Yes, that is perfectly possible.

Hi there, 

Theoretically, yes, you could start so early. But most firms avoid setting starting dates for new joiners in periods when they have few projects (e.g., Dec-Jan or Jun-Aug). For the start of the year they usually enroll people in March. It's something you can discuss with them however and the bigger the office, the more flexible they are with these things. 

Best,

Cristian

Hello,

Barring poor market conditions (similar to what are seeing now with less pipeline / delayed start dates), you can determine when you start. 

Depending on the office, HR might ask you to time your start date to align with the next batch of new hires, so you can attend regional trainings together. 

In the event you want to start at a true ‘off cycle’, that's also fine (this is what I did) but you may find that you have less ‘peers’ starting at the same time.

Most important is to work on your application and interview skills in the coming months. Getting the offer is the bigger battle :)

Usually you can start straight or you can ask for the date to start, MBB is almost always flexible with the starting date. Also if you apply in Oct 2023 the process can take longer than just a 2-3 months hence you may ask for 6 month to wait and it shouldn't be a problem. 

Good luck!

Was this answer helpful?

Hi there,

The rejection doesn't affect this. The question is whether or not you can start if Jan if you're hired in Dec, irrespective of your recruiting history with the firm.

The answer it, it depends. You can typically negotiate the starting date, ranging anywhere between ASAP and a few months from hiring. As for ASAP, you may be slowed down by the holiday period and the background check.

When I was hired in McKinsey in Chile, they had to run a background check for the 8 countries I lived in and the 4 degrees I'm holding from 4 different institutions. This took about 2 months.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

Hi there,

Q: If I get accepted by December 2023, can I start in January 2024 since I am graduating this year in August?

The starting period depends on the needs of the firm and how quickly they can complete the background check, but in theory this should be possible if it fits into that.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the rejection by BCG last year!

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

• If you are accepted by BCG in December 2023, you can start your role as a consultant in almost any month, given that strategy consulting companies are typically flexible with start dates. However, they may still prefer to have you start in a specific month of the quarter, usually the first month, as key trainings might only occur once a month.

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,

You should be able to!

Of course it's going to depend on the specific office and their needs/pipeline/policy. You generally get to say when you want to start, but they say when you will start.

Now remember, if you were already rejected once, something has to change.

Have a read here for some tips: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

(edited)