Okay to push back start-date?

Question

I was wondering if it would be okay to accept the initial offer as an associate, but push back the start date a week or two. Are there trainings scheduled that would need to be delayed and I'm assuming I'm starting with other peers in my recruiting class? If so, I wouldn't want to push back and cause a hassle, but ideally would love to delay by a week or two to give me some more time to wrap up current role.

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

pushing back by a week will be very difficult, because, indeed, you will have induction sessions, basic training etc. scheduled together with your peers in most offices. What you could do though is to push back your start date until the next cohort starts. Depending on the office, this could be as soon as one month after your start date (in Germany for example, there are starting cohorts almost every month at McKinsey and BCG).

As always - just reach out to HR and ask!

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 2

It might very well be more likely they can postpone by a month vs. a week or two... exception being if you are an off-cycle hire, in which case it wouldn't matter much either way.

As Sidi said, the only way to truly know is to ask HR. Congrats on the offer.

Answer 3

Hi,

Based on my experience pushing back is generally not an issue in larger firms that have regular training and orientation programs. However, sometimes this could mean you don't train with your peers and miss out on the opportunity to make new friends/connections that are important. As the others have said no harm in asking HR

Congrats on the new role!

Udayan

Answer 4

Dear A,

Congratulations on an offer!

100% yes to push back.

Circumstances of your life may change, so it is totally OK to start later.

What is more, the work is quite intensive, you may work up to 80h per week, depending on a project, thus make sure you are well prepared.

If you feel that you need some time to make up things, take it. You will not have time to sort things out, while at work.

All the best,

Egor

Answer 5

Dear A,

Yes,

It's totally ok to push back your starting date. You can also spend this time with your family and friends, because your personal life will come short after you start in consulting.

Last but not least,it's also very valuable time to prepare yourself in consulting industry. If you wish, I can share with you deep insights: working culture and how to become a successful consultant and build quick career over there.

Feel free to drop a line.

Good luck,

André

Answer 6

From my experience, it would be best if you can apply early if you can already do your case prep. If you start now yo... (read entire answer)

From my experience, it would be best if you can apply early if you can already do your case prep. If you start now you could be ready by the time they invite you to interviews.B... (read entire answer)