If someone is over 50s what's the chance of getting a job in MBB firms? What coaching he needs? Start from zero?

Hi,

This doesn't happen often, and when it happens, those who join usually join as experts at senior level, sometimes on contract terms. Most likely you need to network to get such opportunity because there is no regular recruiting for this type of role.

I had an ex-colleauge from Shell who has 28 years of O&G experience, and now he is on contract with McK SouthEast Asia as an expert to spend time on some O&G projects. He got this role through another ex-colleauge in Shell who joined McK after leaving Shell.

Best,

Emily

Hi Abdaallah,

please find my answers below:

1) As also mentioned in the other comments, I would expect possibilities to be hired at that age if:

• You move as partner from another consulting firm
• You apply for an expert role (eg O&G - I recently helped someone in his 40s for such positions). This may not necessarily be on full-time basis though

2) At that age definitely not easy. I believe is critical that you network your way in. Or it happens by chances that you are in high demand for some very specific skills (usually in that case you are targeted directly by headhunters since the company is actively looking for someone)

3) I never helped people in their 50s, but helped some people in their 40s. The process was still fit + cases, but there are a lot more questions related to client and team management

4) Given the constraints mentioned in 1), you could apply only for senior positions/expert roles

Best,
Francesco

Depending on the region/office, there are usually possibilities for subcontractors. This is meant for very senior people who have a lot of industry experience. These contracts are generally for 1-2 years to support on specific projects or practices. Based on what I have seen these experts are usually sourced via recruitment agencies and not directly on the website.

1. There are policies to help place-specific senior candidate groups such as war veterans, scientists, diversity hires, etc. However, there are no programs that I am aware of that are purely age-based

2. Lateral hiring for senior candidates happens for very specific roles such as Principal/Partner levels with a focus on practice areas OR as subject matter experts, sometimes on a contractual basis for a case. It will be very difficult to join as a generalist consultant since most general consultant recruiting at junior levels happens at universities. However, you could aim for a more senior sector focused role based on your background

3. Based on the role that you are applying for, your preparation should be a mix of case interview preparation as well as for fit based interviews (even more important for senior roles).

4. I recommend applying to senior roles. If you don't have previous consulting experience, as apply as a subject matter expert to support case teams in topic of your expertise. If you have previous consulting experience, apply for a senior consulting role such as at Principal/Partner levels

Best of luck!

Hi,

1. The only cases I've heard of getting an MBB job at this age were related to the following:

• The transition from the other client service companies with the client base (IB, Other consulting firms)
• Getting hired as an industry expert

2. In general, they are pretty low, unless you demonstrate one of the 2 cases I've provided earlier

3. I would try getting an interview invitation first. No rationale to prepare when the interview invitation is under question

4. You should ONLY apply to the senior position (And most probably limited to expert roles)

Best

Hello! Just PMed you

Dear Abdaallah,

I have just helped my mentees, who was over 40, to get into consulting . And he got an offer from Alex Partners in New York last week. It all depends on your previous experiences.

Feel free to reach out, so that can have a look at your stand point and define a program that is tailor to your needs


Best,
André

Hi Abdaallah, it strongly depends on your knowledge and your relationships in the industry of your expertise. I have recently supported a principle level candidate to secure his offer in McK. Feel free to text me in understanding how to set up a preparation plan

Best

ANtonello

Hello Abdaallah,

The only way to join a MBB and consulting firm in general when you are 50 years old is only as partner or industry expert. You would not be considered for junior positions mainly for 2 reasons:

1. You would work with a manager that could be 20 years younger than you, and it would be a weird situation for the team and the client himself
2. When you are 50 years old you don't represent a good investment for the future. In junior positions you receive a lot of coaching and opportunities to grow and become the future of the company

Best,
Luca