MBA Career Updates: Delays in Start Dates for Consulting Firms

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Deloitte, Top Consulting Firm, Announces Deferred Start Dates for New MBA Hires

Deloitte, a leading global consulting firm, has shocked many of its new MBA hires by informing them that their start dates have been postponed until spring 2024. This delay in onboarding is expected to impact a significant number of MBAs who were excitedly preparing to begin their careers with Deloitte.

The affected MBA hires have been notified that their start dates will now be pushed back to January or February 2024, with the possibility of further delays extending into the spring. Deloitte is not the only consulting firm making such postponements, as other industry giants like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Bain, Accenture, and Ernst and Young have also opted to delay the start dates of new hires this year.

Unsurprisingly, this news has caused concern among the MBA hires at Deloitte, particularly regarding their financial situations during the extended waiting period. Many express worries that the lump-sum stipends offered by the firm may not be enough to cover their expenses adequately. In online forums, such as Reddit threads, frustrated and uncertain MBA hires contemplate alternative job opportunities or temporary positions to sustain themselves while waiting for their delayed start dates.

Comparisons have been drawn between Deloitte’s handling of the situation and that of rival firm Bain. Bain has taken a more proactive approach by offering generous compensation packages to MBA hires who agree to delay their start dates until April 2024. These package options include participating in educational programs or working for a nonprofit organization, providing valuable experience and learning opportunities in the interim.

It appears that Deloitte’s MBA hires have been provided with limited guidance or alternatives to waiting for their delayed start dates, leading to mixed reactions among the affected individuals. Some have chosen to pursue part-time jobs, enroll in additional classes, or even embark on personal travel experiences during this extended waiting period.

As the news of the deferred start dates for MBA hires at Deloitte continues to circulate, it remains to be seen how the affected individuals will navigate this unexpected setback. While some may find innovative ways to occupy their time, others may seek alternative employment opportunities to ensure financial stability. Nonetheless, this development serves as a reminder of the uncertainties that can be encountered even in promising career paths, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience in the ever-changing business landscape.