Hello everyone, I recently got an offer from MBB firm for a BA role starting in March. I did a lot of research about consulting in the prep period however there's something I want to ask about off days before reaching out the recruiter. I know that there's a benching period between project and it is hard to expect off days within the project timeline but I want to know approximately how many days off I should expect? Thanks for the answers!!!
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This is a good question, and it is one where expectations are often mis-set.
Time off (PTO)
- PTO at MBB is actually quite generous (20-25 days per year depending on tenure)
- In practice, most consultants can take at least two proper 2-week vacations per year
- Additional shorter breaks are usually possible between projects if managed early with staffing
During projects
- True “off days” during a live case are rare
- You may get the occasional quiet day, but you should not plan around it
- Your schedule is driven by client needs, not a fixed weekly rhythm
Between projects (bench / beach time)
- Bench time is not time off
- It is often spent on proposals, LOPs, internal analyses, and partner-driven work
- The work can be just as intense as a normal case, sometimes more fragmented and less predictable
Why bench time matters
- Bench work does not count toward utilization
- You can be working long hours without it helping your performance metrics
- Extended bench time is generally something to avoid, not aim for
How strong performers manage this
- They actively manage staffing to avoid long bench periods
- If there is a gap, they either roll quickly into the next case or take real PTO
- They are selective about internal work, prioritizing visibility and relevance
Bottom line
- Consulting offers real, meaningful vacation time
- But it does not come passively
- The best outcome is being fully staffed or genuinely on PTO, not “half-working” on the bench
If you go in with this mental model, you will not be disappointed and you will manage your time much better from day one.
Hi! Based on my experience,
- At MBB you should expect the normal oficial holidays (e.g., ~20–25 PTO days/year in EU) + public holidays. You can take them, but project timing influences ‘when’.
- Between projects (“bench”): often 0–5+ days of downtime, but unpredictable—junior BAs are usually staffed quickly.
- On intense projects: very demanding cases (esp. PE due diligence) sometimes guarantee 1–2 “compensation days” after the sprint.
I hope this is useful
