“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Your not too old. I was a summer at one of MBB at 30, and then started full time at 31. Though most post-MBA consultants are 27-28, there are at least two guys older then me in my class.
That said, there are really only two feasible entries for someone older then 30:
Lateral from another top firm (most likely)
OCR from an M7 (+ Tuck) business school, preferably HSW
Lateraling over from industry or recruiting from a top 10-15 bschool likely isn't going to happen at your age.
Thanks Reset.. HSW = harvard, stanford or sloan, wharton?
What should I do if I am not from MBA programs but PhD programs? I found out about consulting quite late, and so the starting point is late for me.. that said, I am really interested in getting into consulting
Step 1: Change your username.
haha nice!
MBB recruits MBAs a lot deeper than top 8, more like top 15 schools. And concur that 34 is not too old.
They also all hire PhD students, although anecdotally they seem to hire more math/science PhDs than humanities. Your best bet is to find the name of the consulting recruiters for the business school at your university and shoot each of them an email expressing your interest and asking about the recruiting process for PhD students.
Also reach out to people from your school at MBB. 34 isn't too old...I know at least a few people who started in the mid 30s at the level you're talking about. They generally come from industry, PhD or were in the military.
Some companies will do on campus recruiting for PhD students, If that's the case for you, make sure you connect with recruiters and any contacts you have with the firm so ensure you get an interview. For companies that don't recruit on campus, applying online is like a black hole, so you need to network with anyone you know at firms.
MBB recruits a fair amount of PhD students, although you can expect rejection from Bain unless you know someone there that can pass your resume/CV to HR. McK and BCG generally have 10-20% of their post-MBA classes as PhDs, MDs, and JDs. Second tier firms are rarely recruit PhD students.
Are you a PhD student now? If not, beginning a PhD program is a really roundabout way of getting into consulting, especially since all the PhD consultants I know went to HYP-esque programs. If you're not in school, the MBA is the way to go.
Agree with this. Know a guy who had to jump through hoops to get into BCG after finishing his phd in math from a top notch state school. The only reason he even got interviews was because he went to P for college and his college buddies set him up with interviews.
I can attest to the two previous posts. The PhD-to-consulting path is often times someone that thought they wanted to do a career in science or academia and then realized it wasn't for them. I've never met any one that said "I really want to be in management consulting so I think I'll go get my PhD." That would be absurd.
Thanks a lot for your response, everyone. This is just a temp username, will not use it for job application :)
phdconsultant, it's interesting you raised the point about Bain, I have been wondering why they invited so few PhD candidates for interview even though they do campus recruitment for PhDs. What is the best way to approach them? I wrote to the recruiter two years ago, and met with a couple during the campus events, but still I didn't get an interview chance.
Does anyone have any idea on BCG re-application? What is the chances of getting a second chance? I applied to BCG two years ago, and failed during the first round, hope to try again this year. Do you think it is worth trying at all?
Thanks a lot for your response, everyone. This is just a temp username, will not use it for job application :)
phdconsultant, it's interesting you raised the point about Bain, I have been wondering why they invited so few PhD candidates for interview even though they do campus recruitment for PhDs. What is the best way to approach them? I wrote to the recruiter two years ago, and met with a couple during the campus events, but still I didn't get an interview chance.
Does anyone have any idea on BCG re-application? What is the chances of getting a second chance? I applied to BCG two years ago, and failed during the first round, hope to try again this year. Do you think it is worth trying at all?
I'm not sure what the best way to approach Bain would be. They do not recruit PhD's on my school even though BCG and McK do recruit PhD's on my campus. Bain recruits ug heavily here but nothing for PhD's/
If you have substantial business experience and/or you can get a current Bain employee to vouch for you to recruiters, then maybe you can get an interview. Otherwise, your time is better spent applying elsewhere. The structure of their workforce (very bottom heavy with undergrads) does not make it an easy place for a PhD to enter consulting.
Reapplications are usually at least one year and you should have new experiences that suggest you are a better candidate now than when you first applied.
imo the whole industry is based on the pursuit of ego gratification, delusions of gradeur. Some sort of networking launching pad for tomorrow's self proclaimed ceos. have a look at bain and co's website, it looks like it was written by a bunch of kids, probably was. consultants gets hired by corporations to provide legitimacy to decisions already made, "if the smart kids say so". what a waste of time and paper this being said, i hope u got the job u wanted. i was told by a Partner that by 33-34, u'd want to be on the Partner track, not starting, seems that age does matter quite a bit i'm sure it depends on the office and who you know is it really worth it tho? there are so many smaller consulting firms who won't think twice about it and give u the same exposure and networking opps.
One data point does not make an argument. Age doesn't matter much at all - there are analysts who join in their mid 20s [usually from countries requiring conscription) and associates who join in their mid-30s. The track is quite quick if you're good, and you'll probably leave after 2+ years if you don't enjoy it. Definitely helps career prospects long term, regardless.
Does size matter in banking?
Omnis ut quaerat quidem voluptas. Fugiat reiciendis reprehenderit ut dolor ea sint sint. Voluptatem quia quae voluptates aliquid quia.
Perspiciatis ratione quidem et necessitatibus. Officia modi quia quia consequatur earum voluptate magni. In aut non quia aliquid minus. Non excepturi aut sint molestiae. Qui nesciunt natus exercitationem.
Rerum enim perferendis vel in veritatis rerum. Repellat quis porro distinctio. Soluta ipsum autem mollitia quo aut.
Nostrum veniam expedita veniam praesentium et commodi eum. Consequatur velit tenetur repellendus et rerum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...