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How flexible is the start date for MBB? I initially mentioned that I’m available from November, but I’m now thinking December would be a better fit. I haven’t signed the offer yet.

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Thor
Coach
on Sep 21, 2025
1st session 50% off | Ex‑McKinsey EM | 8+ years experience | 100+ Interviewer Sessions | 50+ Candidates Coached

Hi there, 

Firstly, HUGE CONGRATS on getting the offer!! I hope you took time to be proud of yourself and celebrate!

Flexibility of start date is mostly dependent on the office (country/city). In general MBB is very flexible on start date - when they find someone they want to hire, they tend to be patient. However, some offices have fewer "start dates" than others, and some may really need new consultants ASAP to meet a recent surge in demand.

My recommendation: 

There is 100% no harm in asking. I would just contact the recruiter / HR person you've been in contact with and tell them that you'd like to start a bit later. Most likely, it will be doable, and if not, it still won't offend anyone that you asked

I hope this helps!

Thor

Profile picture of Emily
Emily
Coach
on Sep 22, 2025
Ex Bain Associate Partner, BCG Project Leader | 9 years in MBB SEA & China, 8 years as interviewer | Free intro call

Hi there, 

Usually they are quite flexible. When I joined BCG and later Bain, I deferred my start dates with both firms by 1-3 months, and there was no problem at all. 

That said, not sure if they would have Dec start date, given it is so close to the holiday season. Maybe a Jan start date is more likely. 

Best,

Emily

Profile picture of Hagen
Hagen
Coach
on Sep 22, 2025
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • Consulting firms are usually quite flexible with start dates, especially if the contract isn’t signed yet - so changing from November to December is normally not a big deal.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter as soon as possible to let them know - keep it simple and polite, and mention December would just work better for you.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Profile picture of Lukas
Lukas
Coach
on Sep 21, 2025
~10yrs in consulting | ex-BCG Project Leader | Personalized prep & coaching | INSEAD MBA

hi there!

congrats on the offer!

In my experience they are generally quite flexible with the start dates. So definitely ask them.

Best,

Lukas

Profile picture of Francesco
on Sep 22, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: How flexible is the start date for MBB? I initially mentioned that I’m available from November, but I’m now thinking December would be a better fit. I haven’t signed the offer yet.

I assume you got an offer already and they asked you to start in November - if that’s the case, the easiest way to proceed would be to contact HR and ask if it is possible to postpone. They might not accommodate it, but there is no problem with asking and they are often quite flexible.

Good luck!

Francesco

Profile picture of Benjamin
on Oct 01, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

As long as you are not being hired for a very specific role/practice area (e.g. to fill up a spot in an on-going project), in my experience they are flexible.

Ask for the extra time. Go and spend it doing what you love to do. You won't get this kind of time or unfettered stress free opportunity again that easily :)

Profile picture of Jenny
Jenny
Coach
on Sep 22, 2025
Buy 1 get 1 free for 1st time clients | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Go from good to great

Hi there,

MBB is generally quite accommodating regarding start dates. I highly suggest you ask.

Good luck!

Profile picture of Evelina
Evelina
Coach
on Sep 22, 2025
EY-Parthenon l Coached 300+ candidates into MBB & Tier-2 l 10% off first session l LBS graduate l Free intro call

Hi there,

MBB are generally flexible on start dates, especially before you’ve signed. Moving from November to December is a small change and should not be an issue if you flag it to HR now. Just let them know December works better for you, and they’ll usually accommodate.

Best,

Evelina

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Pedro
Coach
on Sep 22, 2025
BAIN | EY-P | Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert

They are usually flexible. But most important... it doesn't hurt to ask. You can reach out to them and have that conversation.