Got The Job; When to Start?

Question

Hi! Much thanks to this website I finally landed my dream job at McKinsey. They offered me a few different start dates: e.g. Beginning of September or Mid-October. Question is: how "well rested" must one be to take on these consulting jobs? Of course I realize it very much depends on the person but still.

Right now I am taking a very relaxed language class (3 hrs per day, not part of my degree, Ive graduated already, it's more for fun) until end of August. Which would give me only a week or so of "pure" vacation before I'd start in September. Then again, I have some extended weekends here and there until then. Without consulting anyone Id go for September since excited to start, but wanted to hear from people with experience, if a later start date is always better, and if being as well rested as possible is key here! Many thanks!!

(I'd probably travel or do nothing if opting for the later start date, but figured consultants get at least Some vacation too?? At least from their website it says they encourage people to take a few weeks off in the summer but don't know how true this is. I only have gruesome banking experience before so hard to tell).

Thank you!!

Answer 1

So, everyone is different with their personal needs for down-time, but from my (BCG) perspective, it's better to start earlier in the year - why? Because consulting billing slows considerably closer to December because of the holidays (this may be a different month in different regions, so if not in the US/Europe, apply this same logic to your situation). Therefore, if you start in October or November, for example, there is a greater chance you aren't staffed onto a client case until January or February (when billing tends to pick back up). Since the clock is always running on your promotion windows, you don't want to wait that long to get staffed. I'd go with September, in your case

Answer 2

Dear A,

First of all, my congratulations to your MBB offer, I wish you best of luck in your career.

I would recommend you rest very well:D

May be spend more time with your family, friends or travelling. Because consulting job is pretty intense. So just take your time.

Also, for candidates like you, who have already secured the offer with a leading consulting firm, I have designed my program "Get ready for the first 100 days " as well as long-term career planning. This program touches all the important aspects: the mindset, the skills, knowledge, networking and ,managing yourself as well, your bosses and clients - everything that is important in your successful career.

In fact, I'm sharing my knowledge of 6 years career experience in consulting, where I was able to land on the fast track promotion and to be promoted from consultant to a project manager just within 3 years, which is extremely fast.

Happy to share these insights with you, feel free to reach out directly to me.

Good luck,

André

Answer 3

Hi

Congratulations for your offer.

You need to rest before joining McK, first monthes are intensive. Do not worry about your onboarding, you will have to follow a welcome training program from the very first days of your arrival.

David

Answer 4

I am afraid you are working under some false (and even dangerous) assumptions. You are assuming that in your situatio... (read entire answer)

I am afraid you are working under some false (and even dangerous) assumptions. You are assuming that in your situation it will be easier to get the internship than the full time... (read entire answer)

Answer 5

Hi Theo, Congratulations on the offers! In terms of your question: Q: I wanted to ask to any of you that might have... (read entire answer)

Hi Theo, Congratulations on the offers! In terms of your question: Q: I wanted to ask to any of you that might have had direct or indirect insights regarding McKinsey and BCG w... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate... (read entire answer)

Hi there, The timeline you've outlined for the application process at firms like McK, BCG, and Bain is quite accurate. Typically, the recruitment process from submitting your re... (read entire answer)