Too old to join consulting (post MBA)? How to adapt to having a boss younger than you?

Hi there,

First, you're not alone in this concern :) See below for a number of other Q&As on this topic

Now, in my view, you're never too old! (If it's the path you want)

It really depends on your career trajectory and what you're hoping to do. I knew plenty of people in their mid-30s during the MBA and they went on to MBB as Consultants/Associates. If you end up at MBB in your mid-30s, even if not directly from your MBA, that's really still the same.

 However, you do need to be conscious of the fact that you'll be moving laterally rather than up. One option is to wait for a promotion in your current job. Once you're project lead/manager at the Big Four, you could aim for a project lead/EM role at MBB.

Other Age-Related Q&As

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-old-is-too-old-before-considering-a-strategic-management-consulting-role-within-a-mbb-2633

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/too-old-to-bother-about-mbb-i-am-37-today-pursuing-a-part-time-mba-with-interviews-at-mbb-7950

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/i-am-planning-to-join-mba-next-year-when-i-will-be-34-will-finish-at-35-and-my-aim-is-to-join-mbb-is-35-too-old-6862

Hey,

You have heard this before- age is just a number :). Learning never stops and someone's age doesnt determine their competence. So please dont get hung up on that. Being a good consultant is being able to work with and manage people of all forms, age and backgrounds. 

The key question is why entering MBB at a junior level is the right career choice for you? If you want to learn ground up and have made that decision, then just go for it. You will move through ranks quicker anyway if you do the right things and perform well. External circumstances (in this instance your boss's age) shouldnt matter. Its a decision you have made. Make sure you have a strong CV, referrals and prep well for the interviews learning from past mistakes.

If not, think of other options. 

I have been in this situation of managing older inviduals who were much junior than me. If you are an inclusive and self aware person, its no problem at all. Every person who comes into your life has something to teach you.

Feel free to message if you want to have a chat and discuss more.

Good luck!

Hi there, 

Joining MBB at 34 is doable – I helped a few people older than you in the process. However:

1. You will probably need to join as Associate/Consultant (Post MBA level) with some seniority recognized
2. As you mentioned, you may have to work with partners or managers who are younger than you. For some people that's fine, while for others it is a no-go

On the positive side, you could progress relatively quickly after you join.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

There are 2 issues you might face:

• Reporting to people much younger than you (I have a couple of friends who became partners before 30)
• Health and stamina, since at 34 it's much harder to maintain at MBB as an Associate

I would definitely try and see how it goes. Maybe they'll give you a manager or at least 2nd year Associate

Best.

Hello there!

It's never too late to do something in order to achieve your goals!
The age is only in your head, and in almost every company there will be someone younger than you who has a higher rank, and it's perfectly normal.

People are different, they have different backgrounds, beliefs, objectives and luck.
Besides, you have good chances to be promoted quickly, so go for it!

Hope it helps.

GB

Hello!

Nope, not at all!

In McK, I had coworkers that age. 

Same in the MBA, people that age went to MBB without issues. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara