IBD Associate Age Limit - Advice please
Hi all,
Understand this topic has been discussed many times - but I am looking to get an insider's perspective on the age limit for an IBD associate or consulting post business school
I am currently 34 with a Masters Degree in Economics (top ivy) and looking to get a top 10 b-school to break into IBD as a post M-B-A associate in NYC. I also come from a country which has military service, explaining my relatively higher age.
I have a background in Real Estate Investments and looking to recruit in NYC in REPE (as a backup)
Assuming I apply at age 34, and graduate from business school in age 36 / 37 - will I be too old to recruit at Bulge Bracket IBD, or even strategy consulting (MBB or tier 2) in America?
In other words, is age 36 / 37 too old to be recruiting for post M-B-A IBD associate positions in America?
Thanks (apologies for the M-B-A spelling as the forum redirects this post to the Business School forum)
Most of my associates are in their 30s. Got one who is 36 and another 35. Not a problem.
I don’t think it’s an issue…most associates are MBA and I think average age of a first year MBA is 28 so that means they’re not starting FT until they are 29 or early 30s. You’re a little older but so what?
No, but you probably would not want to deal with the inherent crap of this job and the lack of work life balance at that age. Also, the folks (VPs) bossing you might be 7 to 8 years younger than you. They're not really going to care too much about you when they have much younger Associates to pick from. You should know this that one's appetite for taking BS from people goes down beyond a certain age, and in banking, given so many layers involved, you have to respect the hierarchy or you get screwed over by some incompetent, insecure middle guy
Not a problem. You may have issues with the WLB if you have family, and definitively will hate having kids in their 20s being more proficient than you in finance.
Having said that, the people that I’ve seen join IB at your age generally bring experience and grey hair that makes it easier to put in front of clients, and tend to progress quickly
Other folks nailed it - it’s not really a problem. Older associates with families though seem to have less mobility when it comes to exits, and as a result may be more conscripted to the bank and all the shit that comes with it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but there seems to be a devotion or dependence to the firm/job title that can lead to more stress on a personal level, that wouldn’t otherwise exist or be as grinding if generally indifferent to staying or going.
You could position yourself as having more maturity that could be 1) valuable to the management of Analysts and deals, 2) imply you'll keep your cool under pressure, 3) are likely looking at banking as a long-term career. As a former banking VP, I would personally value that.
In terms of your concern, it's not uncommon for people to ask these questions, but there are Associates that are in their 30s (I even know a guy that started in his early 40s). I also know VPs that are in their late 20s to late 40s. The age item really only comes up as an Analyst and it's not that you can't do the work, they just know as people age there are more external factors (e.g., family) that may impact how much the person can dedicate to a job. They won't ask your age--for compliance reasons and because its rude--but they'll be able to back out the approximate age from your resume. Again, position yourself as an experienced and mature individual that wants to set yourself up for success by entering at a level to learn the processes then look for VP in ~2 years. You will not be considered too old.
Good luck!
If it is not a problem to you, then it shouldn't be a problem for anyone else.
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There is no age limit. Don't let your age deter you from pursuing IB, or any other career.
I know a post-MBA associate who started at 37, made VP at 40. Doing well.
Saw a 39 year old 2nd year associate before. Don't worry
I’ve seen a couple just in my group alone, so not a problem in itself, and banks love military experience which will probably also help your case. However, I’d be positive that it’s really the career path you want to take at this age.
Don’t know your personal life situation but I’ve witnessed MBA associates who’ve brought laptops to the hospital and worked through their children’s birth. Some who’ve put honeymoons on hold, or gone back to their computers immediately after getting engaged. From my perspective (though I’m certainly not there yet), it’s a tough way to live when you have a family and life, but have to answer to your VP or MD at the drop of a pin.
The assholes and idiots and bullshit and painful amount of sucking up that occurs in this job is already brutal as a recent college grad, so I can’t imagine how I’d feel in 10 years. That said, if you’re confident this is what you want, I don’t see age being a physical barrier to entry. It can be hard to move up from MBA associate without doing a lot of the crap I mentioned, so I’ve seen that pose a barrier in itself for older associates who no longer have the time or patience for it.
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