Is 24 too old to Join McKinsey at an entry level undergrad position?

Question

Hey everybody!

I accepted an offer from McKinsey towards the end of my Bachelor's degree and would be starting in a couple of months, possibly from home due to COVID. I took a gap year after high school to start a packaging business which is doing just fine - however that meant that when I graduated I was 24 years old. I am worried that I would be one of the older undergrad recruits at McKinsey as generally fresh grads are around about 22 years of age. Would I feel "old" among my colleagues and out of place? Or am I overthinking? Thanks a million for your help!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Let me ask the question in a different way, and you answer me...Would it matter if you made partner at 35 and other partners are 33 years old?

You made it sound like 24 years old are from a different generation than 22 years old people :)

Don't overthink it and congrats on the new career ahead of you :)

Best,

Khaled

Answer 2

My goodness, I'm feeling so old!

I believe you are from the US? Because in Italy you graduate when you are 24 years old at the earliest, thus no way you can be younger than that.

Don't you worry, 24 is completely fine to start in McK as an entry-level!

Answer 3

Hi Anonymous,

Perfectly fine - no need to worry about that at all!

Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 4

I started at Deloitte when i was 24 while others were 22. No one noticed although I may have been a bit more mature. That worked more in my favor since it made me more of a leader at times. I think you are in a good position and will do well.

Answer 5

Nope - our BA batch ranged from 21-26 and everyone had a blast

All the best!

Udayan

Answer 6

Hello!

Totally no!

I did undergrad and masters before McK and I was close to 24. Totally fine!

I was not eve the oldest.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 7

Is 24 too old to Join McKinsey at an entry level undergrad position?

Are you kidding ? Definitely not ! Congrats for your offer !!!

Answer 8

Perfectly normal!

I know someone who started as a JA/JC at 28 and he's crushing it now!

Answer 9

I started entry-level at age 27 ;) So def not! Press upvote if helpful

Answer 10

Dear A,

Are you serious? 24 is not too old at all)

Best,

André

Answer 11

Hi there,

No, you’re not old. Probably you’re really overthinking.

Actually, 24 is a good age to start a career.

Wish you all the best!

GB

Answer 12

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