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Maternity leave after joining MBB

Hey PL community, 

How are MBB about women joining and going on maternity leave a year later? I know many say that they are open and want to be diverse and inclusive, but I can't help but think that the underlying culture may be different. Do you think this would hinder someone's chances of career progression? Assuming I join as a junior associate.

Thanks, 

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Top answer
Deleted user
on Apr 16, 2021

Going on maternity leave is no issue at all and will not hinder your career progression. Some of the most successful (female) partners I've met have gone on maternity leave multiple times.

One thing to note though: Your schedule as a Junior Associate and comparable positions is to a large extent out of your control. The more senior you get the more you can dictate it yourself - this means that once you return to the job, you will be very explicit with your supervisors and team members on your schedule. Being a working parent in MBB is possible, but it requres very open and transparent communication and expectation management.

21
Ian
Coach
on Apr 17, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Of course, it depends on what country you're referring to. However, if you're in the US/Canada, Western Europe, and Australia (to name a few) this has absolutely no impact on you.

Pretty much everyone I knew at Project Lead, Principal, and Partner level had kids and a family. It's very much supported.

Udayan
Coach
on Apr 16, 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

In the US this is illegal and also does not happen. People go out of their way to ensure you are taken care of professionally and personally.

Udayan

Denis
Coach
on Apr 16, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Taking leave is no problem - however do not expect MBB to proactively approach you and make it happen. Take it irrespective of what everyone is saying. 

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