Qadat

A ten-month business analyst program at Strategy& Middle East

Talent is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to attracting and nurturing exceptional talent and empowering the next wave of GCC leaders with the strategy consulting toolkit to thrive professionally, within consulting or beyond.

Qadat is the Strategy& program aimed at introducing high achieving students from leading universities across our region to a broad range of client work and industry challenges. Through Qadat, tomorrow’s leaders gain both practical experience and a professional network to set them on the path to excellence today. Join us and start building your future.

 
Program: Qadat

Real, on-the-job experience

Qadat is a ten-month program that places you in a business analyst role, enabling you to work alongside Strategy& consultants to solve our clients' toughest problems. As a core member of the team, you will embark on an exceptional journey that promises to enhance your analytical capabilities, empower your client-handling skills, and build the core-consulting competencies needed to tackle salient business projects.

Mentorship and trainings throughout

We will be with you every step of the way. An experienced team member will mentor and support you as you focus on challenging consulting assignments. Your mentor and career development team will work with you to assess your strengths and further elevate your skills through a curated learning and development program.

Community and connections that last

Community and connections that last

Strategy& has always stood out within the consulting industry for its strong sense of camaraderie. Throughout the Qadat journey, you can expect to make lifelong friends and professional contacts who will continue to guide you through your career. By the end of the program—in addition to invaluable job experience and a certificate of completion—you will also be welcomed into a prestigious alumni community whose 1000+ members have attained leading public and private sector positions across the globe.

 

Real, on-the-job experience

Qadat is a ten-month program that places you in a business analyst role, enabling you to work alongside Strategy& consultants to solve our clients' toughest problems. As a core member of the team, you will embark on an exceptional journey that promises to enhance your analytical capabilities, empower your client-handling skills, and build the core-consulting competencies needed to tackle salient business projects.

Mentorship and trainings throughout

We will be with you every step of the way. An experienced team member will mentor and support you as you focus on challenging consulting assignments. Your mentor and career development team will work with you to assess your strengths and further elevate your skills through a curated learning and development program.

Community and connections that last

Community and connections that last

Strategy& has always stood out within the consulting industry for its strong sense of camaraderie. Throughout the Qadat journey, you can expect to make lifelong friends and professional contacts who will continue to guide you through your career. By the end of the program—in addition to invaluable job experience and a certificate of completion—you will also be welcomed into a prestigious alumni community whose 1000+ members have attained leading public and private sector positions across the globe.

Explore the program

If you’re a student or recent graduate interested in joining Strategy& as a business analyst, visit this page to learn more and make sure to follow our Strategy& Middle East channels on LinkedInInstagram and X for the latest on #StrategyandQadat.

Applications and timeline

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Spotlight on our business analysts

  • If you are interested in consulting, I would strongly encourage you to apply...

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    Abdulrahman

    Nationality: Saudi Arabia
    Q: What motivated you to join the Qadat program?
    A: I was drawn to Qadat because of Strategy&’s strong reputation in the Middle East and the consistently high-quality work the firm is recognized for globally. I wanted to see what that actually looks like in practice and to accelerate my growth by working alongside top-tier teams and clients.

    Q: How has the experience been so far?
    A: I came in with high expectations, and the experience has truly exceeded them. What stood out early on was the quality of the training, how people genuinely invest in helping you learn, and how welcoming and supportive the Strategy& community is for new joiners.

    Q: What was your first project and role?
    A: My first project sat at the intersection of technology and investments. My role was diverse, supporting the team by profiling companies, conducting valuations, and stepping in wherever needed to move both the analysis and the project forward.

    Q: What work are you most proud of so far?
    A: I worked on a strategic deal pursuit workstream. We identified companies that matched the investment criteria and assessed their value using financial approaches, like discounted cash flow modeling and peer multiple benchmarking, complemented by qualitative analysis around strategic synergies and overall fit with the client’s objectives. I am especially proud of the rigor we brought to the valuation work and how we translated complex inputs into a clear, decision-ready view.

    Q: What new skills did you have to develop quickly?
    A: Coming from an engineering background, I had to ramp up quickly on finance fundamentals and financial modeling. At the same time, I have been developing core consulting skills like structured communication, hypothesis-driven problem solving, and delivering insights in a clear and impactful way.

    Q: What has been a highlight for you so far?
    A: One of the biggest highlights has been learning from my colleagues and project team members every day. A moment that really stood out was working directly with a partner and a senior associate on a complex valuation. Seeing how a partner thinks through ambiguity and pressure was an invaluable learning experience.

    Q: What are you most excited to work on next?
    A: Looking ahead, I am excited to explore sectors and practices such as health, government and public sector. What draws me to them is the scale and significance of the challenges they tackle, and the opportunity to contribute to work that has a meaningful impact.

    Q: What advice would you give to students considering Qadat?
    A: If you are interested in consulting, I would strongly encourage you to apply to the Qadat program. Strategy& offers a standout environment with a steep learning curve in the best possible way. To prepare, practice mock case interviews consistently, focusing on clear structuring, and strong communication. Most importantly, stay adaptable - the best candidates rely on sharp thinking and creativity rather than rigidly applying frameworks.

    My advice would be simple: go for it. The learning curve is steep, the exposure is exceptional...

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    Lateefah

    Nationality: Kuwait
    Q: What motivated you to join the Qadat program at Strategy&, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
    A: I was drawn to Qadat for the exposure and accelerated learning that comes with management consulting, and for the chance to build a skillset that is difficult to replicate in other career paths. Strategy& stood out to me in particular because of its strong values, people-first culture, and clear emphasis on mentorship and long-term development.

    What truly differentiated the experience, even early on, was the open-door culture and the close, day-to-day exposure to partners and senior partners, demonstrating a genuine sense of support. I was looking for hands-on experience solving complex problems in a high-performing, and collaborative environment that invests in its people, and the program has delivered strongly on that.

    Q: How has your experience in the program been so far, especially in your first few weeks?
    A: From day one, the experience has been extremely positive. What stood out most in my first few weeks has been the culture. There is a genuine sense of camaraderie, a strong emphasis on mentorship, and an approachability across all levels that makes it easy to ask questions and learn quickly.

    As I met more people and started working across teams, it became clear that Strategy& actively prioritizes continuous learning and development. There is a real commitment to helping individuals succeed, and that early experience reinforced that joining the firm was the right decision for me.

    Q: Can you tell us about your first project, your role on the team, and an output you are particularly proud of?
    A: My first project was in the telecommunications sector, where we delivered a group-wide AI strategy and rapid value realization program for a large telecom organization. The focus was on scaling AI adoption and prioritizing high-impact use cases across the group.

    As a business analyst, I was closely involved in developing the executive-level strategy, identifying AI use cases, supporting vendor evaluations, and prioritizing initiatives based on financial impact across the group.

    One output I am particularly proud of was the structuring of AI use cases across the group and its OpCos. I supported the research, structuring, and visual development, translating complex inputs into clear, comparable, and executive-ready views that directly informed prioritization decisions.

    Q: What new skills did you have to develop quickly during this first project?
    A: The pace of the project pushed me to develop a much more focused and efficient way of working. I learned how to prioritize effectively in a fast-moving environment with competing demands, while maintaining high quality.

    I also strengthened my ability to receive real-time feedback to iterate quickly and continuously refine my work. Managing multiple projects, while delivering under tight timelines, created a steep learning curve, but an incredibly rewarding one.

    Q: What has been a highlight of the program for you so far?
    A: One of the biggest highlights has been the opportunity to contribute to, and present work that directly informs decisions made by senior executives. Seeing how the analyses and recommendations we develop are used at the highest levels of leadership has reinforced the scale, responsibility, and real-world impact of the work done at Strategy&, even early in my career.

    Q: Looking ahead, what types of projects or industries are you most excited to explore next?
    A: I am particularly excited to work on government and public sector engagements. My recent exposure to the scale and real-world impact of public sector work opened my eyes to an area I had not initially considered, but now find highly compelling.

    I am also keen to gain experience in private equity and sovereign investment fund-related work. Given my background and the intensity of these engagements, I see them as a strong opportunity to accelerate my learning and build rigor early in my career.

    Q: What advice would you give to students considering applying to the Qadat program?
    A: My advice would be simple: go for it. The learning curve is steep, the exposure is exceptional, and the skills and experiences you gain stay with you well beyond the program.

    Just as importantly, you become part of a genuinely supportive and close-knit community. The sense of family at Strategy& is distinctive, and it makes a challenging and high-performing environment incredibly rewarding.

    Qadat opens many doors. Believe in yourself, take ownership of your work and use the program...

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    Hamad

    Nationality: United Arab Emirates
    Q: What made you join the Qadat program?
    A: The Qadat program stood out to me because I wanted early, hands-on exposure to strategy consulting and to really challenge myself. I was looking for a fast-paced environment where I could learn by doing, grow professionally, and understand what impact-driven work in the region actually looks like in practice.

    Q: How would you describe the experience so far?
    A: The experience has been intense, but in the best way possible. From the first few weeks, what stood out most was how quickly I was trusted with real responsibility. I was treated as a true member of the team, not just a participant in a program, which made the learning curve steep but incredibly rewarding.

    Q: What was your first project like?
    A: My first project was with a public sector client focused on an institutional transformation strategy. I supported the team with industry-research, slide development, and problem-solving. I also had the chance to contribute to client discussions - being exposed to that level of work so early was both challenging and motivating.

    Q: What moment are you most proud of so far?
    A: One standout moment was moderating a discussion table with more than ten representatives from different government entities during a co-creation workshop, alongside a Strategy& partner. It was a significant responsibility, but it really showed me how much the team had entrusted me.

    Q: What skills did you have to develop quickly?
    A: I had to learn how to structure problems clearly and work under tight timelines while still maintaining quality. I learned to be proactive in discussions and anticipate the team’s requirements instead of waiting for direction.

    Q: How has the team environment shaped your experience?
    A: The team dynamic has been one of the biggest highlights. Even during intense work periods, the energy was positive and motivating. That balance between hard work and team outings made the experience both fun and memorable.

    Q: What excites you about what comes next?
    A: Coming from an engineering background, I am especially excited to work with more technical clients, particularly in the technology or mobility sectors. Such opportunities will allow me to connect analytical thinking with real-world systems, which is something I genuinely enjoy.

    Q: What advice would you give to someone considering Qadat?
    A: Qadat opens many doors. Believe in yourself, take ownership of your work, and use the program as a platform to showcase your true strengths and unique abilities.
  • Taking ownership of a complex piece of analysis and seeing it meaningfully reflected in the final output...

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    Arin

    Nationality: Saudi Arabia
    Q: What motivated you to join the Qadat program at Strategy&?
    A: Joining Qadat felt like the right way to challenge myself in a meaningful and fast-faced environment. From prior experience, I knew I enjoyed structuring problems and working under pressure, and I wanted to test how far I could push myself. Strategy& stood out because of the rigor of the work and the real impact it makes, which made it the right place for that kind of growth.

    Q: How has the experience been so far, and what stood out early on?
    A: The experience has been fast paced and highly motivating. What stood out immediately was how high the bar is - you are expected to take full ownership of your work. That pressure pushed me to become sharper and more intentional very early on, which aligns strongly with how I want to grow professionally.

    Q: What was your first project, and what role did you play on the team?
    A: My first project was with a sovereign wealth fund, focused on a real estate-related strategic problem. The work involved assessing options at both the investment and development levels, with strong financial, operational, and long-term value considerations. I supported the team across research, structuring, and slide development, translating complex real estate and financial inputs into clear, decision-oriented insights for senior-level discussions.

    Q: What work are you most proud of so far?
    A: Taking ownership of a complex piece of analysis and seeing it meaningfully reflected in the final output. It required structuring ambiguous inputs, applying judgment rather than relying on obvious answers, and communicating conclusions clearly. Knowing that my work helped shape senior-level discussions was especially rewarding.

    Q: What new skills or ways of working did you develop?
    A: One of the most important shifts for me was always understanding the “why” behind every idea and output. It forced me to be more rigorous in my thinking, anticipate follow-up questions, and build work assuming it would be challenged. Over time, this changed how I approach problems and communicate, helping me be more confident, precise, and trusted in discussions.

    Q: What has been a highlight of the program so far?
    A: Seeing my contribution reflected in the final output was deeply motivating. Knowing that my work would reach senior leadership so early in my career made me feel trusted as part of the team. That trust pushed me to take even greater ownership of what I produce and reinforced the importance of delivering at a consistently high standard.

    Q: What are you most excited to work on next?
    A: I am particularly excited about strategy and growth projects in the telecommunications and government sectors. I enjoy transformation-focused work involving technology enablement and evolving operating models, especially when the problems are not obvious. I want to continue contributing to initiatives with national or sector-wide impact while pushing myself intellectually.

    Q: What advice would you give to students considering Qadat?
    A: Mistakes will happen. What matters is how quickly you learn from them and move forward. If you are curious, resilient, and willing to be uncomfortable, you will grow far more in a short period of time than you expect.

    For those looking to build impactful skills early in their careers, the Qadat program...

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    Musaed

    Nationality: Kuwait
    Q: What motivated you to join the Qadat program at Strategy&?
    A: I joined Qadat to gain hands-on consulting experience early in my career and to learn how real industry challenges are tackled in a structured and impactful way. Strategy& stood out for its reputation for rigorous thinking, meaningful client impact, and strong investment in people. Through the program, I hoped to build a solid consulting skillset, learn from experienced teams, and accelerate my professional development.

    Q: How has your experience been so far, and what stood out in the first few weeks?
    A: The experience has been very positive. From the start, the firm felt welcoming and genuinely invested in my growth. What stood out early on was how willing team members were to coach, mentor, and share their knowledge - even in a fast-paced environment. I felt supported while being challenged, which made the learning curve both steep and rewarding.

    Q: Can you describe your first project and your role on the team?
    A: My first project was in the telecommunications, media and technology sector, where the team was developing the strategy and foundational setup for one of the client’s departments and offerings. As a business analyst, my role was broad and hands-on. I supported multiple workstreams through research, data analysis, and the development of client-ready materials.

    Q: What new skills did you have to quickly develop?
    A: I quickly learned how to work in a fast-moving consulting environment and how to approach problems in a more structured way. I also developed core consulting skills around analysis, storytelling, and stakeholder communication. The team trusted me early on with ownership of deliverables, which significantly accelerated my learning.

    Q: What has been a highlight of the program so far?
    A: One of the biggest highlights was establishing trust and credibility to present in client meetings to senior stakeholders. Contributing to senior client discussions was especially rewarding. Continuous feedback from associates, managers, and senior team members played a key role in that progress.

    Q: What are you most excited to work on next?
    A: Looking ahead, I am excited to work across different sectors. I am particularly interested in the public sector work in the region. As a Kuwaiti, I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that support long-term economic and social development in the Gulf.

    Q: What advice would you give to students considering the Qadat program?
    A: My advice would be to stay curious, proactive, and ready to take ownership. Qadat is demanding, but it offers hands-on responsibility, strong support, and accelerated learning from day one. For those looking to build impactful skills early in their careers, the Qadat program is a very rewarding experience.

    Being trusted early on to engage directly with the client...

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    Turki

    Nationality: Saudi Arabia
    Q: What motivated you to join the Qadat program at Strategy&, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
    A: Strategy&’s contribution to critical, national-level projects was my main motivation for joining the Qadat program. Being part of work that directly impacts cities and communities felt like a meaningful way to kickstart my career, while gaining early exposure to high-impact, and complex engagements.

    Q: How has your experience in the program been so far, especially in your first few weeks?
    A: What stood out to me early on was how invested the firm is in developing its people. We went through several weeks of structured training, which helped us integrate smoothly into teams and approach our projects with clear perspectives and the right foundations from the start.

    Q: Can you tell us about your first project and your role on the team?
    A: My first project focused on an urban transport system, a critical priority for residents. We provided strategic support across transport initiatives, with a particular focus on public transport, aimed at improving mobility and overall quality of life.

    As part of the team, I supported multiple workstreams that evolved based on the client’s priorities and project timelines.

    Q: What were the main workstreams you supported, and is there a deliverable you are particularly proud of?
    A: The engagement involved supporting several workstreams in parallel, depending on the maturity and urgency of different client initiatives. I am particularly proud of developing a scenario analysis for traffic congestion relief initiatives, which helped the client prioritize projects based on their relative impact and cost.

    Q: What has been a highlight of the program for you so far?
    A: Being trusted early on to engage directly with the client and take full ownership of specific requests was a highlight for me. That level of responsibility was empowering and significantly accelerated my learning.

    Q: Looking ahead, what types of projects are you most excited to work on?
    A: I am particularly excited to work on private sector projects, especially those with financially driven workstreams that involve strategic and commercial considerations.

    Q: What advice would you give to students considering applying to the Qadat program?
    A: I would encourage students to focus on building strong problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills, as these are essential for success in the program and will serve them well throughout their consulting journey.
  • Strategy& has a high-performance, people-first culture where growth is encouraged...

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    Turki

    Q: What can you tell us about the projects you’ve worked on and the impact you feel you are creating in the region?
    A: Working at Strategy& through the Qadat program has given me the opportunity to contribute to projects that are aligned with national priorities and long-term transformation efforts. The scale and strategic nature of the work means that what we do directly supports economic growth, sector development, and real progress across the region. Knowing that my work contributes to shaping solutions with lasting impact is both a privilege and a powerful motivator.

    Q: What inspires you about the work that you do?
    A: What inspires me most is the level of impact and responsibility that comes with the role. At this early stage of my professional journey, I’ve already been entrusted to contribute to large-scale initiatives and engage with senior stakeholders, and that speaks volumes about the culture here. Every day presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn, think critically, and create real value.

    Q: How would you describe the culture at Strategy& in one sentence?
    A: Strategy& has a high-performance, people-first culture where growth is encouraged and support is always within reach.

    Q: What advice would you give to others looking to apply to the Qadat program?
    A: The Qadat program isn’t simply an entry point into consulting; it’s an accelerated path to meaningful growth and impact. From day one, you’re given a seat at the table, trusted with real responsibilities, and exposed to complex, high-stakes challenges that shape industries and influence national priorities.

    What makes it special isn’t only the work, it’s the environment: you’re surrounded by people who push you to think deeper, move faster, and aim higher, all while supporting your development every step of the way.

    If you’re driven, curious, and passionate about making a difference, there’s no better place to start. Come prepared to learn, stretch beyond your comfort zone, and contribute to something that truly matters. The experience will shape not just your career but who you become as a person.

    Consulting instills a kind of discipline and clarity that naturally flows into the rest of your life. I became...

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    Abdulaziz

    Q: Let’s rewind a bit. What were you doing before you joined Strategy&, and how did the Qadat program come onto your radar?
    A: Before joining Strategy&, I was pursuing a master’s in management at Arizona State University. After graduating, I took on a role as a product and research advisor at an edtech company in London. It was a time of growth and exploration, but I knew I wanted to shift into a role where I could drive broader impact across industries. I first learned about Strategy& and the Qadat program through professional networks. What stood out to me was the firm’s strong presence in the region and its clear commitment to nurturing future leaders. It felt like a place where I could both contribute and grow.

    Q: You joined the Qadat bootcamp in 2024 and were admitted to the 2025 cohort. What has the experience been like so far?
    A: The Qadat program has been nothing short of transformative. From day one, I was immersed in high-impact work that directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and private-sector transformation. These weren’t just theoretical exercises, they were real challenges, real stakeholders, and real impact. The pace is fast, and the learning curve is steep, but the support is always there. It’s a place where you’re constantly growing: sharpening your business acumen, learning how to lead, and finding new ways to add value.

    Q: Can you share some highlights from the projects you’ve worked on? What kind of impact are you seeing from your work?
    A: Two projects in particular stand out. One was a flagship initiative focused on labor market reforms, which aimed to increase workforce participation and shape future employment policies in line with the Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It was incredibly rewarding to know that our recommendations could influence national outcomes. Another project was with a private-sector client in the automotive industry, where we led a transformation to streamline operations and drive strategic growth. These experiences have allowed me to drive meaningful change and witness the tangible impact of our work across both public and private sectors.

    Q: What has stood out the most in your consulting experience at Strategy&?
    A: How quickly everything aligns, not just professionally, but personally too. I once joked in a focus group that my life started to feel like a series of “alignment exercises,” from aligning slides to aligning my schedule, my goals, and even my apartment! But the truth is, consulting instills a kind of discipline and clarity that naturally flows into the rest of your life. I became more intentional with how I manage my time, set priorities, and make decisions. It’s not just a job, it’s a mindset shift.

    Q: For someone considering applying to the Qadat program, what advice would you offer?
    A: Be curious, be coachable, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The Qadat program is designed to stretch you in the best possible ways. There’s a strong mentorship culture here, and you’re constantly learning through formal training and hands-on experience. If you come in with an open mind and a willingness to grow, the opportunities are endless.

    Q: Finally, how would you describe the culture at Strategy& in just one sentence?
    A: It’s a culture that is collaborative, high-performing, and deeply invested in helping people grow, both personally and professionally.

    Early in my role as a business analyst, I found myself sitting in senior client meetings, representing the firm alongside partners...

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    Reem

    Q: Let’s start with your journey. What were you doing before Strategy&, and what led you to the Qadat program?
    A: Before joining Strategy&, I completed my bachelor’s degree in business analytics with a minor in marketing at the University of Denver. While in school, I got a taste of the consulting world through projects, case competitions, and an internship at a Saudi consulting firm, where I applied behavioral science to public-sector initiatives. That experience solidified my interest in making an impact in the region. I first learned about the Qadat program through my professional network, and what stood out was the chance to work on transformative projects with real-world benefits, right from the start.

    Q: Once you joined, what kinds of projects did you dive into? And what impact are you seeing from your work?
    A: Starting my career here, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work on initiatives that tie directly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. One project involved helping global pharmaceutical companies enter the market, which directly contributes to expanding healthcare accessibility. Another centered on the privatization of government ministries — an effort that’s driving operational efficiency and encouraging innovation across the public sector. Knowing that our work plays a part in national transformation is both humbling and deeply motivating.

    Q: What drives your passion for this work?
    A: What inspires me most is the meaning behind it all. We’re not just solving business problems, we’re shaping the future of an entire region. I’ll never forget a moment when a client in the health sector told me, “If you ever see any announcement about this project online, just know that you helped make it happen.” That one sentence captured the essence of what we do. It reminded me that we’re building something lasting.

    Q: You once described your days at Strategy& as “expect the unexpected.” Can you share what that means for you in practice?
    A: That phrase really sums it up! At Strategy&, you’re constantly challenged and constantly surprised, in the best way. Early in my role as a business analyst, I found myself sitting in senior client meetings, representing the firm alongside partners and engaging directly with global vice presidents. Those moments pushed me beyond what I thought was possible at this stage of my career, and they’ve been instrumental in my development.

    Q: What do you think drives you to consistently make a positive impact?
    A: For me, it comes down to ownership. I approach each project with a mindset of accountability, always looking for ways to contribute meaningfully. Being surrounded by supportive teams and driven by a shared purpose makes it easier to give your best every day. We’re all aligned on creating lasting impact, and that shared mission fuels my motivation.
  • You’re given real responsibility early on, which pushes you to grow quickly. It’s a rare balance of challenge and support...

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    Abdulla

    Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first discover the Qadat program?
    A: I first came across the Qadat program during a university career event, and it immediately caught my attention. After speaking with a few alumni who had been through the program, I was really inspired by the kind of impact the program seemed to offer. That’s when I knew I wanted to explore it more seriously.

    Q: You joined the Qadat bootcamp in 2024 and were later accepted into the 2025 program. What was that experience like for you?
    A: The bootcamp was definitely intense, but in the best way possible. It was my first true immersion into the world of consulting. I learned key foundational skills, experienced the firm’s culture firsthand, and built some amazing relationships along the way. What really stood out was how supported I felt, even during such a fast-paced experience. It solidified my belief that Strategy& was the right place for me to grow.

    Q: What kind of work have you been doing since you joined the program, and how do you feel about the impact you’re making?
    A: I’ve been working on strategic transformation projects in the public sector, many of which are closely tied to national development goals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to work that’s not only forward-looking but also deeply relevant to the region. The sense of purpose you get from seeing your work play a role in shaping future policy or service delivery is something I truly value.

    Q: Can you walk us through a typical day on one of your current projects?
    A: Most days kick off with a quick team check-in to align on what needs to get done. From there, I might dive into research, data analysis, or creating client deliverables. We often have check-ins with stakeholders to share updates and gather feedback. The day usually wraps up with internal discussions, refining our approach or brainstorming next steps. It’s a dynamic environment, but there’s a strong sense of structure and teamwork that keeps everything moving forward.

    Q: What keeps you motivated in your work?
    A: It really comes down to the impact. Knowing that our recommendations and insights help institutions make smarter, data-driven decisions - that’s what motivates me. There’s a sense of responsibility and pride in contributing to projects that can improve how services are delivered, or policies are shaped.

    Q: How has Strategy& supported you in your personal and professional growth?
    A: The support has been exceptional. From structured training programs to mentorship, there’s always someone willing to guide you. At the same time, you’re given real responsibility early on, which pushes you to grow quickly. It’s a rare balance of challenge and support, and it’s helped me develop a strong foundation.

    Q: If you had to describe the culture at Strategy& in just one sentence, what would you say?
    A: It’s a high-performing, purpose-driven culture built on support, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging.

    Q: Finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to the Qadat program?
    A: Be curious, stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to show your genuine interest in making a difference. The Qadat program is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It gives you the tools, exposure, and support to learn and contribute meaningfully from the very start of your career.

    The best thing about Qadat is that you get to learn about technical skills, analytical skills and...

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    Ali

    Associate | Dubai
    Nationality: Bahrain
    Education: B.E., New Castle University

    “The best thing about Qadat is that you get to learn about technical skills, analytical skills and problem solving on the job - and you also get to work with a diverse range of clients.”

    I've built a strong professional network and received exceptional mentorship, greatly enhancing my skills...

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    Hussain

    Associate | Riyadh
    Nationality: Saudi Arabia
    Education: BA, Abdulaziz University

    Q: What were you doing before you started the Qadat program at Strategy&?
    A: I had recently graduated with a degree in industrial engineering from King Abdulaziz University and I was interning at a consulting firm in Riyadh.

    Q: What led you to join the Qadat program at Strategy&?
    A: Inspired by Vision 2030, I believed that the Qadat program would help me gain more on-the-job experience, expand my professional network, and learn how to tackle industry challenges. Additionally, I looked forward to the comprehensive mentorship and training offered throughout the program.

    Q: How would you describe your experience?
    A: My experience in the Qadat program at Strategy& has been incredibly rewarding and it has provided valuable practical experience. I've built a strong professional network and received exceptional mentorship, greatly enhancing my skills. Overall, this program has equipped me with the tools and connections needed to excel in my field.

    Q: What were some specific skills you learned during the program?
    A: During the Qadat program, I developed essential soft skills, enhanced my problem-solving abilities, and improved my ability to structure complex issues effectively. I would say I gained the consulting toolkit.

    Q: What were your favorite things about the Qadat program?
    A: My favorite things about the Qadat program were the people I worked with and the networking opportunities. The exposure to diverse perspectives and industry insights has been incredibly enriching.

    Q: What are some of your personal interests outside of work?
    A: Outside of work, I love traveling to explore new cultures and places. I’m also passionate about sports, particularly football and tennis, which I enjoy playing regularly. Additionally, I find outdoor running to be a great way to stay fit and clear my mind.
  • This program gave me valuable opportunities to build relationships...

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    Fahad

    Associate | Riyadh
    Nationality: Saudi Arabia
    Education: BA, King Saud University

    Q: What were you doing before joining Strategy&?
    A: I studied industrial engineering at King Saud University and then I worked in the communications consulting field for about a year. When I read about the Qadat program, I quickly realized that I wanted to apply, and I was thrilled to be accepted.

    Q: Has the Qadat program been valuable for you?
    A: This program gave me valuable opportunities to build relationships with top-tier professionals, and the chance to improve my business skills. I learned how to take ownership of my work, collaborate with my colleagues, and receive constructive feedback. It has been a great experience.

    Q: How has Qadat prepared you for the next step in your career?
    A: Working with such talented and capable people at a world-class consulting firm helped me to significantly expand my capabilities and the experience boosted my confidence.

    Q: What were some of the specific skills you learned during the program?
    A: I learned how to be agile and flexible, while working with clients in both the government and private sectors. I also developed my critical thinking skills, presentation skills, and project management skills. And, of course, as a business analyst, I learned how to build and grow relationships, both with people on my assigned work teams at Strategy& and with clients.

    Q: Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
    A: I’m passionate about keeping active, and I play padel at least once a week if not more often. I was really grateful that Strategy& was supportive of outside interests and disciplined about making time for them.

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Charly Nakhoul

Charly Nakhoul

Partner, Strategy& Middle East

Haidar Haidar

Haidar Haidar

Partner, Strategy& Middle East

Malek Sraj

Malek Sraj

Principal, Strategy& Middle East

Jana Hassunah

Jana Hassunah

GCC recruiting senior specialist, Strategy& Middle East

Marwah Al Mulla

Marwah Al Mulla

GCC recruiting coordinator, Strategy& Middle East

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