Problems with joining MBB too young

Hi there - 

Firstly congratulations, that is a big achievement! Agreed with Lucie's comments. There are no real disadvantages per se of joining “too young”, however, there could be repercussions of joining beyond a certain age. Key things are 

• Pause and reflect: Every 4-6 months, pause and reflect on the time gone by and think about what you want at work and life in the coming period and figure the way to make that happen
• Take time off: Dont forget to take your leave, enjoy downtime and come back. Recharging is just as important as supercharging your career 
• Find mentors: Find mentors in the firm who will be your promoters and will give you the right guidance. Sometimes, it is better to have mentors who do not think like you to be able to give you different perspectives to your own and show you different paths to the same goal
• Leave for some time: I would recommend to leave the firm to do an MBA, or work somewhere else for a couple of years and then go back if you really love consulting. It will give you perspective on how different people think and work and will help make you a better consultant in future 

Remember your career is a marathon, not a sprint. It is very easy to get sucked into the crazy hours and the great feeling of presenting to CEOs. It is just as important to pause, take stock and make intentional choices as you progress through your career. 

For now, savour your moment of success! 

Well done. 

Hi Knut,

Congrats on the offers! Like the other coaches have mentioned is little to no disadvantages of joining young. To answer your specific question on making partner - there is no reluctance on electing someone as a partner provided that person has demonstrated the necessary achievements, capabilities and has the right track record. 

However the reality is that partner is a long ways away for someone like yourself, and there are many things that could happen and change as you progress through your career and through life. You might end up enjoying the job a lot, or you might also:

• realise you don't like consulting
• get an awesome exit opportunity and leave before partner
• realise you don't really want to be a partner after knowing the industry better

Bottom line - a start at MBB is great. Try it out, if you like it and are able to stay long enough and are driven to become a partner, partnership will come :)

Hi there, 

probably no disadvantages, the only thing I would recommend is to not lose critical view and self refection. MBB is tough given the "up or out" and it can be difficult to not get impacted by feedback where you will always have things to improve. 

I would be happy to chat with you if interested as I am coaching newly joined BCGers including young ones. 

Good luck!

Lucie

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Depending on the geography you are in, employee's age is not a topic that is openly discussed. 

You will get promoted based on your performance at the respective level. If you do get promoted it means the firm believes you have what it takes to succeed at the next level as well. That is all that matters. I would not waste any thoughts about your chances for a partner case at this stage. 

Since consulting firms are structured like a pyramid, only very few end up making it to partner anyway - for a whole variety of reasons. 

Congratulations! McKinsey at 20 is quite the achievement

I do not think there are repercussions per se, there are however inherent biases you may have to overcome. For example, people may think a partner at 28 is ‘too young’ or that you may need more years as an EM to mature.

The reality is there are some fantastic folks that made partner at McKinsey at 28 and the age gave them a lot of opportunity to shape their career early and get a lot more out of the experience.

Regardless of the outcome you essentially have 2 years more than everyone else to define your career path which is HUGE advantage.

Hi Knut,

Congratulations on the offer and great career so far.

Q: Are there any problems with joining mbb at too young? Would there for instance be a reluctance to make someone partner at too young?

The only issue I see is that some teammates may find it uncomfortable to be managed by someone a lot younger than them once you grow in the company. I don't see this as a major problem though.

Best,

Francesco

Hi Knut,

Congrats on 2 offers. This is fantastic!

There isn't a problem here in terms of promotion, etc. In fact, younger people who join tend to do “better” faster (the brain is more malleable/impressionable and other ways of thinking haven't been learned yet).

With the above does come risk…make sure that you understand there are other worlds out there. Other careers, other lives, other ways of working, other ways of not working.

Make sure you periodically take a step back and are being deliberate in your choice to stay/continue versus leave. Try not to wake up 10 years from now and say “how did I get here?”

Hi Knut,

Well done!

I think it is only an issue if you make it one. MBBs are meritocracies. If you deliver on the different elements (e.g., problem-solving, leadership), age does not matter. They would not have hired you if they did not get the right impression during the interview.

I once worked with an EM who was way below 30 (I can't remember his exact age), who also continued to make partner below or at 30. One of the best and nicest guys I have ever worked with.

All the best on your journey!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi Knut,

Age does not matter, maturity does. You received offers so it means your definitely mature enough for consulting.

Regarding promotions/career progress, this is not influenced by age but personal growth/performance.

You have nothing to worry about.

Best regards,
Jorn