Hi there,
1. Yes, it's quite common across firms and regions. It is extremely unlikely than MBB would cancel anyone's offer. However, it is possible that they delay it again.
2. I think you have a few options:
a. Start a side project/hustle (anything you've wanted to try)
b. Learn a skill you've always wanted to (coding language, musical instrument etc.)
c. Look for an internship (I promise you, people are still hiring)
d. Enter into an academy or training program to prepare you for the consulting world (message me if you'd like to know about some good ones)
3. You probably cannot...
To answer other questions you might have around COVID-19 impacts on consulting, see below :)
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INTERVIEW FORMATS
Most interviews will now be virtual. They may also involve COVID-19 as a topic!
For Virtual Interview Tips:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/virtual-first-round-interview-thoughts-advice-4310
For Coronavirus Cases:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/brain-teaser/beginner/coronavirus-times-194
https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-191
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PUSHED STARTING DATES
A number of existing offers as well as future offers are coming with delayed start dates.
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/pushed-starting-date-6807
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/semester-extension-due-to-covid-19-6724
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-offer-pushback-covid19-6768
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mck-associate-job-offer-6737
(If this happens, use the time to both upskill and find a 2nd job/internship in the meantime)
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REDUNDANCIES RISK
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/covid19-redundancies-risk-6728
Some of the tier two firms are cutting costs through:
- Setting pay to 80%, with an opt-out policy (KPMG)
- Letting go of some staff with <6 months tenure (EY)
- Forcing unpaid leave for staff not on billable projects (Deloitte)
- Stopping bonuses
So far, it seems the tier 1 firms are cutting some bonuses and being stricter with the "Up or out" system. It seems unlikely they would rescind new hire offers, but you should always have a plan B.
Al this being said different geographies are different, as are different roles...even in tough times companies do hire and projects are won.
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DELAYED AND REDUCED HIRING
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-will-hiring-efforts-change-in-the-middle-east-because-of-the-pandemic-and-budget-cuts-by-the-saudi-government-6871
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-consulting-companies-are-hiring-interviewing-right-now-6733
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/are-interviews-in-the-middle-east-still-going-ahead-6832
There are a lot of companies, a lot of offices, with a lot of different timelines. I recommend you reach out to the recruiters of the offices + companies in which you are interested! This had the added benefit of you potentially being put in touch with a potential referee!
Take the initiative, reach out to the offices/companies you want, hustle hard, and find the jobs that are available and fight for them. Don't speculate...read the cards TODAY and operate as such, until something changes, then adapt.
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THREAT TO THE BUSINESS MODEL
The top-tier firms are very nimble. They are notoriously "immune" to economic cycles. This Is because:
- When the economy does well, MBB are hired to help companies do even better
- When the economy does poorly, MBB are hired to help companies survive (cost costs, adapt, plan for the new world)
I can tell you that MBB are hustling hard and that when companies are in trouble, they look to MBB first for guidance. Strategy consultants help firms navigate uncharted territory...these times are when they're most needed
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IMPACT ON TRAVEL
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/is-the-corona-crisis-going-to-lead-to-less-travel-in-the-future-for-mbb-consultants-6780
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/less-traveling-in-the-mena-region-6770
1) Yes it will affect the nature of work
2) I can't see it improving work-life balance. The fundamentals of top-tier companies in any industry are: Get the best, get the brightest, get the hungriest, charge them out for a lot, and work them hard
3) It'll change business trips in much the same way business trips will be changed across the world
4) It's anyone's guess as to whether WFH will become more acceptable in consulting. Personally, I doubt it.
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IMPACT ON M&A ACTIVITY
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/potential-ma-activity-in-the-consulting-industry-anytime-soon-because-of-global-context-6771