Firm Overview
Unlike McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Strategy&, Oliver Wyman, or Kearney, Infoquest is not a traditional management consulting firm.
Infoquest is a rapidly growing Middle East-based expert network and primary research firm founded by former expert-network professionals. The company connects consulting firms, private equity firms, investors, corporations, and governments with industry experts for market research, due diligence, and commercial intelligence projects. (IQ Network)
The firm was founded in the Middle East and has expanded internationally, with operations from Beirut and Dubai while serving clients globally. According to the company, it is trusted by many leading consulting firms and has experienced rapid growth since launch. (IQ Network)
The First Thing Students Must Understand
Infoquest is NOT management consulting.
Many students see consulting firms among its clients and assume the work is similar to McKinsey or Strategy&.
It is not.
The day-to-day work is closer to:
- Market intelligence
- Expert sourcing
- Research operations
- Client service
- Commercial due diligence support
- Knowledge services
This makes it more comparable to:
- AlphaSights
- GLG
- Guidepoint
- Dialectica
than to McKinsey or BCG.
What Employees and Industry Observers Like
1. Fast Growth Environment
One of the most frequently mentioned themes is rapid growth.
The company has expanded quickly since its launch and positioned itself as a regional alternative to larger global expert networks. (IQ Network)
For ambitious graduates, this often means:
- More responsibility
- Faster promotion opportunities
- Exposure to multiple functions
- Direct access to leadership
Why It Matters
In smaller firms, high performers can sometimes progress much faster than in large consulting organizations.
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2. Strong Exposure to Consulting and Private Equity Projects
Infoquest works extensively with consulting firms and investors seeking expert insights. The company states that consulting firms, investors, governments, and corporates are among its core clients. (IQ Network)
Employees frequently gain exposure to:
- Due diligence projects
- Market-entry studies
- Industry research
- Commercial assessments
While they are not conducting the consulting analysis themselves, they often learn how consulting projects are structured.
3. Strong Research and Communication Skill Development
The role often requires:
- Executive outreach
- Industry research
- Market mapping
- Stakeholder engagement
- Commercial understanding
Many graduates develop strong communication skills very quickly.
4. Growing Reputation in the Expert Network Industry
Industry participants generally recognize Infoquest as a legitimate and fast-growing player founded by former expert-network professionals. Multiple independent discussions within the expert-network industry describe the company as a credible regional competitor. (Inex One)
What Employees Commonly Dislike
1. Not True Consulting
This is by far the most important criticism.
Many graduates join expecting:
- Strategy consulting
- Business problem solving
- Client advisory
Instead, much of the work focuses on:
- Finding experts
- Screening experts
- Managing client requests
- Coordinating consultations
This is valuable experience, but fundamentally different from management consulting.
Reality
If your dream is McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or Strategy&, Infoquest should not be viewed as an equivalent experience.
2. High Volume Environment
Like most expert networks, the business model depends on speed.
Employees often work under pressure to:
- Find experts quickly
- Meet demanding client deadlines
- Deliver multiple projects simultaneously
The environment can become highly target-driven.
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Common Challenge
Success often depends on volume and responsiveness.
3. Less Prestige Than Consulting Firms
Among university students:
- McKinsey is widely recognized.
- BCG is widely recognized.
- Bain is widely recognized.
Infoquest is still relatively unknown outside the expert-network industry.
This creates a prestige gap for graduates focused heavily on brand recognition.
4. Repetitive Work Can Develop
Several professionals across the expert-network industry—not only at Infoquest—report that aspects of expert sourcing can become repetitive over time.
Examples include:
- Outreach campaigns
- Screening calls
- Database research
- Candidate qualification
Some employees enjoy this pace.
Others eventually seek more analytical or strategic roles.
Comparison Against Competitors
Infoquest vs Dialectica
Infoquest Advantages
- Smaller organization
- Faster growth
- More entrepreneurial environment
- Greater regional focus
Dialectica Advantages
- Larger global platform
- Stronger brand
- More established processes
Winner: Depends on priorities.
Infoquest vs AlphaSights
Infoquest Advantages
- Regional specialization
- Entrepreneurial culture
AlphaSights Advantages
- Global prestige
- Larger client base
- Better international mobility
Winner: AlphaSights.
Infoquest vs Management Consulting
Infoquest Advantages
- Easier entry
- Faster responsibility
- Better understanding of industries
Consulting Advantages
- Stronger prestige
- Better exits
- More strategic work
- Higher compensation at top firms
Winner: Consulting for most students seeking traditional consulting careers.
Exit Opportunities
Former expert-network professionals commonly move into:
Consulting
Some successfully transition into:
- Big Four consulting
- Boutique consulting
- Strategy consulting
Though this usually requires additional preparation.
Private Equity Support Functions
- Research
- Due diligence
- Market intelligence
Business Development
- Sales
- Partnerships
- Client management
Research and Intelligence
- Market research
- Corporate intelligence
- Commercial strategy
What AUB and LAU Students Should Know
Infoquest can be a strong early-career option for students interested in:
- Business research
- Market intelligence
- Client-facing work
- Private equity ecosystems
- Commercial due diligence
However, students should understand that it is not a substitute for:
- McKinsey
- BCG
- Bain
- Strategy&
- Oliver Wyman
- Kearney
The skills overlap, but the job itself is fundamentally different.
The Biggest Risk
The biggest risk is joining with the wrong expectations.
Many graduates hear that the firm’s clients include consulting firms and private equity investors and assume they will be performing consulting work.
In reality, the primary role is helping those firms access expertise and information more efficiently. (IQ Network)
Students who understand this distinction tend to have much better experiences.
Final Verdict
Infoquest is one of the most interesting consulting-adjacent success stories to emerge from Lebanon in recent years. The firm has grown rapidly, built a reputation within the expert-network industry, and serves many consulting and investment clients globally. (IQ Network)
For students seeking:
- Research experience
- Commercial intelligence
- Client-facing exposure
- Fast-growth environments
it can be an excellent platform.
For students seeking:
- Strategy consulting
- Private equity exits
- Corporate strategy careers
- Traditional consulting prestige
there are stronger alternatives.
Overall Ranking (Middle East)
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Prestige | 6.5/10 |
| Learning | 8.5/10 |
| Research Skills | 9.5/10 |
| Client Exposure | 8.5/10 |
| Exit Opportunities | 7/10 |
| Compensation | 7.5/10 |
| Career Flexibility | 7.5/10 |
| Fresh Graduate Opportunity | 9/10 |
Overall Score: 7.9/10
For AUB and LAU students looking to enter the business world, Infoquest is a strong option within the expert-network industry. The key is understanding that it is an information-services and expert-network firm—not a traditional consulting firm—and evaluating it accordingly.