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Hands down JPM if you want to relocate to another country later on as the brand will help
Moelis has the best deal flow in the Middle East, not just Dubai alone, so if you want better deal experience on your resume, go for Moelis. Other than that, JPM is JPM, the brand value is second to none if you are pushing for an MBA 4 years down the line, or want to transfer to a different country, which will be hard given the smaller headcount in JPM Dubai, compared to lets say London or NYC, where they might not even need you. Hours are pretty much the same, with Moelis stretching a bit more than JPM primarily because of more deals being executed, but again if you're going into IB, you know how the hours will be like. So it boils down to what you want, better deal experience or better brand value?
Hello! Do you think ESSEC ESCP EDHEC FSFM WHU are all target school in Middle East IBD? Thanks for your help!
Not sure about FSFM, WHU tho, but French schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, EDHEC and ESSEC are very well recruited for both banking and consulting in the Middle East. I would say HEC Paris = INSEAD = LBS > ESSEC > EDHEC > ESCP, for Middle East recruiting. What role are you particularly asking for? Post MBA or Post UG?
I'm just a student but I think moelis pays more as well, Has way better deal flow( No 1 in MENA) You could meet and network with some incredibly powerful people working there.
BTW OP Could I PM you?
Thanks all, any more opinions?
I work in IB in the region and know the landscape very well. Moelis had hands down better deal flow and from a learning and experience perspective is far ahead of JPM. Everything the other poster said is very valid, it is up to you whether you want to choose brand name or deal experience. I think it’s important to note that JPM mainly executes out of their London office, with the Dubai office providing regional support. So from an exposure perspective you’re unlikely to be holding the pen on the model etc. Having said that JPM also picks up decent deals and if you want to leverage the JPM brand down the line (MBA, moving back to home country etc.) it is very valid. Will also note that JPM is very top heavy with only a few juniors, while it is the opposite for Moelis. I would speak to people in both teams and see which one is a better cultural fit.
Would echo a lot of this sentiment, but add that it depends on your long-term game plan. Whilst Moelis has better deal-flow, I've heard first-hand that you're going to be staffed 24/7 and near-term burn-out is somewhat inevitable. If your plan is to leverage for a buy-side move or transition internationally after a few years, JPM Dubai will be a significant differentiating factor vs others in the interview room (including people from boutiques such as Moelis).
Do you think it’s necessary to gain Arabic to work in Middle East IBD? Much appreciated!
Whats comp and career progression like there? Have heard there's a glass ceiling at the SWFs for non arab nationals but is that the same for western banks with ME offices?
Hi, I am thinking of doing my MBA at NYU Stern (joint degree with NYU Abu Dhabi), do you think I would be able to break into IB in UAE associate level?
Bachelor degree in Lebanon, exchange semester in ESSEC, 4-5 years exp in project finance in a family office in Dubai.
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