Interview: An Oliver Wyman Career in the Middle East

Last Updated on March 6, 2024

The Consulting Interview Series

Our latest series on StrategyCase.com is crafted to provide our readers with valuable insights into the diverse world of consulting across various firms and locations. We delve into the depths of the consulting industry by engaging with professionals from top-tier firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, and beyond, to bring you firsthand accounts of their experiences and perspectives on their roles within the industry.

Are you curious about the workings of specific consulting firms or intrigued by consulting roles in different geographies? Do you have any specific questions or topics you’d like us to explore? Please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to expanding our series by reaching out to our extensive network and conducting exclusive interviews for StrategyCase.com, tailored to your interests.

In our recent installment, we feature an insightful interview with a Senior Associate from Oliver Wyman, based in Dubai. This discussion provides an in-depth look into the nuances of management consulting in the Middle East and offers a unique perspective on consulting and expat life in Dubai.

The Experience of an Oliver Wyman Consultant

StrategyCase.com: Where do you work? What position?

Interviewee: I work at Oliver Wyman in their Dubai office, currently as a Senior Consultant

StrategyCase.com: What kinds of cases do you work on?

Interviewee: The projects in the Middle East are of a larger scale for big clients. They focus mostly on the public sector, telecommunication & energy.

StrategyCase.com: How is the travel for Oliver Wyman consultants from the UAE? Do you travel every week? How far?

Interviewee: I travel every week, usually within the region within a 2h flight radius.

StrategyCase.com: What are your favorite travel hacks?

Interviewee: My favorite travel hack is flying to different locations instead of returning to Dubai at the end of the workweek and spending a weekend elsewhere, which is possible working in the Dubai offices of OW, BCG, or McKinsey.

StrategyCase.com: How does a typical day look in your consultant life? (e.g., distribution between client meetings, problem-solving, analytical work in Excel, slide preparation, etc)

Interviewee: Powerpoint, Excel, and meetings = 100%

StrategyCase.com: What are the typical hours you work during the week and on Friday? How about weekend work?

Interviewee: Sunday to Wednesday I work until 10-11 pm, Thursdays until 6 pm. Weekends are from Friday to Saturday, so the week starts on Sunday. There is no weekend work.

StrategyCase.com: How do you unwind during the week and on weekends?

Interviewee: By traveling to new places, other than the United Arab Emirates.

StrategyCase.com: What’s the best part of the job?

Interviewee: Travel opportunities and good pay in the region.

StrategyCase.com: What is the worst part of the job?

Interviewee: From time to time unpredictable projects. Distance to family in Europe.

StrategyCase.com: What tip would you give applicants for your role and your firm?

Interviewee: Know why you want to come to the region and specific firm.

StrategyCase.com: What exit opportunities are you considering?

Interviewee: Transfer to a European office.

StrategyCase.com: What have you learned on the job?

Interviewee: Lots, mostly managing people and working with people from all over the world.

If you want to read more consulting life from different firms and regions, check out some other reports below:

• The life of a McKinsey consultant in Germany
• The life of a BCG consultant in Germany
• The life of a Bain consultant in China
• The life of an Accenture consultant in Canada
• The life of an Ernst & Young consultant in Western Europe

How We Help You on This Journey to Oliver Wyman

Embarking on your journey to secure a position at Oliver Wyman is a tough challenge, but with specialized guidance, your path to success is clearer. Our team, renowned as top McKinsey coaching experts, is here to support you every step of the way.

Our background as former McKinsey consultants and seasoned interview coaches equips us with a unique perspective and expertise. We focus on transforming your candidacy by:

• Personalizing Your Resume and Cover Letter: We’ll work with you to tailor these crucial documents to align with Oliver Wyman’s high standards, ensuring you make a strong first impression.
• One-on-One Coaching Sessions: These sessions are tailored to develop your case-solving prowess and hone your storytelling skills for the fit interviews, significantly boosting your chances of success (90% success rate after 5 sessions).
• Enhancing Your Quantitative Skills: We ensure your mathematical skills are up to the task for every case scenario.
• Creative Case Structuring: Learn to approach and structure complex and unconventional case studies effectively.
• Interpreting Unique Data Presentations: We’ll teach you how to accurately analyze and derive insights from charts and exhibits.

For any queries or further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing a personalized program designed to navigate you successfully through the Oliver Wyman application process.

Ace your consulting applications with our dedicated preparation packages.