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Anonymous A

on Aug 14, 2025

Middle East

Question regarding MBB Riyadh office intake cycles

Hello,

If my applications to MBB are successful, I’m targeting a January 2026 start date. My interviews are scheduled between October and mid November 2025, which I believe should allow enough time for firms to make decisions and extend offers before the end of the year (I could be wrong though).

I understand that MBB firms typically have fixed intake cycles with specific start months, rather than flexible start dates based on individual availability. With that in mind, I’d appreciate any guidance on how to align with the January intake, as I’d prefer not to be deferred to a later cycle, such as March. I’m not an MBA hire (or part of a structured campus intake).

Thanks in advance!

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Top answer

Pallav

Coach

16 hrs ago

Non-target expert | Ex-BCG | >200 cases

If you already know your target start date, the safest move is to be upfront about it with HR as soon as you progress in the process — ideally right after you pass the first round. MBB Middle East (including Riyadh) generally runs fixed intakes for non-MBA hires, often quarterly, but the exact months can vary year to year.

A January 2026 start is possible if:

You interview in Oct–Nov 2025 and receive your offer before end of year.
You communicate clearly that you’re available from January and would like to be slotted into that intake.

However, if the January headcount is already full or HR sees better fit in the next cohort, they can defer you to the next one (e.g., March). The earlier you flag your preference, the more likely they can plan for it.

Francesco

Coach

14 hrs ago

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I’d appreciate any guidance on how to align with the January intake, as I’d prefer not to be deferred to a later cycle, such as March.

If they don't have the January intake full, they should be able to accommodate this.

If the January intake is already full, I don’t think you have a lot of leverage to change the start date (meaning, if they need you to start in March, they will offer a start date then). The main way to negotiate is if you have another offer with a start date in January and use that to negotiate with the other companies once you get an offer from them.

Good luck!

Francesco

Cristian

Coach

12 hrs ago

#1 Rated & Awarded McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

It's not really under your control.

Intake cycles differ from region to region. Even within certain offices, they tend to be influenced by business cycles and market trends.

For instance, most intake cycles avoid periods with low-project volume (meaning, few to no intakes in Jun-Aug and Dec-Jan). These can be pushed around even more depending on whether that particular office has a lot of project or not in that particular period.

In short, you'll get the offer and they will give you options. But you can, at most, choose to defer a start date, almost never to set it yourself.

Hope this makes sense.

Best,
Cristian