Is it possible to ask to start 6 months later after accepting an offer at Bain?

Question

Hi guys, I'd like to know what is the common practice of negotiating the official onboard date at Bain after accepting the offer. Would 6 months be a reasonable period? In case of being pushed back by HR, should I try to come up with critical reasons (such as health issues, etc) to convince the HR that I could not start earlier?

The real reason I want to start 6 months later is because I am working on a few interesting projects and I want to learn more. However, this doesn't sound like a good reason. My guess is HR will push back because business units always prefer having people onboard as soon as possible. Please share you thoughts, thanks!!

Answer 1

Hi there,

in consulting it is different than joining a company for a specific role that is just you, hard to replace. This means you can absolutely ask to start in 6 months and I would recommend being honest about the commitment you have. Remember, you are the 1% that got the offer, they won't let you go.

What you ask is fairly common, even when I got the offer from BCG I took 4 months (I didn't need more) for traveling and BCG was absolutely fine with that even knowing it is for travel.

Enjoy your 6 months!

Lucie
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Answer 2

Definitely ask about starting later. You can even let them know that you're working on interesting projects that you will need to see to completion, and that your team is depending on you to complete these projects. MBB are typically very flexible on start dates from personal experience. They have spent a lot of time and resources hiring you, they will not retract the offer just because you want to start in a few months.

Answer 3

You should simply ask your HR contact. MBB get these questions all the time and usually respond well. Reason being that you’re not recruited for a specific position/project and that recruitment is on a tolling basis.

Generally, they have a long pipeline of new hires and allocate resources when and where they’re needed.

Best of luck!!

Answer 4

Hi there,

You honestly should be just fine! They generally want you to start when you're ready (even if they might pressure a bit for an earlier start).

Regardless, it doesn't hurt to ask :)

Answer 5

It happens more than you think :)

Of course, HR may push back as at this point in time there's a huge lack of consultants, but they also want to make sure they get the talent, so they are flexible (doesn't mean they'll necessarily agree, but they will be open to consider it).

You reason is actually quite reasonable and even positive, so no need to hide it.

Answer 6

Hello!

This is something you need to talk about with HR, and it´s going to depend on the office needs.

However, I was a similar situation and got extra time, and know plenty of other people who got granted extra time too, so not at all impossible!

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara