Pivot to IB from MiM T1 at 29 y/o - Possible? or Pivot to MBB Consulting Instead?
Hi all — looking for some straight talk.
quick background:
- Age: 29
- Background: 2 years Fortune 500 corporate finance (FP&A / commercial finance)
- Admitted to a Tier-1 Masters in Management (MiM)
- Target geographies: London / Maybe US (US national here)
- Career interests: Investment Banking (1st interest) or Strategy Consulting (MBB / T1.5)
The question
Given my background and age (probably most limiting factor is age), I’m trying to decide whether it’s realistic (or optimal) to seriously pursue IB recruiting out of a MiM — or whether I should focus almost entirely on consulting given its more agnostic on age.
This MiM program places well in IB and in T1/T1.5 consulting. Normally, I'd go for IB - but my research online suggests IB might be more sensitive to ~30 yr old analyst whereas consulting is not (as much).
What I’m trying to understand
- At 29 years old, does recruiting for IB analyst roles post-MiM put me at a material disadvantage vs consulting? Enough to consider dropping IB and focusing on consulting instead?
- Does splitting focus between IB technical prep + consulting casing meaningfully hurt outcomes for both? and beyond time management, I'm worried the optics of pursuing both in networking events can be seen as "this guy doesn't know what to commit to"
If you were in my position, would you:
- Go all-in on consulting, or
- Run a dual-track strategy, with IB as a credible alternative?
I’m comfortable with the workload and lifestyle of either path — this is more about probability, signaling, and ROI, not preference alone. I am single with no commitments, and genuinely find IB work to be exciting. I already enjoy valuation and following international markets, and being involved in deal closings is very appealing. Strategy consulting is also interesting to me, but I feel I would be better at a more technical IB role.
Appreciate insights from anyone who’s:
- Recruited IB or consulting
- Seen MiM candidates at IB analyst level
- Made the consulting vs IB call in late 20s / early 30s
Thanks in advance.
Bumppo
I'm an incoming AN1 at a similar age to yours (>25) and there was this question lingering over my head as to whether I'm too old for the job etc.
In my personal view, I managed to make it clear to the MDs that my circumstances weren't great and so I was owed a chance to have a shot at IBD, which I was fortunate to receive.
I know in the USA, a lot of people do the pivot aged 29 through an MBA as they already have experience and then come in as an AS1. That's not a problem although sometimes they have to work a bit longer than the AN->AS promoted junior to reach VP.
It really depends on how you frame it: if you have a specific knowledge on a vertical that they are struggling to fill, you're a likely candidate to get the role. That's my two cents, anyway. I'd focus less on TMT as that's extremely popular yet instead look at other verticals where your background is way more applicable.
Thanks for sharing!
Very interesting, so you think I should lean on a specific industry? the blue chip I worked at for ~2 years as an Financial Analyst is a healthcare company, so I could go for a healthcare IB Analyst role. Although these are much smaller pools.
I did the same as you and it worked for me, albeit I was interviewed by a completely different pair of groups earlier in the interview process as they were also curious about my generalist knowledge.
I'd say to keep an open mind and say that you're sector agnostic but emphasise your prior knowledge in Healthcare. I didn't do healthcare (and it is less competitive than TMT for sure) but YMMV.
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