Freshly-minted MBAs enter management consulting as Associate (McKinsey) or Consultant (BCG/Bain) no matter how old you are or how much experience you have before. Most associates I have met are in their late 20s or early 30s. Very rare to see entering Associates older than 35. I guess two reasons. First, there is a self selection - when you are in late 30s you probably have already started a family and consulting is tough lifestyle. You don't get to see your spouse and kids from Monday to Thursday and you work long hours. Second, the firms may be hesitant to hire you given your chance of making partner before 40 is slim. It's a little odd for the Associate to work with a partner who may be a lot younger than you. That said, it's not entirely impossible. Have seen at least two Associates in the range of 34-36. |