You can start networking before your defense date is fixed. You just need to be transparent that the graduation timing is an estimate.

Early conversations are useful for learning about firms, offices, recruiting timelines, and ADC pathways. You do not need a final defense date to begin building relationships or understanding when applications open.

You can introduce yourself as a PhD candidate expecting to finish around a particular month and ask how that timing aligns with the office's recruiting cycle. If the date later moves, you can update relevant contacts.

Start with low-pressure informational conversations now, map the application deadlines for your target firms, and tighten your timeline once your defense becomes more certain.

8 months doesn't feel too early for informational chats.

You can always say expected graduation and update them later.

same here, easy detail to overthink.

same here, easy detail to overthink.