Deferring potential MBB return offer due to health?

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your situation and hope all will go well. Here are my thoughts on your questions

1. If I receive a return offer at the end of my internship, would I be able to defer the start date by 1 year?

• Typically yes, if you have valid reasons. And yours definitely are considered a valid
• Given the current macro environment, this is probably something the firms wouldn't mind as well, given the hiring slowdown in 2023

2. Should I contact HR in advance about this (as if not I’ll be reapplying for a summer internship for summer 2024)?

• Personally, I wouldn't do this and I don't think this is necessary
• My suggestion will be to focus on crushing your internship and securing the full time offer, and then after you've got the offer you can request for a deferment
• The only time I would bring your situation up in advance to HR is if
  • Because of your current situation you are not able to meet the location requirements of the internship
  • Because of your current situation you will be significantly hampered physically to meet the demands of the job (e.g. can't work more than ~8-10 hours a day)
• For everything else that is a bit more tactical, maybe something like, everyday you need ~1 hour away from laptop to take medication etc, I think these can be discussed with staffing (not HR), and then your actual case leadership

All the best!

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your health situation!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• Yes, especially given your extraordinary situation. Moreover, to my knowledge, return offers have quite a long duration. Still, I would advise you not to worry too much about things that might or might not happen in the future.
• As such, I would also advise you not to rush things. Wait until you actually receive the return offer to see whether you need to inform the recruiter about your situation at all or not.

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

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

1. Yes, that is usually not an issue, especially since you have valid reasons.
2. Yes, it always helps to be as transparent as possible as early as possible.

Hope you get well soon!

Florian

Hi there,

I think you should not worry about this too much. In my view you probably do not need to (and should not) contact HR. Wait for the return offer to come and only then tell them about your situation. MBB is generally quite flexible with these sorts of things, especially if they see you as a strong candidate.

Good luck in your internship!

Hello,

In my opinion, you should wait until you get a return offer in the first place and then immediately raise this issue. 

If they're happy with your performance and then give you a return offer, they will try and find a way to accomodate you.

Best,

Rushabh

Hi there,

1. Yes, usually this is possible - MBB firms are quite flexible with regards to start date.

2. I'd wait until you secure a return offer - easier to negotiate dates, when you have the pull.

Meanwhile, wish you all the best and speedy recovery!

Regards, Andi