Is 24 too old to Join McKinsey at an entry level undergrad position?

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entry level MBB Mck McKinsey

New answer on Nov 11, 2020

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Anonymous A asked on Jun 26, 2020

Hey everybody!

I accepted an offer from McKinsey towards the end of my Bachelor's degree and would be starting in a couple of months, possibly from home due to COVID. I took a gap year after high school to start a packaging business which is doing just fine - however that meant that when I graduated I was 24 years old. I am worried that I would be one of the older undergrad recruits at McKinsey as generally fresh grads are around about 22 years of age. Would I feel "old" among my colleagues and out of place? Or am I overthinking? Thanks a million for your help!

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Answer 1

Best answer

Anonymous replied on Jun 26, 2020

Hi there,

Let me ask the question in a different way, and you answer me...Would it matter if you made partner at 35 and other partners are 33 years old?

You made it sound like 24 years old are from a different generation than 22 years old people :)

Don't overthink it and congrats on the new career ahead of you :)

Best,

Khaled

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Answer 2

Robert

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replied on Jun 28, 2020

McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

Perfectly fine - no need to worry about that at all!

Hope this helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

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Answer 3

Anonymous replied on Jun 26, 2020

My goodness, I'm feeling so old!

I believe you are from the US? Because in Italy you graduate when you are 24 years old at the earliest, thus no way you can be younger than that.

Don't you worry, 24 is completely fine to start in McK as an entry-level!

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7

Anonymous A on Jun 27, 2020

Hahahah yes, it's different here in the US. People get promoted to associate at 24-25. But you're right, it's never too late or too early and a couple of years here and there makes no difference. Thank you! I feel silly for asking this question now

Anonymous on Jun 27, 2020

To make you feel better, I graduated when I was 24, worked in a couple of companies for 1 year, joined when I was 25. In Italy we have 2.5 months as BAs before being sponsored, but given the fact that MBAs starts either in January or June, I worked for almost 3 years as a BA and chose an MBA of 2 years. I'm 29 now and still in the middle of my MBA!

Anonymous A on Jun 27, 2020

That does make me feel loads better! And you know what, if I get sponsored I'm opting for a 2 year MBA as well. We place unnecessary pressure on ourselves to accomplish so much at such a young age

Anonymous on Jun 27, 2020

Couldn't agree more. And use these years to chill down, think through to what you want to do in your life. I appreciated the firm even more in these months and it doesn't matter if I become partner at 36, 38, 40 or 34. I will still have enough years to enjoy my money and be no less than other that are younger or older than me. Have an amazing 2 years and don't stress about age and roles. Responsibilities and compensations are going to arrive pretty soon anyway ;p

Answer 4

Clara

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replied on Jun 29, 2020

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Totally no!

I did undergrad and masters before McK and I was close to 24. Totally fine!

I was not eve the oldest.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Answer 5

Udayan

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replied on Jun 28, 2020

Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Nope - our BA batch ranged from 21-26 and everyone had a blast

All the best!

Udayan

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Answer 6

Anonymous replied on Jun 26, 2020

I started at Deloitte when i was 24 while others were 22. No one noticed although I may have been a bit more mature. That worked more in my favor since it made me more of a leader at times. I think you are in a good position and will do well.

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Anonymous A on Jun 27, 2020

You're right, that's a good way to look at it - if anything it should work in my favor. Thank you!

Answer 7

Anonymous replied on Jul 19, 2020

I started entry-level at age 27 ;) So def not! Press upvote if helpful

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Answer 8

Ian

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Content Creator

replied on Jul 03, 2020

Perfectly normal!

I know someone who started as a JA/JC at 28 and he's crushing it now!

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