to your expectations, but also don't read too much into them - it often happens that candidates are harsher with their self-... (read entire answer)

Answer 3

Hi, Great question. Sharing my perspective having considered exits at various stages. I would say it all depends on... (read entire answer)

Hi, Great question. Sharing my perspective having considered exits at various stages. I would say it all depends on what your exit goals / outcomes are. I would characterize op... (read entire answer)

Answer 4

Hi! I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. Through the background check, they rather want to understand... (read entire answer)

Hi! I wouldn't worry about them reneging on the offer. Through the background check, they rather want to understand whether you purposefully tried to hide something or lie in t... (read entire answer)