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Interning at a different company prior to MBB FT role

Hi all. I currently have accepted an MBB FT role after undergrad. However, I will graduate this May, and the role does not start until next January. I have also received an internship offer from June to August that does not conflict time wise. I want to pursue this internship for a little bit of work experience prior to joining MBB, and also for financial reasons. 

Since I have committed to joining MBB, will taking this internship before starting full time cause any sort of conflicts? I've read the offer letter and there seems to be no provisions that prevent employment before the start date, but I wanted to ask here for any opinions. 

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Top answer
Yousef
Coach
on May 11, 2024
I make it easy for you to master case interviews! (ex-McKinsey |Stanford University | Imperial College London | ex-P&G)

Hi there,


Congratulations on your MBB offer! This is case definitely quite common for MBB offer holders. Many of my colleagues did have 3-6 months roles prior to starting MBB post graduation, as their consulting start dates were much later, and it did not cause them any employment conflicts upon joining MBB.


All the best in your journey!

on May 11, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your question:

Q: Since I have committed to joining MBB, will taking this internship before starting full time cause any sort of conflicts?

If there are no clauses related to this in your contract (not just in the offer letter) and there are no other possible conflicts, there should not be issues. Please also ensure that there are no non-compete clauses for the internship that might create issues for the full-time job.

Best,

Francesco

on May 14, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hagen
Coach
on Jul 26, 2024
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | most experience in consulting, interviewing, and coaching

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

  • First of all, it is certainly a good idea, both for your financial situation and for your professional experience.
  • Moreover, however, I would advise you to talk to your contact person in the HR department of your future employer about your plans. Transparency here can help to ensure that there are no misunderstandings and that they are clear about your intentions to make the most of your time before you start.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Oliver
Coach
on May 11, 2024
Former BCG interviewer (75+ interviews for associates, consultants and MBA hires) | I will make your practice perfect

Congratulations on securing your MBB full-time role! It shouldn't be a problem but to be sure I'd reach out to HR to double check. Good luck!

Best,

Oliver

Udayan
Coach
on May 12, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

I don't see any harm in it as long as there is no legal issue in doing so. Ethically, the firm that gave you an internship might also have a full time role in mind for you so it is a bit of a gray area whether it is the right thing to do or not.

Florian
Coach
on May 13, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

No problem at all!

Go for the internship and also do not forget to take some time off before starting at MBB.

Congrats on your career start and all the best!

Florian

Pedro
Coach
on May 14, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

I don't see any problem here. At all.

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