Delaying start date

1. Assess the situation realistically

• Delaying a start date by several months (Feb → Sept) is a big ask in consulting. Firms hire based on staffing needs, and a 7-month delay could affect their resourcing plans.
• It’s not unheard of (especially for Master’s programs, national service, or personal circumstances), but a personal interest diploma may be harder to justify.
• The risk of rescission exists — but usually firms would first push back or negotiate before pulling the offer.

2. How to frame the request

• Keep it professional and respectful.
• Emphasize that you are committed to joining the firm long-term, and that this extra program will make you a stronger consultant (e.g., new skills, fresh perspective).
• Avoid framing it as “I’m not ready” (this could make them doubt your commitment). Instead, frame it as “I have an opportunity to further develop myself in an area that complements consulting.”
• Make it clear you are flexible and open to alternatives (e.g., a shorter deferral if September is not feasible).

3. Tips for the conversation

• Be upfront but positive – don’t apologize excessively, just state it clearly.
• Show flexibility – if they can’t accommodate September, be open to compromises (e.g., July start).
• Reassure them – stress your excitement and commitment to the firm.

4. Reality check

• Some firms allow deferrals (especially MBB, sometimes T2 if the reason is strong).
• Worst case, they say “no” and you must choose between joining in Feb or giving up the offer.

Any further questions, feel free to reach offline, happy to help. 

Best, 

Vasilis

Hi there,

Q: I'm not completely sure how to approach it, or i'm worried that my offer might get rescinded if i do ask

There are no reasons the offer should be rescinded if you respectfully ask whether there is an option to postpone.

This is what I would recommend:

1. Call HR
2. Explain the situation (I would not recommend saying you don't feel ready for the job - you don't want they to second-guess their decision. You can simply say that you would be very interested in the diploma and the opportunity came out after their offer - assuming that's true)
3. Ask if it would be possible to postpone
4. If they say yes, great. If they say no, you have to decide between the offer and the diploma, depending on your preference

Good luck!

Francesco

Totally fair concern — this situation is more common than you might think. Here’s how to think about it:

• Firms are used to deferrals. Especially in consulting, people push start dates back for further study, personal reasons, or travel. It’s not unusual, as long as you’re professional about it.
• Approach matters. Don’t frame it as “I don’t feel ready,” but rather as: you’d like to complete a diploma that will add value (personal development, skills relevant to consulting, etc.).
• Flexibility helps. Ask if September is possible, but also show openness (“if there’s a preferred intake or alternative, I’m happy to discuss”).
• Risk of rescind? Very low if you handle it well. The only risk is if the office has an urgent need and can’t accommodate — in which case they may push you to start as planned. But rescinding is extremely rare once you’ve signed.

Hi there,

you can ask about this and the worst they can do is say no. Then you can still decide if you really want to pursue this diploma.

When asking, you should frame it in a way that you think this extra diploma will be relevant for the consulting job you are about to start and that it will provide added value justifying the delay. 

That said, I think the only way to "be ready" for the job is on the job consulting experience. The longer you wait to get started, the later you will reach that kind of steady-state performance level.

Best of luck

Just ask nicely. There is no issue with raising a request for more flexible start date - I have done that twice before with both BCG and Bain (for 2-4 months delay), and both worked out. 

But manage your expectation - if they have a shortage of people, they might want to get you in earlier rather than later - in which case, be respectful and don't push too hard. 

Best,

Emily

Don't worry about this. 

Be transparent about it with them, explain why it would be necessary for you to do this diploma, and try to connect it with how those extra skills would make you a better consultant. 

I'm 80% sure they will be ok with postponing the start date. This is something that happens often in the industry. 

Best,
Cristian

Hey there :)

It’s definitely okay to ask about delaying your start, but the way you frame it matters. Most consulting firms are used to people requesting deferrals for studies, travel, or personal projects, and many will accommodate if you’re upfront and professional. What’s important is to show that you’re fully committed to joining the firm, and that the diploma will make you a stronger colleague (personal development, relevant skills, broader perspective).

I’d suggest reaching out politely to recruiting, explaining your situation, and asking if it’s possible to explore a September start. Be flexible in tone, not demanding, and emphasize that the firm remains your top priority. Worst case, they say no and you stick with February. It’s very unlikely they would rescind your offer just for asking.

best,
Alessa :)