Hi,
Anybody have any input on starting on entry level at 28? Feels weird to think about the fact people are up to 5 years younger in the same position ... not necessarily regarding having coworkers younger than you in higher positions, more from a perspective of how well you can connect with people, are you bound to feel off/ behind with this age gap?
Hi,
I can safely say that nobody cares about your age once you start consulting (speaking from MBB context).
What people care about is whether you can deliver the work or not.
I still don't know the exact ages of many of my ex-colleagues.
Of course, this is not to say it will be easy, joining as an experienced hire has its own unique challenges which I talk about more here:
That is a completely natural anxiety, and you are far from the first person to ask this. Let me assure you, 28 is nowhere near an outlier age for starting at the entry level, especially at MBB firms.
The average age curve is much wider than you think. You are slotting in alongside candidates who took a gap year, did a two-year Master's degree, pivoted after a few years in Teach for America, or, most commonly, came straight out of a non-MBA advanced degree (PhDs/JDs routinely start between 27 and 30). For the firm, those extra years are generally seen as an asset—it often translates to better immediate client credibility and higher emotional maturity on the team.
Regarding the social aspect: your peers (23-25) are high-achievers who are deeply focused on their careers and the intense learning curve. Connection points in consulting aren't primarily defined by outside-of-work hobbies; they are defined by the shared experience of the job itself—late nights, travel, and shared pressure. Being a little older, you often have better perspective and resilience, which makes you a fantastic teammate. You will likely find that those few years difference disappear quickly when you’re all staring down a deadline together.
Focus on positioning the experience you gained between 23 and 28 as maturity and perspective, not as lost time. That extra layer of polish will actually accelerate your ramp-up and ability to navigate internal politics much faster than your younger peers.
All the best with your application.
Hello
So important to remember that everyone joins consulting at different times in their lives. Maybe in your new consultant training it will be "obvious" as to the age gap, but I wouldn't worry at all.
You're going to dive into the work and be focused on that and learning that there isn't time to dwell on people's ages.
Janin,
Don't worry about this.
If starting a new career at 28 is too late, then this world is broken.
I've seen lots of people transitioning later into consulting (e.g., mid 30s) and doing so successfully.
Even though you might be in the same role with people younger than you, it doens't mean that you have the same experiences or that the speed at which you'll progress is the same.
So don't worry about this. Just focus on the future. If consulting is what you want, then go for it.
Best,
Cristian
Hi Janin,
Starting in consulting at 28 is far more common than it feels, and it’s generally not an issue at all. Many entry-level hires come from PhDs, career switchers, or people with prior industry experience, so age ranges on the same level can easily span 5–7 years.
In practice, what matters much more than age is how you show up professionally. If anything, being slightly older often helps — you tend to be more confident, communicate more clearly, and handle pressure better. Teams care about reliability and mindset, not birth year.
You’re unlikely to feel “behind” unless you frame it that way yourself. Most consultants connect over work, shared challenges, and learning on the job, and age differences fade quickly once projects start.
If consulting is the right move for you now, 28 is absolutely not too late.
Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out!
Best
Evelina
Hi Janin!
This is a total non issue. :)
Consulting is a performance environment.
Nobody cares how old you are.
They care whether you think clearly, communicate cleanly, and can be trusted under pressure.
That is it.
In fact, age often helps.
At 28 you usually bring three advantages younger candidates do not have yet.
First, emotional regulation.
You have lived a bit. You do not melt under stress. Partners feel that immediately.
Second, perspective.
You connect dots faster because you have seen more real life situations, not just case books.
Third, credibility.
Clients do not ask for your age. They sense maturity in how you speak, listen, and frame problems.
One thing to think about.
The people who struggle are not the older ones.
They are the ones who secretly feel they should apologize for being older.
That energy leaks.
And interviewers pick it up instantly.
Two questions to ask yourself.
Do you see yourself as someone who is late.
Or as someone who is deliberately choosing a steep environment now.
Do you walk into rooms trying to fit in.
Or trying to add value.
One thing to try.
Stop framing your age as something to overcome.
Start treating it as neutral background noise.
I have seen new consultants start at 27, 30, even mid 30s (including myself! I was 31 when I left university and joined BCG).
And the ones who did best were not the youngest. They were the ones who were grounded, sharp, and unbothered.
Consulting punishes fragility.
Not age.
If you feel off or behind, it will be because you decided to believe that story inside your head. Not because the system forces it on you.
Drop the story.
Focus on performance. :)
Hope this helps!
Sidi
____________________
Dr. Sidi S. Koné
Hi Janin,
as other said, do not worry about it. 28 is completely within the age band at MBB and there will be many others your age (PhDs, post MBAs, lateral,...).
What is more, you age (and the experience that comes with it) is actually an asset as you likely will come across as more senior and your clients are usually older so you will have an easier time connecting with them than a 23 year old.
Best,
Luias
Hi there,
I've seen many people enter consulting late. I suggest you focus on what you can learn rather than compare your age with others.
