Danyal
Q: How did you first hear about the Strategy& Catalyst for MBA students? What sparked your interest?
A: Before starting my MBA at INSEAD, I was working at a consulting firm in Pakistan. Around that time, I heard about the Strategy& Catalyst from a friend at Strategy& Middle East. It immediately caught my attention – I was eager to explore consulting in the Middle East and was seriously considering making the move from Pakistan. The opportunity to engage with real consultants and leaders through the program felt too good to pass up!
Q: What was the three-day Strategy& Catalyst experience like for you?
A: The program was a great mix of learning and connecting. I picked up technical skills – like structuring problems, building storylines, and using Excel and PowerPoint in a more strategic way. It really gave me a taste of how consultants think and communicate.
But what truly stood out was the culture. The more I interacted with people at the firm, the more I appreciated how supportive and collaborative the environment is.
Q: How did that experience influence your decision to pursue a full-time role after your MBA?
A: During my MBA, I had the chance to continue working with Strategy& through a Social Impact Fellowship. That experience reinforced everything I had seen during the Strategy& Catalyst. My manager and the team were incredibly supportive, helping me ramp up quickly.
Even more impactful was the work itself. I was involved in a project in the education sector focused on mentorship and developing local talent. Seeing the tangible impact we were making – and doing it alongside such inspiring colleagues – made the decision to apply for a full-time role an easy one.
Q: You’ve now moved to Saudi Arabia. What’s it like working there?
A: Working in Saudi Arabia has been incredibly rewarding. The work is high impact, involving engagement with senior leaders across both the public and private sectors on a variety of topics. On a personal level, I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in Saudi culture, from trying local dishes like kabsa and jareesh to exploring new places. Saudi Arabia is a unique blend of tradition and rapid transformation, and it’s exciting to be part of it.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming MBA students who are interested in consulting?
A: Stay curious – it’s one of the most valuable traits you can bring to the job. The best consultants I’ve worked with are those who genuinely want to understand how things work, ask thoughtful questions, and aren’t afraid to dig deeper. Consulting offers a front-row seat to complex challenges, so the more you embrace that curiosity, the more you’ll learn and enjoy the journey.
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