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What to do before starting MBB out of uni?

Hi all,

I am in the fortunate position to have received a FT offer to start at MBB.
There will be a 4-6 month gap between graduation and starting my FT position which I intend to use to travel, get fit, recover, etc. -- the "typical pre-MBB self exploration and development" journey.

Unfortunately, I am short on funds, so I was wondering if any of you happen to have experience/ ideas on what one could do in a similar situation to have some -- preferably remote -- income. For context, located in DACH and have previous intern experience and brand-name PEs and another MBB.

Thank you! 

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Feb 20, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

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

  • First of all, I would highly advise you to think about what you really want to do in this period, rather than just following the crowd with the "'typical pre-MBB self-exploration and development' journey".
  • Moreover, once you are clear about what you really want to do, act accordingly. Possible side jobs will obviously depend on your skills. Is there anything you are particularly good at?

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

Best,

Hagen

Alessa
Coach
on Feb 20, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey there, it's fantastic that you've secured an offer with MBB and have some time to invest in yourself before starting full-time; if funds are tight, consider exploring remote freelance consulting or part-time advisory roles that leverage your impressive background and network, allowing you to earn some income while keeping your skills sharp and still leaving plenty of room for travel, fitness, and self-recovery—it's all about finding that balance between professional growth and personal development, so weigh your options carefully and trust that every bit of experience now will pave the way for your success later on. Best, Alessa 😃

Florian
Coach
on Feb 21, 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Congrats!

You're in a temporary financial crunch, but in just four months, you'll have a significant income. Instead of taking a short-term job that adds little value beyond immediate cash, it might be worth bridging this period with funding that you can quickly repay once you start working.

In the meantime, consider using this time to explore things you're passionate about or experiment with new ideas - maybe even test out a business concept. With today's AI tools, launching something has never been easier.

Most importantly, enjoy this period before you dive into full-time work!

Cheers,

Florian

on Feb 21, 2025
1st session -50% and free 15min call| Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

Honestly, if you really want to use the time to travel I'd take a loan if I could or use a credit card. 

When you start working you will be working FLAT OUT, and it might be tough to add in some holidays. You want to start fresh and refreshed. Once you start working you will be able to pay back your loan/debt easily. 

It's tough to get a remote job in my opinion. 

But if you need to, you can try signing up to be a tutor for any of your school subjects. You can have a look at this list

I'd even sign up as a coach here on prep lounge! You can adertise yourself as a fresh grad who has just been through the process and knows the ropes. 

 

Honestly, have fun in this time!

on Feb 21, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

The money you will earn now in a temp role in 4-6 months will most likely pale in comparison to the amount you will earn at MBB.

The time you have now however, is something you won't get when you start work and life catches up.

Do what you want to do, and if you are short of funds, take a loan (that's what I did so I could travel freely). 

You can always earn back money, but you can't earn back time. 

Thabang
Coach
on Mar 01, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

Most importantly, relax! Do things you enjoy.... maximise on really all the things you may not get a chance to do once the hard work starts.

But in terms of building some skills, you could develop your powerpoint and excel skills to reduce friction you'd face when in engagements on this. 

You could read articles released by the MBBs to get a sense of work and topics they are working on and a bit of their approaches. 

All the best

Pedro
Coach
on Mar 13, 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Reach out to them. Explain your situation. Ask if there's a possibility to anticipate starting date

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