Hiring Decision: Experience? Type of Experience?

Today, I was talking to one of junior partners after interview for entry-level (less than 2 year exp) position. I want to hire someone who has done a lot. The junior partner wants to hire someone who has done only our job. Let me explain.

You prefer heineken to buds because you have tasted both (substitutes). You can't possibly say you want to drink heineken if you havent tasted buds. And there are so many things you can do in life.

I want to hire someone who has done a lot. A guy, of African origin, who has worked in the HR, supporting function in a fund, equity research, corporate finance, clerical work in s&t and among other things, our job. Another guy who has worked only in a certain area (our job). The junior partner insists that we hire the second guy. I am insisting that we hire the first one for the reason I explained above. The junior partner also insists that the second man is too old (behind the closed door, of course). Such a prat, right?

I don't see any flaw in my argument. I am terrified that the second man is one of those mental guys who says at the age of 16, I want to be an investment banker (or accountant, doctor, etc.).

I realise that we have to make the decision as to what we do for living at some point in our lives. Perhaps, 40 is the cut off. But I want guys who can confidently say hey this is what I want to do with my life. We live only once.