How to Land a Consulting Job Abroad
Second-year MBA students share some inside tips on finding a consulting position in an overseas office.
On November 12, the Consulting Club sponsored a panel discussion among second-year MBA students who have found positions in the overseas offices of major consulting firms. The students shared tips on how to successfully navigate the international recruiting process.
Disha Patel ’15
Post-MBA position: Boston Consulting Group, Australia
“Use your American contacts to build relationships in foreign offices. The reason I was successful at getting into the Sydney office was because I had an ex-BCG employee advocating for me inside the firm. He put me in touch with a lot of people, and so I was able to get a good feel for the culture. I was able to talk with them and build long-term relationships, and it helped. As soon as you go into the first interview, they’ll ask why Australia or why this particular office? Especially if you had your education or other work experience in the U.S., you have to make a very strong case. For my BCG cover letter, I had an entire separate page that answered why Australia and a world map with Australia in the center.”
Mohamed Elshamy ’15
Post-MBA position: McKinsey & Company, Dubai
“If you have any international background or experience in a region, or if you speak another language, it will at least help you get an interview. But you should also have some real conviction for wanting to work in a particular office. In terms of the interview itself, they will hold you to the same standards. Just because I’m international or I speak the language, I still have to do all the same preparation for the interview.”
Trevor Whelan ’15
Post-MBA position: Boston Consulting Group, England
“Another thing to consider with international recruiting is that you have to be prepped for interview rounds sooner. Because they’re flying people out to interview you, and it’s going to suit their schedule, not yours, you might not have the time to prep between events. It can be a lot more of a roller coaster than domestic recruiting.”
Pablo Heredia Gonzales ’15
Post-MBA position: Boston Consulting Group, Mexico
“In Mexico, they are not as focused on the frameworks utilized during the interview as I think they are in the U.S. However, they are extremely interested on making sure that you understand the country dynamics. Factors such as unions, regions, and the different things that come into the equation that are specific or endemic to that office or to that country. So you do have to be aware and fully knowledgeable of what’s going on it the country or in the office that you’re applying to.”