Hello there,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your current situation.

It's important to note that as an off-cycle candidate, the recruitment process can naturally take a bit longer, typically ranging from 3 to 6 months. Given this timeline, applying now versus waiting until September may not significantly impact your start date, especially if the market is expected to improve so I would wait until September.

During this waiting period, patience is crucial. Additionally, gaining relevant work experience can be highly beneficial. This can include taking on internships, project-based roles, or even short-term assignments that align with your consulting aspirations. Exploring opportunities with sustainability consulting firms in Europe is a smart move this could be an excellent way to diversify your experience and skills while the GCC market stabilizes. 

I would also advise you to monitor factors like economic policies, investment trends, and sector-specific developments in the GCC to stay informed about potential market rebounds and will make your conversations with the regional consultants more insightful. 

Happy to discuss this further!

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection from Strategy&!

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

• First of all, and contrary to what other coaches have said, nobody knows how the economy will develop, including us coaches. As such, I do not see any point in trying to predict the future. You did great by being in touch with the recruiters, which is all that is under your control.
• Moreover, while you wait for the consulting market to recover in the GCC, it's a smart move to look for sustainability consulting opportunities in Europe (and other consulting-related opportunities) to increase your candidacy.

You can find more on this topic here: How to deal with a rejection from a consulting company.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Not a bad idea to wait till you have more clarity. 
The GCC consulting market is likely to rebound, driven by economic diversification efforts (new industry expansion - tourism, renewable energy, technology) and digital transformation (AI, Smart cities) initiatives.

Continue to network, improve your Case and FIT interviewing skills. 

Thanks 

If they tell you to wait… then wait.

Regarding factors to monitor… honestly, business cycles are long and no one can afford to be waiting for the right moment. So apply in September to as many firms you can and then move on if you don't get it. And, of course, reapply one year later.