Transferring offices prior to starting?

Hi,

Congrats first of all!

SF is a competitive office so let me just start of by saying that while this is improbable, it may not be impossible.

A genuine family reason is typically considered valid but you will need to account for several factors:
- capacity constraints: SF may not have the capacity to accommodate new hires
- industry alignment: certain cities favour certain industries (although depending on your MBB this may not apply).

I would suggest:
- Act quickly: reach out to HR enquiring about the situation
- Involve a Partner/sponsor: if you have a contact in SF office, involve them
- Look at it like a business case: if you have strong factors that will closely align you to SF office (e.g. industry alignment, client contacts), reference those
- Be transparent & flexible: sometimes they may not be able to offer relocation on Day 1 but will consider it after 3 - 6 months depending on performance. 

Good luck!

Hi there,

Congrats on your MBB offer - NYC is a great (and competitive) office!

 Transferring before your start date is possible but can be tricky, especially between regions with different staffing needs. 

1. Reach out to HR ASAP: They have the best visibility of the process and can tell you if a pre-start transfer is feasible. Offices usually allocate incoming hires based on demand, so SF may or may not have spots open.
2. Build a strong case: Since you have personal and family reasons, make sure to frame your request with a compelling but professional rationale. Offices are more flexible when there’s a clear need.
3. Leverage networking: If HR is hesitant, try connecting with SF-based consultants (especially partners or senior leaders) to build internal support for your transfer. Having partners advocate for you can make a huge difference. This might only be possible after you start, however -> see the next point.
4. Plan for a post-start transfer:  If a pre-start move isn’t possible, get staffed on SF-based projects after joining in NYC. This helps you integrate into that office’s network and gain support for an internal transfer, which typically takes 6-12 months.

If you push early and align with staffing needs, you might be able to move before day one. If not, a transfer within your first year is very doable. 

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

Family-related issues are usually the ones that can help in a situation such as yours. However, it may be difficult considering you have no sponsors in the company yet that could back you up. Also, SF has done some reduction in its consulting personnel (at least for McKinsey), which can pose an additional challenge. 
Try to find out a partner who could support your decision (better if in both offices) and create a compelling case before reaching out to HR. 

Good luck,

Mari

Hi there, 

Transferring prior to start could be challenging. It is more common to ask for transfer at least a year after you start and have shown good performance that the new office would be comfortable to take you in. 

Best,

Emily

This really depends on the provided justification, but it is possible for family reasons. Although two things weight in... 1) whether SF is in need of more personnel; 2) how bad will you need to find an alternative if they do not support you.

You should have a candid conversation with HR and explain your situation.

Hey there 😊,

Yes, transferring offices before your start date is possible at MBB, but it depends on business needs, office capacity, and your personal justification. Here’s how to maximize your chances of a smooth transfer:

1️⃣ How Likely Is a Transfer Before Starting?

✅ Possible, but depends on staffing needs – SF and West Coast offices (especially SF, LA, and Seattle) are popular and competitive, so transfers aren’t always guaranteed.
✅ Easier if there’s a strong business case – If your reason is family-related or a legitimate personal situation, that strengthens your case.
✅ The earlier you ask, the better – The closer you get to your start date, the harder it is for them to accommodate the change.

2️⃣ Steps to Request the Transfer

🚀 Step 1: Reach Out to HR ASAP

• Email your recruiter and request a call to discuss a potential transfer.
• Frame it as:
  "I’m incredibly excited to join the firm and have been reflecting on my long-term personal and professional goals. Given recent developments, I’d love to explore the possibility of starting in SF instead of NYC. I understand office needs come first, and I’d be happy to discuss whether this could be possible."
• Keep the tone positive and flexible—avoid making it seem like a demand.

🚀 Step 2: Highlight Your Justification

• If family reasons are involved, mention them in a concise and professional way.
• If you have a strong preference for West Coast industries (e.g., tech, VC, startups, healthcare innovation, etc.), mention how SF aligns better with your interests.

🚀 Step 3: Be Open to Alternatives

• If SF is at full capacity, they may offer LA or Seattle instead—be prepared to consider alternatives if SF isn’t an option.

3️⃣ What If the Transfer Isn’t Possible?

🔹 Consider transferring after 6-12 months – It’s often easier to switch offices internally after proving yourself at MBB.
🔹 Leverage staffing preferences – Even if you start in NYC, you can request West Coast projects to build connections in SF.

4️⃣ Final Thoughts & Best Approach

✅ Request ASAP – The earlier, the better.
✅ Keep it flexible – Frame it as an inquiry, not a demand.
✅ Be prepared for a waitlist or alternative offices if SF is full.

Let me know if you need help drafting your request—I’ve seen this process work out for many people! 🚀

Best, Alessa 😇

Congrats on your offer! 

A transfer prior to starting is likely challenging (especially to a competitive office like SF). But given it is for family reasons I would give it a shot. 

1. Reach out to recruiting and ask for their help / support - be transparent about your reasons highlighting that it is for family reasons and this originated after the recruiting process (i.e. you are not gaming the system) 

2. Involve the senior NYC people you met through the process - ask for their advice and support 

3. If you know anybody in the SF (or broader West Coast) office, reach out to them 

Good luck. Let me know if I can help in any way! 

-Andreas