Hi, I've received an offer which I was expecting to start in Autumn 2021 but they would like me to start 'as soon as possible' or 'as soon as I'm ready'. I had plans to travel this summer so my ideal scenario would be working up until summer, then travelling, and then resuming work.
Is this something which is commonly done in strategy consulting (undergrad level) or is unlikely that you'd be able to take a length of time off so soon after joining?
(editiert)
Hey there,
For instance, McKinsey has a program called Take Time that allows you to take up to 3 months extra (unpaid) vacation per year. It is very popular with young BAs and Associates.
However, if I remember well, the first opportunity to start the program is only after 6 months from joining (and you need to declare your participation at 2 deadlines per year for the next 6 months in June and December.
Hence, for your situation that might not be applicable.
I'd try to push out the starting date to Autumn :-)
Cheers,
Florian
Hey, taking extended time off immediately after joining wont be cool in my view..2-3 weeks is okay but not 6 weeks + for example. Approvals for this could also get tricky if you get staffed on an intense project. More importantly you want to start with all guns blazing and be there, visible!
Negotiate nicely with HR and understand their urgency for you to start this quickly. Be transparent about your plans and that you have made bookings/plans etc and this will severely disrupt your life (if that genuinly is the case). Be ready to settle for middle ground i.e start early summer. Worst case for you could be that they dont budge at all & want you to start asap- whats the earliest date for you in that case?
So, have all these options worked out before you call HR and discuss.
All the best and congrats!
Hi there,
First, congratulations!
Now, you absolutely *should* be able to select the Autumn 2021 starting date. This depends a bit on the role you're coming into as well as the recruiting venue you took (i.e. in-cycle vs out of cycle).
I would tell them that you had set plans, both work and personal and were hoping to start in the Autumn cohort if possible. If they ask for a reason, explain that you have current work obligations (i.e. a big project) that you need to see through, and have tickets already booked for travel.
Make sure to approach this as amicably as possible - they should accomodate your request but it may depend on office needs!
Yes that is something commonly done. And you should definitely ask. The worst thing they could do is play hardball and threaten to revoke the offer (which I doubt) and then you can still think about what is more important for you.
Hi there,
Congrats on the offer!
I think you should push for your initial plan to start in Autumn. I doubt they're gonna withdraw the offer since you've already got it.
Good luck!
Cheers,
GB
Hello!
Congrats!
1000% take the time to travel, since later on is going to be much harder.
Your offer is for Fall 21 and this is what is likely to happen. In case they change their mind, which I see unliketly, you can re-assess or push back.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Hi there,
Congratulations on your offer.
I agree with Adi that would be extremely difficult to get an extended vacation time of several weeks after joining. I would try to negotiate a late start, if that’s not possible I am afraid you will have to review your traveling plan.
Best,
Francesco
