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MBB internship return offers - when are they given and when can ex-interns start full-time?

Hello everyone, 

I will complete an internship at one of the MBB firms in the Nordics this summer. 

To be able better plan the rest of my year (I will do this internship right after my graduation), I was wondering when consulting firms usually give interns return offers and how long the organisational process (e.g. with HR) usually takes before interns can start full-time after their internship…? Theoretically, since I will be a fresh graduate when I start my internship, I could start working as a full-time employee right after my internship (so basically on the next working day) but I was wondering if this is usually possible from an organisational standpoint.

Thanks a lot for your help!

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Top answer
Florian
Coach
on Mar 01, 2022
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Congrats on your internship!

Usually, you will receive your return offer right away and could continue working there if you want to, potentially even for the same client / team on your first project.

Return offers are valid for 12 months in most cases so I would recommend taking a short or extended break before going full-time. :-)

All the best,

Florian

Anonymous A
on Mar 02, 2022
Hey Florian, thanks a lot for your kind words and your helpful answer! :) Does that mean that if I do well during the internship I can expect to have a feedback session and (possibly) a full-time offer in my last week/on my last day? Since I will be moving specifically for the internship it would be great to continue working right away so I do not need to find new accommodation, although taking a few weeks of break to relax would for sure also be nice :) Best, H
Sara
Coach
on Mar 01, 2022
Ex-McKinsey |Former McKinsey Interviewer|Tailored Interview Prep| 7 years Teaching Experience

Hi there,

For Mckinsey, usually return offer is made between 10 days to 2 weeks. And you can join as soon as you finish your MBA/school. Although the start date is really flexible. 

on Mar 03, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

Dear candidate,

indeed offers are usually given right away or within a short time frame of the internship. Most of the time there is an official feedback at the end of the internship. Best of luck.

Charlotte

Ian
Coach
on Mar 02, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Generally they give you a return offer pretty quickly (within weeks). Then, you generally have the ability to select a starting date. As in, you can definitely take time off in between your internship end date and your full-time start date (and you should!)

Moritz
Coach
on Mar 01, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

If your question is whether it’s possible then the answer is yes, absolutely. 

Is it likely? Well, that depends more on you than the firm. 

Assuming you’ll do very well throughout your internship, HR will do what it takes to keep you. It’s in their and your best interest and they can certainly act quickly if they want to.

Best of luck!

Pedro
Coach
on Mar 03, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

For someone in your situation, you would usually you get an offer before you leave, and should be able to basically continue there. Nothing prevents them from being able to arrange this.

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