Almost 40. Want to join IB. Is it possible?
Hi everyone.
I'm a US Navy Veteran who is almost 40. I've been working on Construction Project Management, Operations, and Leadership roles for over 12 years. I'm also currently in an Executive MBA program. I'm looking to pivot into IB, knowing I'd have to take orders from younger people and that it requires ridiculous hours, hard work, and has a steep learning curve. I'm a workaholic by nature and already put in about 10+ hours a day wherever I go, so to me this doesn't matter.
Out of all of the fields I've found, this is the one I'm most interested in and willing to go all-in on. My coursework in my MBA program (top 10, 2024) is definitely steering me toward IB or Consulting, although it seems people are telling me age is a big deal.
Does anyone have any tips or know of any cases of successful hires past the age of 35 they can refer me to? I know there is a lot to learn - I just need the opportunity.
Thank you.
I met someone who had a similar background to you (joined banking in his mid to late 30s), and is currently an associate at a pretty large bank. He entered as a summer associate through his MBA and is full-time now. It's definitely doable
Grab a bottle of Hennessey and yeah anything is possible
I don't drink, but I'm open to coffee or bar chats if only I could find the right people.
Based on previous WSO threads, here are some insights and tips for someone in your situation:
Age and MBA:
Experience and Transition:
Networking:
Success Stories:
Preparation:
Mindset:
In summary, while age can be a consideration, your extensive experience, current MBA, and strong work ethic position you well for a transition into investment banking. Focus on networking, leveraging your unique background, and preparing thoroughly for the technical aspects of the role.
Sources: Is 35 too old for full time MBA and post-mba investment banking?, Am I too old/poor to get into investment banking?, Is age a problem in Investment Banking recruiting?, In my early 30s with no direction, An old man looking for advice
M7 or T10 MBA program?
The school has a T10 program, but not M7.
Absolutely. Pick up the phone man you got this
I try to reach out on LinkedIn to people for coffee chats.
I also work with the recruiters and look for local or campus events.
If I do use the phone, who should I be reaching out to?
Thank you for your service and whoever says no just bc of your age is a jackass
Good luck
Many banks have programs for veterans
https://careers.usbank.com/global/en/military
https://www.morganstanley.com/people/experienced-professionals/veterans
https://www.ubs.com/global/en/careers/career-areas-experienced-professi…
Thank you for your service.
Thanks.
I'm looking exclusively for Investment Banking or Private Equity.
However, I don't have the financial "work experience".
It's already a competitive industry and there's generally a pipeline where they recruit students fresh out of school.
I think it's a low recruitment rate to begin with plus there's attrition as well. So you could very well have about a class of 300 students competing for 20-30 spots, and that's just among young people with no experience at all.
You should have gone to a FT MBA program over an EMBA, but yes it is possible.
I agree. Unfortunately at this stage in life, the income loss was not affordable.
You could have used your 9/11 GI Bill to pay for a FT MBA.
Do you want to stay in IB long term?
If they take me, yes.
Also look at consulting
Also older, interested to see what people tell you because I think you'll be better off in Consulting or Asset Management where age is occasionally viewed as an asset. Maybe even some management programs in corporate finance could be a good fit too.
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