Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

Best time to start for consulting firm?

consulting start-date
New answer on Apr 14, 2021
9 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 11, 2021

Would you recommend starting in july or september and why?

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 11, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Honestly, does not really matter. Whatever fits best with your personal life.

Furthermore, usually you cannot choose, since there are "recruiting" and "onborading" cycles.

I would try to start with a group of "class", as we used to call them, since you create a very tight community with them for support (and fun!)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Was this answer helpful?
Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 12, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

There is no best time in general. At most firms across most offices you can start any month you want (except December).

Personally, I would start in September and enjoy my summer somewhere nice before diving into 60h+ work weeks. :-)

All the best and take care!

Florian

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous replied on Apr 11, 2021

Defnitely September. Then you have 2 more months of summer to enjoy before the grind.

In all seriousness: from a career perspective it doesn't matter at all, so chose your start date based on your personal preferences.

Was this answer helpful?
13
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 11, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

I'd say Augst 17 or April 7.

Just kidding of course :)

So, if you are recruiting out of cycle (i.e. not with a school), you can genuinely apply at any time. Now, when you apply depends on when you feel you have the best odds. This ties closely with networking.

So, start networking now. Then, as you get referrals, or get put in touch with HR, apply to those firms! You don't need to apply to every firm all within the same week!

Was this answer helpful?
Ken
Expert
replied on Apr 11, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Building on Henning's answer, the other thing to consider is that client work is typically more quiet over the summer due to client's being on holiday. If you want to start during a period with more choice of projects then September could be a better choice.

Was this answer helpful?
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 12, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I don’t think either choice would make a big difference. I would structure the reasons for each option as follows:

  • July
    • Need of income
    • Want to reach a certain level of seniority earlier
  • September
    • Need of time for personal projects

Best,

Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Denis
Expert
replied on Apr 11, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Does not matter whatsoever - if you will be going for MBA and need a certain rank at a firm to be eligible for funding from your employer, this may need you to start earlier (given that MBA programs start in August / September). But, again, this would be just a fringe case.

Was this answer helpful?
Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 11, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Doesnt matter whatsoever

Was this answer helpful?
Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 14, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, there is not a golden rule. If you already got an offer I would personally suggest taking a summer off and arriving relaxed and energized in september. If you are applying right now I suggest asking to internals what is the largest intake, in order to boost your chances of success

Best,
Antonello

Was this answer helpful?
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely