Hello,
I was having a conversation with my PhD advisor recently about when I should be applying for consulting jobs. From what I've heard, you need to apply in Jan/Feb for the following fall. He was adamant that the application timelines are more flexible than this. Is he correct? Can you apply outside of this time frame and still stand a chance at getting a position?
Hi there,
Your advisor is partly right. The main MBB recruiting waves are usually early in the year for fall starts, but there are also off-cycle opportunities depending on office and role. If you’re targeting a specific start date, it’s safest to apply during the main cycle, but applying a bit earlier or later can still work, especially for experienced professionals and PhD candidates etc. since timelines are often more flexible for them.
Presley,
It depends. I see that you're US based, and typically, in the US most firms have quite a strict process and timeline for campus recruitment.
If I were you, I would look into this either directly or by checking with the careers centre at the University. For some firms, the deadlines are now (Sep-Nov), for roles starting next summer-fall.
If you're now in the application process, you might find this guide useful:
Best,
Cristian
Hi Presley,
For most PhD and advanced degree candidates, consulting firms do run a main recruiting cycle early in the year because they plan hiring in large cohorts. That is why you often hear January or February as the ideal window.
So, yes, you should aim for the main cycle if you can, but applying later in the year does not automatically close the door. If your timing is off, just reach out to recruiters and ask about current needs. Firms value strong candidates year-round, especially at the PhD level.
Best of luck!
Hi,
If you are applying as part of on-campus recruitment, those will follow a fixed timeline.
If you are applying as an Experienced Hire (once you start working), those have a flexible timeline.
If you are applying right after you graduate for an entry level position, it depends on the firm if they want you to follow the campus timelines, or hire you on a rolling basis.
Best to reach out to HR in your specific office / country to find out more.
All the best!
Hi Presley,
Your advisor is partly right — timelines aren’t as rigid as they seem.
For MBB, most recruiting happens once or twice a year (usually around August–September for the following year’s start), but PhD and experienced-hire roles are often open year-round. Tier 2 and Big 4 firms are even more flexible and hire on a rolling basis depending on demand.
So while applying during main cycles helps, you can still have a real shot outside them — especially with a PhD background.
Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.
Best,
Evelina
Hey Presley :)
Your advisor’s partly right. For most top firms, main recruiting happens once a year (usually Jan–Feb or late summer), but there are off-cycle opportunities too, especially for experienced hires or PhDs. You’ll just have fewer roles open outside the main window, so it’s best to target the main one if possible.
best, Alessa :)
