Onboard in a month - should I start networking before onboarding?

Question

I will be joining an MBB firm in one month at a small office with fewer than 20 people in the consulting team. I have heard that securing a good project and a strong project lead is crucial for success. Therefore, I am planning to start networking, primarily targeting project leads, but I will also try to connect with consultants and principals.

Benefits:

1) Getting to know future colleagues in a casual setting (My hypo is once I start working, relationship is more formal and I will have less time to do networking).
2) Observing office dynamics, such as which project leads are well-regarded, what are their focus topics, and which partners do they tend to work with.

However, I have some concerns and questions:

1) Am I being overly proactive? Would it be considered “overly aggressive” if I invited more than half of the office members for coffee chats, especially just a few weeks before I start?

2) Do you recommend networking with partners as well?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

While it is great to see how eager you are to prepare for your career start with your future employer, I would highly advise you not to worry about it. All major consulting firms will ensure you will have a smooth start and when you started, you will still have time to get to know everyone.

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

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hey! I included answers to both of your questions in-line below:

1) Am I being overly proactive? Would it be considered “overly aggressive” if I invited more than half of the office members for coffee chats, especially just a few weeks before I start?
- I wouldn't do this right before you join. Especially if the office is small, you will have ample opportunities to get to know everyone in the office. As an alternative, you could reach out to a partner or manager in the office that works on cases that you are particularly interested in.
2) Do you recommend networking with partners as well?
- Partners are always open to meeting new hires especially in a tight knit office! As stated above, reach out to one or two that work on cases in the space that you are interested in. I would make the meetings short but make sure that you let them know that you're interested in working in the space that they work in and get to know them.

Hope this is helpful!

Answer 3

Hi,

Congrats on the offer!

I personally wouldn't do anything before I start work. I would encourage you to enjoy your time as much as possible before day 1, because once you start, you won't have the time :)

It is true that networking is important but in a small office, to be honest, you don't really have alot of choice and the bigger factor is your actual performance and reputation - which you can only build once you start working :)

All the best!

Answer 4

Hi there,

Congrats!

The simple answer is no. Don't do it.

a. You will have so many opportunities to network on the job (with your team, the practice, your office) in a much more natural and targeted way

b. You should rest, relax, and do something else before starting to work.

Cheers,

Florian