How to break into IB in the middle east(gulf)
Info about IB recruiting there is vague. I speak Arabic fluently. Are there any target schools in the region? Or do they mostly recruit from target european universities?
Thanks
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Interested in this.
From what I know, American University of Beirut seems to place quite well within the region - big alumni network. Your typical target European schools should also position you well for recruitment.
Yup other than that mostly european schools, it’s way less competitive than European offices
Is it? I would imagine offices in the region take on less interns which could mean applications per position would pan out to be more or less the same, or is it that the type of applicants are usually weaker?
Curious as I am final year UK student from the region with experience working in a MM PE firm in London. Was contemplating whether or not applying to offices there given my experience and background would put me at an advantage.
Yes taking less folks, but lot less apply there. If you don’t speak arabic/have a good reason to go there they’d question your application. Also make sure you are keen on O&G/Infra as 90%+ of dealflow is focused on that.
But how does recruitment take place? Is applying online enough, or would you need to "network" like in the US?
Just apply online !!!
Bank of America : Standard Chartered : Barclays are the most active there when it comes to recruitment based on my observation for the last 2 years so give it a shot ! They often have vacancies for off cycle / interns Citi is so hard ! JP too, other boutiques or other names are probably best to reach by networking I’ve never had an interview with them I’ve interviewed with them !
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