I´m 29 and have about 3 years of working experience (studying aboard, learning the languages took some years), I´m pretty sure if I get into MBB I´ll be starting at the bottom as a Business Analyst.
Am I too old? from a firm´s perspective, will they favor someone younger over me for a Business Analyst position?
And also from a personal perspective, is it too old to start an intense career like consulting?
Short answer, no you are not too old. Many/most of the experienced hires start at a comparatively low level. I was 36 or 37 when I joined as a consultant, in spite of nearly 15 years of aggregate work experience.
The real question is not your age, but how you will react to being a few years older than your manager and perhaps even your partner. If you remain humble and flexible, your age and experience will become a strength; if not... well... :)
(edited)
Guys, you are not too old. Even just staying for an internship gives you access to the brand name and network throughout your career. That is worth a lot - and odds are, your direct salary and prospects will increase right off the bat on top of that. I was "too old", yet joining BCG was the best career move I've ever made. Ok, perhaps that says more about my other moves ?
Let's do this. You apply, you get the job offer, then you ping me and we talk. I have nothing to gain here - but I think anyone who has the potential, drive and inclination should give MBB a shot.
Hi,
I think this is still feasable, especially if you remain open minded as Guennael mentionned.
However unless you're planning to have a full carrier in consulting, my perosnal recommandation would be to avoid joining if you are recruited at the very junior level. This can worth it if you can manage to be hired at an intermediary position (befor manager), otherwise there is a lot of time passed to catch up, and if you're only planning to stay 3 years (as 80% consultants do) I am not sure this worth it.
Best
Benjamin
I agree that it's not too old - in my AC class at Bain there were several people in their late twenties, and a couple who were 30/31.
The question is more about how it fits in with your long term plan - from the firm's perspective, you won't be penalised for your age.
Good luck!
You should go ahead and apply. The firm will probably not make you start at the very bottom, but as a senior analyst or so, assuming your work experience is somewhat relevant. They will figure out the best entry point for you.
Hi A,
I totally agree with Guennal. You're overthinking and you are not old while you are open-minded and innovative. What makes you feel unconfident about your age?
Besides, you have relevant experience that might help you starting and climbing the career ladder.
Best, André
I've been wondering the same thing! I'll be 30 next year--I worked for several years in multiple countries, mainly teaching ESL and learning languages, now in Germany at the end of my Masters (MA) and looking to go into consulting here in Germany (from the US)...def don't have the traditional background but really hoping I can learn enough to do well in the case studies/in German. I'll gladly have a boss a few years older than me if it means I can get into the field! Best of luck to you!
Thanks so much for your comment :). i feel the same at the moment. Humility and the willingness to be coach-able goes a long way .