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How long after the final interview at Mckinsey & Company can I postpone the entry date?

Hi all,

I heard from other consultants that it is possible to postpone the entry date for the position as a consultant at Mckinsey & Company up to a year after the final interview. Is that true? Or is the time period shorter or even longer? Thank you in advance for your answers!

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Top answer
Emily
Coach
edited on May 14, 2020
9 years in MBB Southeast Asia & China| 8 years as MBB interviewer | Free intro call

Hi there,

Yes MBB all have flexibility in starting date (I am not sure about tier 2 and others). It is possible to postpone.

The length would be a case-by-case discussion with the office you are starting with, depending on the new joiner pipeline as well. It doesn't matter much which way you join actually. I postponed my BCG start date by 1 month (MBA). I know someone postponed Bain start date by 6 months (Referral) and another person by 1 year (MBA). 

This year with COVID situation, I think it would be even easier if you want to ask to postpone. 

Best,

Emily

Sidi
Coach
on May 13, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 400+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

It depends on the office. In Germany for example, you can usually choose your starting date freely within the next 12 months. In case of special circumstances, it may be delayed even further (e.g., if you need more time to finish an additional degree, like a PhD, before joining). This is also true for BCG (I myself chose a starting date about 10 months after I signed the offer and could have chosen a later one without problems).

Cheers, Sidi

Vlad
Coach
on May 13, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

It really depends on the office / role / your background negotiations, etc. Up to 1 year is reasonable and possible

Best

Deleted
Coach
on May 13, 2020
Dubai|5+ years | Activity on hold

Hi there,

As far as the Middle-East office goes, you can join within 1 year after signing the contract. You have enough time to enjoy your freedom before jumping into the hectic consulting life.

In the meantime, practice running through airports and preparing your travel bag in less than 20mins :)

Best

Khaled

Ian
Coach
on May 13, 2020
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi,

It depends on how you enter. Through a typical referral, application, etc. the time is generally about a year. If through an MBA program, you can start more than a year after signing. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances you can ask to delay further. Best to speak with HR and ask options!

Deleted
Coach
on May 13, 2020
I will get you an offer|McKinsey Senior EM|Offers from MBB|100+ interviews at McKinsey|Recruiting Lead|Experienced hire

Hi,

Someone I was helping recently asked to push the join date by 10 months at McK and got it approved without any pushback. They are very flexible.

Nirmit

Deleted user
on May 15, 2020

Dear A ,

It is pretty normal to postpone your entry date, especially given the current COVID circumstances up to 12 months. SO, in my case I have entry date in 11 months after I have signed the contract. 

Hope it helps,

Good luck. 
André

2
Clara
Coach
on May 14, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Indeed you can perfectly push the start day. I did it myself. 

Particularly with the COVID crisis, maybe you are even making them a favour. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

on May 14, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I believe there may be differences according to the office and needs of the company, as mentioned in some other comments. I guess given the current situation there should not be issues starting later in the majority of the countries.

Best,

Francesco

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