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Consulting Age

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New answer on Jul 22, 2020
6 Answers
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Callum asked on Jul 19, 2020

Hi,

Are there approximate age ranges for the different roles in consulting (MBB and non-MBB) or is it a factor that isn't considered?

Does it depend on the region or company?

Thanks

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Ian
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replied on Jul 20, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Callum,

Age is not considered. Much more important than age is experience. Meaning, if you're 32 and have only had 1 job for 1 year, you obviously won't be able to come in as a consultant.

That being said, the general age range is:

20-27: Entry level (i.e. Associate/Analyst)

25-32: Midrange (i.e. Consultant, Project Lead, etc)

29+: Higher level (Associate Partner, Partner)

Overlap is intentional :)

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Anonymous replied on Jul 19, 2020

Think it varies country by country. Where are you currently based? Entry level are typically college grads in the States (~22) and univeristy and/or masters degree holders in Europe (24-28). It shouldn't be a factor that is considered anyway.

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Callum on Jul 19, 2020

London

Clara
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replied on Jul 20, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Yes and no:

  • Yes, in the sense that usually you have most people from one tenure in an specific age range, for instance:
    • BA: 22-27
    • Associate-EM: 25-30
    • AP and partner: arround 35
  • No, in the senes that it does not matter if you are not within those when you apply. Won´t have an impact at all.

Hope it helps!

Best,

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Jul 20, 2020
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Hi Callum,

Age is normally not an issue for consulting companies – as Ian said what matters is more your work experience. Having said that, after a certain age you won’t be able to apply for junior positions anymore.

The oldest person I saw applying for a post-MBA job (ie Associate/Consultant position) was 37.

It doesn’t mean you cannot apply if you are 40+ and never worked in consulting, but you will have to target a higher position and/or an expert role in a particular industry.

There are regional differences between consulting companies in terms of the hiring process, thus the exact experience required for a certain position may depend on the country.

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous replied on Jul 20, 2020

No. Qualifications and experience are far more critical. But if you can share more specifics on your situation- we can probably comment in more detail

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Callum on Jul 20, 2020

I'm a University student who is thinking more about what I'd like to do when I graduate. I'm interested in consulting but would prefer to do something else first for a couple of years before applying (plus I go to a semi-target so it would be very difficult to get into straight out of University). I asked the question because I was worried that I might be a lot older than everyone else in the same role as me however it seems there is a wide range of ages for each position.

Anonymous replied on Jul 22, 2020

Hi Callum,

The age of your relevant experience, youbackground and your level of preparation is more relevant than your age.

If you need any further help or advice, feel free to reach out.

Best,
André

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