Afternoon all,Having graduated last July I was due to start in the Strategy division of a consulting firm a few weeks ago. This has now been deferred until the end of the summer.Having been travelling etc last year I'm lacking in funds to disappear again and I'd like to do something that could actually enhance my career prospects and let me "hit the ground running" later in the year.Any advice on what I could be doing with myself? I'm doing some work with a small start up, but it's unpaid and doesn't fill my week. Thinking about getting my GMAT exam sat and out of the way in case I fancy an MBA in the next few years.Any advice?

Get applying for another job, just in case they decide to defer the offer again?

Start job-hunting - that date is going to keep getting pushed back until you get the message and go away. Hence when the firm presents on campus next year, they will boldly claim they're doing so well that they've never had to withdraw offers, unlike the competition.In actuality, what happens is that the hiring manager/lead partner doesn't have the budget or pipeline of work to justify hiring. However s/he doesn't want to commit to writing off recruitment for the year, just in case things should miraculously turn around. So they keep "forgetting" to sign off the paperwork to confirm the hire. Every time the recruiter/HR reminds them, they bargain for a few more days. Eventually, the reasonable deadline passes and HR has to send out a letter to push back the start date and buy time for the hiring manager to make up their mind one way or the other.Once a manager has realised that they can make do without extra hands, it takes a substantial change in workload before they will change that opinion. Having got used to making do without an extra Analyst or two, there will be no pressure to bring new people in until the economy have firmly taken a new direction.The firm effectively has a very flexible and very cheap "call option" on your time. You do not benefit from this arrangement. Start job-hunting. Worst case scenario, you have a head-start on applications when the initial offer gets pulled.

You may want to consider looking for a new job. However, think carefully about if any other positions you find are better / equal to the role you are currently on hold for. Don't forget that that your 1st job from Uni will be pretty important in determining what path your career goes down. Of course, people will cite examples of this not being the case. However, an excellent graduate job in the right industry will set you up well. Whilst I am sure its all very sensible to seek to 'enhance your prospects' etc, life is long. You will most likely be working for 40 years+. I would recommend you enjoy your 20's as much as you can. Perhaps teach English abroad for a few months?