For those who joined consulting later (>30s), how did your career pan out?

Question

I am thinking about accepting MBB offer as an experienced hire in my early 30s, however will be taking a pay cut and a downgrade in rank.

I'm thinking the temporary step backward can be an accelerant later on, particularly for (1) professional growth (have been stagnating for awhile), and (2) to open doors currently shut to me (certain types of strategy roles, etc.).

Curious to hear from others who might have made a similar switch – how that has panned out for you career-wise?

Answer 1

Hi,

I will share thoughts not based on personal experience, but based on observations and people I've known/met during my ~9 years in consulting.

Generally, MBB is a huge pivot and ‘springboard’ especially if you want to stay in the Corporate world
- e.g. I've known people who have spent ~8 years in industry, spent ~2 years in MBB and then went back to industry at a much more senior role that they wouldnt have been able to get if they stayed in industry
Age/stage of career at the point of MBB jump is more often than not really not the determining factor of where you end up in the long term
- e.g. There are actually quite a few equity partners who joined consulting very ‘late’, but ended up staying till equity partner. The people who started right out of college however, well, most of them ended up leaving way before that

I tell anyone who is considering sometime in MBB that ~2 years there is really a no-regrets move. If you have an open mind, there is plenty to learn and grow. If you realize that consulting is not for you, for sure the MBB brand and network is a value add.

There are only a few situations in which I think that switching to MBB is not really a value add, but I don't think you fall into that category given what you have described of your context.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Hello,

I have many friends who have joined MBB >30s, especially after the MBA (average age is ~28-30yo, most people have 5-7 years of experience), so you are definitely not alone!

From experience it can go many ways but it will really depend on your expectations and what you value, for example:

- Quick 1 or 2 years: to get the learnings, the name & network and then move back to industry with higher potential and more doors open (+ potential pivot vs pre MBB possibilities). Particularly interesting for people who want to invest a few years but then focus back on lifestyle.

- Grow to EM/AP (3-5y): Great to gain seniority, be able to build deeper relationships with clients in an industry you might want to join and then be recruited by them for example. If you want to go back to your previous industry at that point, you will for sure be able to leverage the ranks to go higher / push faster

- Stay in Consulting - Partner+ path: If you like the work, lifestyle, and culture, it is an amazing opportunity! Staying long term is not for everyone but difficult to beat if you find your sweet spot!

Cheers!
Nicolas

Answer 3

Hi there,

While working at MBB could help a lot to accelerate your career and open professional positions that might look closed today, everything will still depend on you, specifically:

On your networking ability
On your professional toolkit (communication, leadership, etc.)
On the clarity of your goals

Think carefully about where you want to be professionally in the future, the different ways to get there (consulting is never the only way to access industry positions) and the pros and cons of each path (Ian already mentioned several cons of the consulting way).

Happy to keep talking about this in private as I joined McKinsey in my early 30's. Just send me a message.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Answer 4

Hi there,

Personally, I think early 30s is just fine. I tend to see people struggle more in their late 30s as the brain is less malleable/open to new ideas/ways of working.

Fundamentally, if you feel you are still “fresh” and can grind it out with long hours, take criticisms/constant feedback, and be open to new ways of thinking/working, then go for it!

Definitely, network and talk with people to see what it's been like for them, in order to get a better idea!

Here's some reading to help: Consulting Survival Guide - Tips for Your Consulting Career

Answer 5

Hi!

I actually know quite a few people who did this, some of whom loved it and integrated well, and others who left.

My advice for you would be to reach out to examples of those who survived from within the firm you've joined and seek to understand from them what they did differently. If you enrol these people as mentors early on you're already on the right track.

Best,
Cristian