Which PT/online/1yr./cert. program for older guy aiming at non-MBB/Big 4 firms?

This is a follow-up to my previous thread in this forum for anyone following along.

As a 35 y.o., I'm looking for the most efficient/highest ROI option when it concerns entering consulting (with the goal of either moving up internally or transitioning internally). Time is not on my side and I want to be open minded about my options but with so many different programs out there, I was hoping the WSO hive could help me with what they think the best part-time/online/1 year/certificate paths are if I want to go into consulting at a moderately good firm but not MBB/Big 4. How do I maximize my earnings without taking the risk of going to B-school and being an unemployable 38-39 year old MBA?

I have several years of management experience but largely in the nonprofit world and as the head of a PR firm I founded and ran for about four years.

I'm more interested in and adept at management, strategy, and change management, including digital, than I am in/at the technical side of things (analytics, etc.).

Thanks for your help.

 

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No perfect answer for you but here is the general advice I give to folks who are older, and are thinking about a career change. Think part-time, regional and small.

You have to recognize that you will not do well in the recruiting process; it isn't not even clear to me that any school you end up with will have a formal recruiting process. Instead this is going to be all about networking and going to a school that has ties to local firms.

For this reason, I think you have to really double-down on your community and go to the best part-time MBA program in your region and start networking like crazy. This includes coffees with any alumni from your program, and joining local groups, like the Rotary Club or something like that.

Similarly, when you are look at consulting, you have to get away from the big names who treat hiring like a factory -- if you don't look like everyone else there is no space for you. Look closely at some of the local firms, which can be very successful and hire only a few people a year, so they take far more time with candidates.

Given your background, is non-profit consulting a consideration? It seems like a natural fit.

I think you can get to where you want to be, but it will require a lot of work on your part.

Harold Simansky Senior MBA Admissions Counselor Stratus Admissions Counseling [email protected] If you wish to speak to me directly through a free consult click www.stratusadmissions.com/consult
 

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