30yo Investment Banking Analyst? or just laser focus on MBB instead?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some realistic career advice.

My Profile:

  • 30 y.o
  • 2 years of FP&A experience prior to my Masters.
  • Doing a MiM (master in management) at a top 3 European Business School (most of my classmates are 24-25)

Context:
I’m considering applying for IB Analyst roles because I’m genuinely interested in deal execution and financial modeling. I've bene interested in it for years now. However, given my age and maturity, I’m also targeting MBB/T2 Consulting as m program is a feeder. I know it might fit my 'older' profile better. 

My Questions:

  1. Is it a waste of time to recruit for IB Analyst roles at 30? Will banks even take me seriously as an Analyst rather than an Associate?
  2. Should I be laser-focused on MBB, or does my FP&A background give me a real 'edge' in banking that I should exploit.

Opinions appreciated.

6 Comments
 

Really no one cares about your age. The most you will get are a few raised eyebrows when they hear the number and that's it. Only thing you should think for yourself is whether you want to grind alongside bunch of 22 yr olds to 1am five days in a row. They do have a stronger heart (i mean it literally) and can function on 5 hours of sleep. 

 

Analyst 2 in PE - LBOs

Really no one cares about your age. The most you will get are a few raised eyebrows when they hear the number and that's it. Only thing you should think for yourself is whether you want to grind alongside bunch of 22 yr olds to 1am five days in a row. They do have a stronger heart (i mean it literally) and can function on 5 hours of sleep. 

Honestly speaking, I'm sensitive to sleep deprivation since my teens and until now. anything below 6 hours is dreadful. 

But if im interested in something (and I am with IB/valuations/etc.) I can spend 16 hours a day on it no problem.

I dont have issues working with a bunch of 22 yr olds so im sure I'll be fine on that regard. 

Thanks for your comment!

 

The Fool of Finances

Nah too old. Would push for an associate role. Or go MBB

From what I read online, associate without MBA is out of the question, given I dont have IB background. 

My profile fits MBB well but... I'd rather spend 14 hours a day in excel than in powerpoint

Honestly I don't get the argument of "an analyst has to be 22ish Y.O. to be moldable; but an associate (2 years post analyst) can be a 30+ Y.O. MBA."

 

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