Hi y'all fellow monkeys!
Wasn't sure which forum to post in, the question is as much about getting a job as it is about business schools.
So, long story short, after a stormy college history, personal issues, a stint in the military (enlisted), switching majors and universities, working free-lance on software projects et cetera et cetera, I will be graduating this summer at a ripe age of 25, almost 26.
On the upside, I will be doing this (graduating) with distinction, a 4.9/5 GPA (this is in Eastern Europe), integrated Masters-type program in Computer Science. Managed to get a winter/spring internship at an MBB firm, where I will be starting this January. Coming from a non-target, though a good tech school, this opportunity is largely thanks to hustling like a boss last year (j/k). Spent last 9 months interning at an F50, mostly with the strategic marketing group, but also got a great experience with a business development team, some nice deals. Also did some networking and scored a 760 GMAT.
The MBB firm is amazing, the people are great, and I really hope to get a full-time offer (working hard goes without saying). If all goes well and I do get it, the standard pre-MBA track at the MBBs here is three years. That means I will turn 29 when I start my MBA, and will graduate when I turn 31.
29 is probably not too old for most schools, except maybe H/S, but would I have a shot at H/S anyway? Anyway, for the sake of argument lets assume that I get into an MBA business schools">M7 school in the US or maybe the LBS/INSEAD in Europe. Should be realistic I guess?
So what does it look like from there? Assuming I perform well during my 3 year pre-MBA stint, I will probably be able to return to the MBB as a post-MBA consultant. Will having only 4 years of business-related work experience (including the internships) at 31 make it difficult for me to pursue other post-MBA opportunities potentially? Not being specific on purpose, as this is going to be 5-6 years from now, can't really know what will I be interested in by that time. Outside of PE, biotech and other possible areas where you need specific pre-MBA experience, what difficulties/barriers might I also face? I'd like to end up in the North America eventually.
Will also be grateful for any other life/career/whatever-regarding-my-situation advice.
Thanks!!
Assuming everything goes like you said (FT offer received, accepted into top MBA, etc), I think you will be okay as a 31yo MBA grad with 4 years of pre-MBA experience. You will be well positioned for other opportunities if you chose to move away from consulting post b-school.
What range of schools should I be thinking about? Should I even bother applying for the Stanford's college seniors program right now (they offer up to 3 years of deferral, which is exactly what I need)?
Sounds like you are in CIS. If so, age is more of an asset than a liability here in consulting and in business in general, especially if you look and behave the part. Clients will probably take you slightly more seriously, and exit ops can become slightly easier because it is culturally easier for them to install a 31 y.o. middle manager than a 25 y.o. one.
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