Can I transfer offices from internship to FT?

Question

I'm interning with an MBB this summer, but am hoping to be in a different city FT. I did a program with the firm earlier in the office I'll be interning with, and with covid decided it better to stay home (my parents live near the office) for the internship than find housing elsewhere. But, I prefer to be in another city for a few reasons. These are both domestic offices in the US. Is it possible to transfer offices from an internship to FT? How would I approach doing so?

Answer 1

Hi there,

From a risk perspective I would highly advise against this. Each region has a stake in their interns and invest a lot of time/money in filtering out/recruiting you. I would highly advise that you look to convert that internship into a full-time role in your internship office. It's hard enough to get into BCG...let alone when playing games!

Now, it may not hurt to lightly inquire, in person (verbally), with HR. Come across as very innocent and "just checking". But be very careful when doing so.

Now, rest assured, you can absolutely switch to your preferred city after a few years working FT in the internship office.

I've transfered a few times within companies and have the following advice:

1) Build a stellar reputation - do good work, work hard, and be known as "the guy/gal" for xx

2) Build your network - network agressively (yes, networking doesn't end once you've gotten the job offer). Make sure you're known by and have allies in people who make decisions such as staffing managers, Partners (specifically those responsible for recruiting/resources and who are heads of industry/function verticals), etc.

2) b). When I say network "aggressively" please don't be needy/annoying :) There's nothing worse than someone who is obviously working the room or trying to please!

3) Look out for opportunities - as mentioned in this Q&A already, look for office transfers, short-term projects, ambassadorships, etc.)

4) Practice patience and be flexible - how long have you tried for? This might take a year. And you need to be ready to go at the flip of a coin.

Bide your time, keep pushing, be smart, and you'll get there!

Answer 2

This is typically very difficult. Offices invest a lot in the recruiting process, coaching and your salary as a summer associate. Therefore, it is typically not possible to shift an offer from one office to another after the internship. Exceptions are made in special circumstances, but are rare. Based on my experience, I would assume that the reason you're giving will not be sufficient.

Answer 3

Hello there!

I agree with Henning that this rarely happens.
Turning your internship into full-time is more likely in the office you'll be interning with, even though the other one is in the same country.

However, there is still a chance of that happening, but only if your reasons are solid.
You could transfer after some time passes and you perform well, I'd go with that.

Was it helpful?

GB

Answer 4

Hi,

The chances are pretty low. Several action steps here:

You can select a secondary office in that location if you have valid family reasons
Try to get staffed on the projects in that city to get exposure to local partners
Be a top performer and then you'll have lots of flexibility

Best

Answer 5

Hello!

I would say you have nothing to worry about.

In Europe, for instance, I know cases of people changing office between intership and full time offer. I would say that in the US, that is geographically similar but one only country, it should be even easier.

However, worth clarifying with HR -once you have the offer!!!!-.

Best regards,

Clara

Answer 6

Hi,

I would suggest to transfer once you spend some time (e.g. 1 year) in the office you interned.

Build reputation internally so you will have flexibility on how to build your career within the firm.

Best,
Iman

Answer 7

Hi, I have never seen it in practice. Usually, it requires a couple of years in the first office

Best,
Antonello