Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Importance of years of experience for post-MBA role?

I know minimum is 2 years to get into a top business school (some people go with this experience due to deferred programs, etc.) However the average WE at business schools is 3 - 5 years.

Does being on the lower end of work experience affect your chances negatively at interviewing for an MBA internship?

3
700+
12
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Apr 11, 2024
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | top MBB coach

Having less experience makes your value proposition weaker. 

But there are multiple criteria that are assessed during the selection process for business schools. So don't let this get you down. 

Make sure that you control for the others. 

If you're considering an MBA, you might find this resource useful:

Best,
Cristian

Pedro
Coach
on Apr 11, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It can have some impact. Not very significant, but if you only have 2 years experience it lowers your value. Also note that the “quality” of the experience matters. 2 years in a high-demanding environment has very low impact; 2 years in a less-demanding environment may be perceived as a negative.

Udayan
Coach
on Apr 11, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

If you get into a top 5 B School with 2 years work ex then you should be fine to join as an Associate at MBB. If it's not a top B-School and you have low work ex then yes it will be harder to break into a top consulting firm.

Similar Questions
Consulting
Bain Application
on Aug 23, 2024
Global
5
1.8k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
35
5 Answers
1.8k Views
+2
Consulting
Best Time to Apply to MBB as an Experienced Hire
on Oct 04, 2024
Global
4
2.0k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
70
4 Answers
2.0k Views
+1
Consulting
Trading public stocks prohibited in McKinsey?
on Feb 12, 2025
Global
5
1.8k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
50
5 Answers
1.8k Views
+2