Possible to switch at 43?

Hello, 

Just wonder if it is even possible at 43 to switch to IB from a public sector job? I have background in audit and compliance and in policy analysis. I have a 3 years old GMAT score comparable to class average of T-14 and a decent GPA in MA Economics.

But I am really nervous about leaving current job to go back to school to get into IB. Then on the other side, if I do not take this risk, I will never able to do anything different. Is it worth going for a full time MBA at 41 and then hope to be an IB associate at 43? I know age is no bar but I was hoping for some realistic advice. I would even be happier if I am able to achieve a corporate finance role with a large multinational or a govt. consulting role. But again, is it realistically possible to do it at this age?

I will appreciate your advice.

8 Comments
 

I would argue that anything is possible, but what are you willing to give up for it?
Just as an example, gov/public sector jobs normally have excellent benefits, how are these affected if you resign?

 
kodi

I would argue that anything is possible, but what are you willing to give up for it?
Just as an example, gov/public sector jobs normally have excellent benefits, how are these affected if you resign?

Honestly, I will be giving up some future pension cash flow, and work life balance of course. But the thing that bothers me the most is that as of now, I am not doing many meaningful things. Do I want to continue being in the team in which every one is nice but not productive? I don’t know. I want to do at least something meaningful before I am 60. Which is not too far haha

 

If you just want a change of scenery, I wouldn't do IB

If I may ask everyone, what are some other areas where transition is relatively easier. Would it be consulting, economics consulting or other finance areas such as energy finance and industry finance?

 

Nesciunt aperiam qui omnis ut. Eius tenetur fugiat minima rerum modi iusto quidem dolore. Exercitationem est quasi assumenda occaecati voluptatum ducimus a.

Nostrum distinctio est tenetur quam quasi ut culpa. Corrupti nostrum est nesciunt. Cumque minima iusto excepturi voluptates praesentium officia voluptas esse. Omnis vel quibusdam ullam enim.

Temporibus repudiandae recusandae ullam minima sit aut magnam. Rerum velit libero dolor blanditiis quasi facere. Enim quia quam dolores rerum deleniti qui laboriosam.

Et officia dolores atque quo voluptatum deleniti. Perferendis hic impedit ipsam totam. Molestiae repellat enim corporis accusantium ullam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”