Hi there, 

1) If I successfully enroll into an LBS/RSM/HSG Masters, would I be on equal footing to apply for analyst roles with my university peers, or would my age (~31) be a disqualifier/hindrance?  

Most likely with your experience you should apply for a post-MBA role (Associate at McKinsey, Consultant at BCG/Bain). Rather than a MiM, I would recommend an MBA if possible to align more with that option. You would not be too old at 31 to join that position, there are several people who join later than that.

2) Is all of the above a pipe-dream?

If you enroll in a top school and apply afterward, I don’t think you are going to have a disadvantage.

3) If not, should I focus on getting the typical internship experience ( big4, m&a, government ? ) in the last year of my undergrad, or given my non-typical background, is there a better path? 

If you want to work in consulting, I would recommend a consulting internship if possible.

Good luck!

Francesco

No. 

Your age is not an issue.

I've worked with people transitioning from the industry into consulting at age 50. 

I've also had peers in McKinsey who joined the firm at 50+ at manager level. 

Really, age is not a problem and you're definitely among the young end of the cohort. 

You might find it useful to read this guide on the elements that you can control regarding your application:

Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Just to complement what everyone is saying and maybe bring a clarification: in your specific case, an MBA would be significantly better fit for your ambition than a Masters' programme. I actually had MBA colleagues with very similar stories to yours, successfully recruiting into consulting. 

It is better suited for people with work experience and a better pipeline for recruiting at the levels the others recommend you should apply to (and I agree with them): Consultant at BCG / Bain or Associate at McKinsey. 

There are of course downsides compared to a MiM, biggest one being the cost and for some programs the opportunity cost in terms of duration (e.g., LBS MBA being two years), so this is also something to consider in your decision. 

Best of luck, 

Ariadna 

Hi there,

Great ambition! 

To answer your final question properly, I would need the full CV as other factors play a role as well.

I don't see age as a limiting factor here but you should also consider

• GPA of your degrees, awards, honors, etc.
• Relevant work experience (brand names of companies, roles that align with the work of strategy consulting)
• Leadership and initiatives outside of a work context

MBB seek for consistent excellence since high school graduation in whatever role a candidate was active.

Reach out for more tailored insights with your resume! 

All the best,

Florian

Your age is fine for your mission.

The key will be to sharpen your answers regarding your motivation to join consulting - and being able to convince the interviewer.

However, where you came from, is where many consultants aspire to go after spending many years in consulting.

If you share more specifics of your experience over messages - then I can perhaps provide more personalized advice.

I thought you were going to be older :)

It is a limitation nevertheless, but being 31 is far from preventing you to get a job in consulting.

Hi there,

You have good entrepreneurial professional experience. This plus your MBA with strong grades should be a good mix to have chances into consulting.

Your target roles should be Associate or Junior Associated, based in your experience.

Best,

Alberto