postponing starting date 3 months

Hello,

Congratulations — securing both offers is a great position to be in, and it’s smart to think carefully about how to navigate this.

If your goal is to pursue the MBB internship while keeping the financial institution role as a fallback, the key is clear but careful communication with the latter.

Here’s how I’d recommend approaching it:

1. Contact the financial institution recruiter and express your strong enthusiasm for the role and long-term interest in the firm.
2. Request a deferral of your start date by ~3 months, citing a unique professional development opportunity that you believe will enhance the value you bring to their team. You don’t need to mention MBB by name — just that it’s a short-term opportunity aligned with your growth goals.
3. Reassure them of your commitment and interest in joining them — make it clear that this isn’t about reconsidering their offer but about arriving even better prepared.

Keep in mind:

• Many large institutions have some flexibility with start dates, especially for high-potential candidates.
• Only proceed with this conversation if you’re comfortable that it may carry some risk.

Good luck — and well done on earning two highly competitive offers!

Best,

Evelina

Hi there,

You need to play this smart and transparent.

First, talk to the financial institution. Position your MBB internship as a unique opportunity to bring back top-tier skills and insights into your future full-time role with them. Make it about how they win, not about how you’re hedging.

But before you do that, ask yourself: if MBB offers you a full-time position after the internship… would you take it?

Because if the answer is yes, it’s risky. If the financial institution senses this is your plan B, they might not only reject the deferral — they might close the door completely. So don’t try to “outsmart” them. They’ve seen this before.

Frame it as a strategic move for them and be honest with them and yourself.

Best,

Alberto

I would suggest asking the recruiter at the financial institution whether it’s possible to postpone.

If not, consider which career you’d prefer. If you perform exceptionally during the MBB internship, it’s still likely that you’ll get an offer even if hiring is a bit subdued in that office. MBB very rarely does full hiring freezes, even in the worst of market conditions.

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offers!

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

• First of all, I would advise you to reach out to the financial institution and explore whether a three-month deferral is possible. Be transparent but frame it professionally - mention a personal development opportunity, and highlight your long-term interest in joining them. Many firms are open to small deferrals, especially if communicated early and respectfully.
• Moreover, if a three-month deferral is not possible, I advise you to consider your professional (and maybe even personal) mid- to long-term goals. If you want to work in consulting, I would recommend the internship; otherwise, I would recommend the full-time role with the financial institution.

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

Best,

Hagen

hey there :)

if possible, I’d first accept the MBB internship and then speak with the financial institution to ask if a 3-month deferral is possible—you can frame it as a unique opportunity to gain strategic experience that will benefit your future role. keep it respectful and enthusiastic, and only mention the name if needed. some firms are open to short delays, especially if they value you. just be transparent without sounding like a backup plan is in play. happy to help draft a message if you need!

best, Alessa 😊

Hi,

I would just ask if you can start your entry level position with the FI later. That's basically your only option, given that you want to try and do both. If they say yes, then you can go forward with your plan of MBB internship first then FI. If not, then you don't really have a choice. 

Most of the time we can't have our cake and eat it as well.

Hi there, 

I would try to ask the financial institution if they would be willing to move the start date. Some agree to it even without further discussion. If they ask why, explain that you were accepted in this very competitive internship and that you feel it would be a great learning opportunity for you and would make you even better for the role at the financial institution. 

I would be honest and direct. 

Best,
Cristian