Rescinding a signed offer - how common and what are the implications?

Question

I recently signed a full-time offer from a T2 firm, with a start date in Q4. At the same time, I'm in final rounds with an MBB firm, and I might be getting an offer within the next few weeks, before my T2 start date.

If I do get the MBB offer, how common is it to rescind a signed offer in this situation? What are the implications?

I'm also considering an alternative: join the T2 firm for ~3 months, then only move to MBB in 2027, since this year's MBB intake in my region seems to already be full. If I do this, how is that path typically viewed by both firms?

Essentially, which option do you think is better?

Would appreciate any insight from people who've navigated something similar. Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi,

I have encountered a couple of similar situations. It is delicate, but if you receive a confirmed MBB offer, it wouldn't be wise to decline it. The question is how to minimize the damage with the T2 firm.

First, do not take any action until you have the MBB offer in writing and have checked both contracts for notice periods, signing-bonus repayments and other potential obligations.

If there is a meaningful gap before the MBB start date, joining the T2 firm can still make sense because:

You will gain consulting experience that you can leverage at MBB.
You can communicate your departure with some notice rather than withdrawing immediately before starting.

If you expect to stay for around three months as you said, I would inform the T2 firm one month before leaving, subject to your contractual notice period. If you explain that you received an MBB opportunity, they will understand the rationale.

If there is no meaningful gap, there is little benefit in starting at the T2 firm briefly. In that case, withdraw as soon as the MBB offer is fully confirmed. Communicate the decision professionally and apologetically. You should assume that this may close the door with that firm in the future, but I would not give up an MBB offer solely to preserve that relationship.

Hope this helps.

Franco