Job Market in Middle east

Hi everyone,

I need some info about working in middle east.

- Do you know if the salary package is different (higher) than US and Europe?

- Is the recruitment process different? Is the job market competetieve there?

- What s the most important capabilites you need to work in middle east?

- Other than 4Big, what are the other companies worth to apply in that region?

thanks a lot

1) No, often lower due to ease of hiring staff from India, China, etc. and ease of getting visas for them

2) More informal, very competitive due to supply above

3) Patience

4) Depends what you want to do - Big4 aren't all that strong for consulting in the region

Thanks A.J.

So for these two categories, Strategy and HR, which firms are best to apply for?

What sort of packages the major consultancies pay out there for consultant / manager level and do they provide housing?

I've worked in the region a lot over the last few years and considered making a move permanently if the deals are good!

anon - net net the packages give you similar quality of life and savings level as you'd achieve in the major European and US markets. Perhaps a little more, perhaps a little less, depending how bothered you are about things like human rights and (unfortunately) only if you are a white expat.

ConsultingNewb - in strategy McKinsey and ATK are solid, and in HR Towers Watson is the prestige player

ATK in the middle east? Non-existent as far as I know.

Booz is huge in Dubai and Beirut, their hubs from which they branch out.

Avoid middle east , welcome to afghanistan buddy :-)

No ATK in ME? Interesting, because I'm looking out on their office on SZR right now and I'm pretty sure there are another three offices in the region. Booz are also here, but are not highly rated in the private sector.

Plenty of ATK in the Middle East! Dubai office has over 50 peeps, plus I know for a fact that we've done work in the Kingdom.

Strategy - Booz is strong, ATK as well

HR - Hay Group is still going strong followed by Mercer. All major players are present.

Frankly, most strategy consulting firms have an office or two in the Middle East...but what exactly are you looking for?

If it just "cross-sector" strategy, then go for prestige ... MBB

or if HR - (as per the suggestions above)

Also, I have noticed that some "general" consulting firms tend to be more sector-focused in the ME....anyone else agree?

Interesting. Well my problem is I have no experience in consulting, but recently I was trying to change my career to consulting.

All my previous background (almost 5 years) is in HR and OD. I do have e general MBA, but it s not from a recognized school.

I m looking for middle east region, as I am based in ME, and I think I will have no chance in US and Europe.

Based on some research I've done I realized that MBB might not be achievable for me in this time. So what are the smaller companies in ME that you would suggest for beginners?

1. Salary package is on par with the US/Europe ( maybe even a bit lower), but you will save more as there is no income tax.

This savings will entirely depend on your willingness to spend.

2. Recruitment process is like that in the US; its all about who you know and contacts- very very difficult to get a job through the front door. Job market is very competitive as there is a willing supply of qualified candidates from india especially.

3. Most important capabilities are patientce and adaptation to new cultures etc.

4. Any MNC, especially one that has been established in the region for a while.

3.

ACCENTURE.... THE FUTURE. SIMPLY JUST THE DAM BEST.

SIMPLY CAN'T SPELL DAMN.

I recently applied with one of the top MCs office in the UK and wasn't successful. Their offices in Dubai and Mid-East have a separate application procedure - applying directly to office of interest. Is it worth pursuing it, or will they automatically run some checks, see that I already wasn't successful in the UK, and bin my CV immediately?

Thanks

In short, you've described exactly what will happen. All firms of reasonable size (if it's a 'top' firm, by implication it will be) run a central database and checking system to make sure they're not competing with themselves for staff, and aren't hiring people who've just been fired from another office.

Can you state why u say that "Accenture is the Best". I am personally looking for a career in Accenture abu dhabi - do you have any lead who can be of help.

@ Daniel

Its worth a try if you have a good CV and go to target school. What position are you applying for? Lower ranked position-less likely they will run their checks.

I am looking into an entry level position since I have an acredited MBA in Supply Chain with 3 yrs operational relevant exp though no previous consulting background. Is it a good idea to personally give my CV

Good market but basic is you need to be there and directly talk with company or hiring agency.

Please negotiate your responsibility and authority in details.