MBB Africa --> MBA --> UK?
Hi all,
I am in sort of a unique position. Essentially, I have been invited to apply to an entry level position at one of the MBB firms (their equivalent of BA/AC/Associate) for one of their African offices. While I attend an "ok" university, it is nowhere near a target in my country (UK), and therefore I would struggle to get in an office here, but as I have right to work for this African country I have an advantage there (it is notoriously hard to secure work visas).
My goal would be to do 2 years at that office, pursue an MBA and then move back to the UK. Do all MBB offices offer MBA sponsorship, and how do M7 schools view African offices? Is it possible to move offices post MBA?
Might as well go straight to Africa focused PE shop post-MBA, and some of them are based in the City.
Potentially, you could even transfer directly to the London office of your MBB after two years, given that your performance is good.
But focus on the task at hand and do a shit ton of cases and mocks. Worry about moving offices once you get the offer in hand.
Good luck!
Thank you both for your replies.
I definitely want an MBA - possibly even an MBA/JD - Hence firm sponsorship is really important to me.
How would M7 Business Schools and LBS perceive an MBB candidate from an African office? Will it be detrimental to my application? My university stats are quite good (First class honours in engineering from a reputable British university - top 10 in the UK - graduated top of my class, national awards in my field, etc), so I am trying to make sure I have the best shot at those schools through my work experience.
I’m not an expert but I’d say this is a diverse and interesting profile. If you get a strong GMAT, you should be able to get into an MBA business schools">M7 school.
Based on your profile, you have a very good shot to do what you plan: MBB in Africa -> MBA -> MBB UK.
But here's a few extra comments which may help with your decision:
1) MBA business schools">M7 and LBS admissions would likely place you in a consultant and an Africa bucket. They will view your experience as very good, given they don't typically get many applications for Africa.
2) For your plan, unless you get into Harvard/Stanford and maybe Wharton, LBS is likely the better choice as you will be able to network with the London office very easily. INSEAD would also get you close to the London office, but since it's not on your shortlist of MBA, I won't say more about that.
3) I have seen this move happen during my MBA, mostly from southern and eastern European offices to London. However, London offices are very competitive, so have that in mind and try to network with London even before starting your MBA. From my MBB colleagues that tried to move to London after the MBA, I think only 50% or so managed to do it.
4) Are you sure that getting MBB interviews in London from your uni is that hard? Check Linkedin for alums. If you're at a top 10 uni in the UK, getting a first and doing engineering, I think that profile should be strong enough to get interviews for MBB in London from undergrad.
Thank you for taking the time to reply in such detail, I really appreciate it.
1) Had no idea that there would be an African bucket, I presumed all applications would be reviewed together, that is really interesting
2) I am not opposed to other offices, London would be ideal as I have a friends back in the UK, but I am open to anywhere in Europe. INSEAD is also an option, but US/UK would be preferable personally.
3) Also good to know - thanks!
4) So this is a weird one, because: - As far as I know UK recruitment is very Oxbridge/LSE/Imperial centric - It is not impossible to go from my uni to MBB, there are at least two partners that attended my university, but I think a total of 15-20 people max are in consulting roles at all these firms combined
When I applied for a summer internship I somehow managed to get through screening at McKinsey (my top choice on my application was London), but I bombed the PST so bad, so I guess it is possible to get through, but very unlikely.
You probably aren’t based in the UK - 80%~ of the class at MBB comes from Oxbridge, 15% comes from LSE/UCL/LBS/Imperial and well there’s 5% left or vaguely 5-10 spots for other unis. If he is at a ‘non-target’ it’ll be close to impossible for London.
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