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Miss a day during MBB summer internship

Bain BCG internship McKinsey
New answer on May 17, 2022
9 Answers
1.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on May 15, 2022

I currently hold a Undergraduate internship at an MBB in Europe and hope to convert to FT in the following year. 

Unfortunately, I am in a position where I have to take a University exam during summer, and will likely require a minimum half-day ~ full day in order to take the examination. 

It's to my knowledge that I am entitled to 4 days of holiday over the entire duration of the internship. 

Would taking a day off for an exam seriously hurt my chances of getting a return offer? 

 

(edited)

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on May 16, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This won't hurt your chances at all! (If you handle it professionally).

You simply need to give them ample advance notice. Let them know the exact date and the amount of time required and they will be perfectly fine with this.

Make sure to communicate it to all of your “bosses” (HR, your project lead, your principal, etc.)

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Clara
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replied on May 16, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

OMG nooo! Of course not, what type of job would this be if this was the case!

If you need to take time off for a Uni exam not only will they allow, but with a good face! It´s a more than justified absence! We had a 1st year BA once that had to leave for the graduation party and there was no issue at all. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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Florian
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replied on May 16, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

This is not an issue at all. If you have 4 days of PTO in your contract, you should take them and the team will likely even ask you to take them.

The only thing that is important is to notify your engagement manager well in advance so they can plan ahead.

All the best with your internship, the return offer, and the exam! :-)

Cheers,

Florian

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Ken
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replied on May 16, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Not at all.  I was a summer undergrad intern in McKinsey London where I recall a fellow intern did the same.

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Udayan
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replied on May 16, 2022
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

No not at all. Just inform HR before starting the internship and also inform your team once you join that you will need the day for an exam and they will be totally fine. People understand things like taking time off to give an exam, especially if you have communicated it clearly from the begining.

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Cristian
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replied on May 17, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

Not at all. 

Especially since you have such a good reason for it. 

Explain it to them. They'll most likely be surprised that you're even making a big deal about it. :)

Good luck with converting it into a full-time offer!
 

Best,

Cristian

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Francesco
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replied on May 16, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

That’s really not a problem. Just let (i) your manager and (i) HR know in advance and you will be fine.

All the best for a great start!

Francesco 

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Lucie
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replied on May 17, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

Hi there, 

congrats on securing your internship. Taking some time off for your exam is absolutely fine, wont hurt you in any point. Just make sure to communicate it in advance. 

Good luck!

Lucie

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Pedro
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replied on May 16, 2022
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

This is quite frequent. It will not be frowned upon. Not at all. Just make sure that you let them know as early as possible that you will be out on that day.

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