postponing starting date 3 months

Question

I have received two offers that start on the same date:

An entry-level position at a top financial institution
An internship position at MBB, which required five rounds of interviews and extensive preparation

I am strongly motivated to begin the internship at MBB with the intention of performing exceptionally well during the three-month period. However, they have informed me that, due to the current situation, they cannot guarantee a full-time position afterward.

Ideally, I would like to complete the MBB internship and then start the entry-level role at the financial institution.

How would you proceed to the discussion without jeopardizing both opportunities? Thank you already in advance.

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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:

Contact the financial institution recruiter and express your strong enthusiasm for the role and long-term interest in the firm.
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.
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