Navigating the process of handing in my resignation

This is a completely normal situation, and it takes guts to make this jump so soon after rejoining a great team. It feels personal and awkward right now, but I promise you, everyone senior at your current firm has navigated similar situations, both as the resigned and the recipient. They understand how highly specific opportunities—like the AI/Strategy nexus you mentioned—can pull a candidate.

Here is the exact playbook for controlling the narrative and minimizing bridge damage. Your priority is to ensure your direct manager or the Partner who sponsored your return offer hears this from you, in a dedicated meeting, before anyone else (especially HR). Schedule a brief, non-project related call or meeting.

The conversation needs to be framed around the opportunity at MBB, not a deficiency at your current firm. You need to deliver three specific points quickly: First, thank them profoundly and sincerely for the return offer and the recent support. Second, state clearly that you received a highly unique offer that aligns perfectly with your long-term goal of specializing deeply in [mention the specific intersection, i.e., AI transformation] and that the timing was simply unavoidable. Third, pivot immediately to the transition: stress that your top priority for the next few months is executing a flawless handover and leaving the team in a better spot than you found it.

Remember, senior people are primarily concerned with operational risk. Your commitment to a thorough, documented transition plan is the single biggest factor in maintaining a good professional relationship. Be ready to suggest a definitive end date (which is typically dictated by your contract, but you can be flexible on the margin if needed for a handoff). Keep the tone respectful, professional, and regretful about the timing, but completely decisive about the decision.

Hope it helps!

Hello and congratulations!

Resigning can definitely feel uncomfortable, but if it’s handled professionally, there’s no reason for bridges to be burned.

In consulting, there’s typically no obligation to disclose where you’re going next. The more common question is why you’re leaving. It can help to prepare a simple, honest narrative. For example, that an opportunity came along which felt strongly aligned with your goals and was too compelling to pass up. At the same time, you can emphasize how much you’ve valued the learning, experiences, and contributions you’ve made to the team, and that you’d love to stay in touch.

There’s no need to overthink or overcomplicate it. Give notice in a respectful and thoughtful manner, and focus your energy on what’s ahead.

Happy to chat more if helpful.
Merry Christmas!

Congrats on the MBB offer. This is a good problem to have.

Leaving after less than a year is awkward, but it happens. People understand that MBB opportunities don't come around every day. The key is handling it professionally and gracefully.

Here's how I'd approach it:

Talk to your manager first. Don't let them hear it through the grapevine. Schedule a private conversation. Be direct but appreciative. Something like: "I wanted to let you know that I've accepted an offer at [MBB firm] and will be transitioning out. This was a difficult decision because I've really valued my time here and working with this team."

Be honest but diplomatic. You don't need to over-explain. If they ask why, keep it simple: "This is an opportunity I've been working toward for a long time, and it aligns with where I want to take my career." Don't badmouth the current firm or make it sound like you were always planning to leave.

Express genuine gratitude. Thank them for the return offer, the experience, and what you learned. Even if your time was short, acknowledge the positives. This goes a long way in leaving on good terms.

Offer to help with the transition. Give proper notice and offer to wrap up your work, document what you're working on, or help train someone. This shows professionalism and respect.

Keep it professional, not emotional. Some people might be disappointed or even frustrated. Don't get defensive. Stay calm and appreciative. How you leave matters more than you think.

Stay connected. After you leave, keep in touch with colleagues you liked. The consulting world is small. You might work with them again someday.

One more thing: don't feel guilty. You're not doing anything wrong. People leave for better opportunities all the time. What matters is how you handle it.

Good luck with the transition and the new role.

I would approach it with transparency and kindness. 

You are probably aware that it's not great for them that you're leaving (you basically just started so you were an investment for them) nor does it feel good for them (knowing you're leaving for what you deem as 'better'). So don't expect them to be happy about it. 

Start by informing the office manager. 

Then once that is done you can approach HR with the request. 

You can then inform the colleagues. 

That's typically the process. 

Hope you'll enjoy the new firm!
Best,
Cristian

hey there :)

congrats on the MBB offer and that next step sounds very exciting. The key is to be transparent, respectful and appreciative, so ask for a personal conversation with your manager, explain that this was a long running process that concluded later, and clearly state that the decision is about your long term goals rather than dissatisfaction with the team. Thank them genuinely for the opportunity and support, offer a clean handover and stay professional until the last day, as that is what really preserves relationships. If you want, feel free to reach out and I am happy to help you phrase the conversation.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

Congrats on the MBB offer and that is exciting news. The best approach is to be honest, respectful, and professional. Thank them genuinely for the opportunity and the team experience, explain that this is a long term career decision and give proper notice while offering to support a smooth handover. Most teams understand that people make moves early in their careers, especially to MBB, so you are very unlikely to burn bridges.

Just be upfront and frank. Yes, some people will be disappointed. Thank them for their support, apologize, and schedule some lunches in the future :)