International opportunities at MBB

I am entering a joint MBA/MA in international affairs this Fall at an M7 school. My goal is to go into management consulting - preferably MBB. I've spent a lot of time abroad both in college and in my current job and I'd love to continue doing so in the future.

Are there opportunities for international staffing at MBB if one is based in the United States? I've toyed with the idea of trying to work for MBB in Europe, but from what I understand the pay is less and the opportunity to transition back to the United States may be limited. Anyone have experience with international staffing from a US based office or getting a US MBA and working in Europe for MBB? I'm a US citizen and speak Spanish "fluently", but I'd still rather speak in English in a professional setting.

Thanks!

 
Best Response

Within MBBs consider they all operate different staffing models. McKinsey has a global staffing model meaning anyone from any office can be anywhere for a project. If you're based in NYC you could be in Peru (giving an example with your Spanish ability) with someone from the Madrid, London and Dubai offices. Bain tends to operate a local staffing model meaning you'll do projects related to the local geography (if you're in the US you'll do mainly US projects). Not sure about BGC but from what I heard it's a hybrid of the two previous models.

If you get into McKinsey you can still use your Spanish skills even if based in the US but if you get into BCG or Bain and want to use your Spanish skills I would apply for a South American or Spanish office.

 

In addition to G-I's already great post: BCG and Bain will operate more locally - Bain moreso than BCG - but not all offices require the local language. In Europe, for example, offices in the Nordics tend to be more open w.r.t. language requirements.

 
Angus Macgyver:
Wait. Why do you think it would be -worse- than working at a US-based office...?
This. Having international experience could be a good differentiator for you. A successful stint at a MBB, no matter where you are in the world, will signal to business schools that you are capable of being successful in their programs. You will just need a way to stand out from the other MBB applicants, and having a unique experience in a foreign office could be just the thing. It all comes down to how you craft your story.
 
Angus Macgyver:
Wait. Why do you think it would be -worse- than working at a US-based office...?

For the obvious reason that it's less competitive to get a job there (especially in east asia)? I didn't mean worse in a general sense.. I was referring specifically in terms of prestige and the amount of credential it would add to my application.

 

Generally, It will be better to work at McK in Seoul than working in. F500 company in US. I've seen a lot of people going from MBB in Europe to HBS and I am pretty sure it should be the same from Asia.

I'm grateful that I have two middle fingers, I only wish I had more.
 

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