Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Importance of years of experience for post-MBA role?

I know minimum is 2 years to get into a top business school (some people go with this experience due to deferred programs, etc.) However the average WE at business schools is 3 - 5 years.

Does being on the lower end of work experience affect your chances negatively at interviewing for an MBA internship?

3
600+
12
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Apr 11, 2024
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Having less experience makes your value proposition weaker. 

But there are multiple criteria that are assessed during the selection process for business schools. So don't let this get you down. 

Make sure that you control for the others. 

If you're considering an MBA, you might find this resource useful:

Best,
Cristian

Pedro
Coach
on Apr 11, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It can have some impact. Not very significant, but if you only have 2 years experience it lowers your value. Also note that the “quality” of the experience matters. 2 years in a high-demanding environment has very low impact; 2 years in a less-demanding environment may be perceived as a negative.

Udayan
Coach
on Apr 11, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

If you get into a top 5 B School with 2 years work ex then you should be fine to join as an Associate at MBB. If it's not a top B-School and you have low work ex then yes it will be harder to break into a top consulting firm.

Similar Questions
Consulting
Do consultants use AI for PowerPoint or excel or anywhere in the Process??
on Aug 24, 2024
Global
7
2.3k
Top answer by
Nilay
Coach
Former McKinsey Sr Engagement Manager | Trained McKinsey interviewer (100+ interviews, 500+ coaching sessions)
50
7 Answers
2.3k Views
+4
Consulting
Can I apply to two different positions at McKinsey one after another?
on Jun 11, 2024
Global
7
1.9k
Top answer by
Yousef
Coach
I make it easy for you to master case interviews! (ex-McKinsey |Stanford University | Imperial College London | ex-P&G)
35
7 Answers
1.9k Views
+4
Consulting
MBB Internship: Is less work better?
on May 03, 2025
Global
7
200+
Top answer by
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions
12
7 Answers
200+ Views
+4
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.