I'm 38 and applying to full-time MBA programs because I need the career change support they offer - executive programs just don't have the same resources. But I keep hearing that schools prefer younger students. Why is that? Don't older applicants bring more focus and maturity to the program?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I'm in a part-time MBA program and in my 40s. I can say that schools just want applicants, especially in MBA programs. And in my experience, my classes have been a mix of 20-50 yr olds taking the class.

Real-world experience is absolutely a plus and helps to breathe life into classroom discussions. I can't tell you how many of my comments have started with 'When I worked at an agency..."

So yes. Apply.

like

The reason why mid/late twenties to early thirties is the average for top FT MBA programs is bc of the nature of post-mba jobs. Jobs like consulting and banking are a big grind which is easier for a younger candidate with less commitments. That being said, I've know plenty of older MBAs who have successfully pivoted so don't let that get you down

like

Thank you for this refreshing take

Related Posts

Hi All - Just wanted to have a sense check if it is easy for an experienced individual to find a job in UK on dependent Visa ?? Based on this I would be taking a call to resign from existing firm.

I have 4.5 years of experience post MBA - 3 years with an MNC bank in India and 1.5 years in Consulting

like

Im strongly considering an MBA. Only thing that deters me is cost. I’ve heard of some tier 1 firms that will offer tuition reimbursement for returning interns post-MBA, how common is that? Also considering pivoting to a firm that offers scholarships. Any tips/insight on this? Thank you!

like

Can anyone speak to the presence of impact investing across PE versus VC or HF?

For context, I’m going for my MBA next fall (targeting M7) and want to pivot into impact-focused finance but am struggling to understand which option is best. I’m going in with 3 years of tech consulting experience (data & analytics) in the financial services industry.

like

Hi Fishes, I've 2.25 Years of experience in SAP Basis, but I've lost interest in the same due to not receiving proper training, inability to practice on customer's system and shifts. I'm looking forward to go for MBA/changing technology, which one would be a better option? In case of the latter can you guys suggest lucrative technologies which has little/no coding and can definitely give good packages? I've tried changing jobs in Basis for nearly one year and didn't get through. Please help me.

like

2 years work experience in consulting and talent team; masters and undergraduate degree in HR, and SHRM certification. What kind of roles would I be qualified for in NYC and what would be a good salary range?

like

Hello, looking for supervisor positions in healthcare within NYC, I am looking to start ASAP. I have my Bachelors in Health Services Admin and Economics, 5 years of experience in the industry and I am currently working towards my PMP certification, as well as going for my MBA or MHA, depending on what program I can afford. I am currently located in Queens. Thank you!

How much should a procurement analyst make in New York City?

MBA
2 years at a big 4

How to learn devops or aws or azure and switch from non IT to IT. Online certification worth and will help in landing a job? Currently have 4yoe in non IT field.

I’m looking for mentors in branding. Branding is something that I studied in my MBA days.. all that I know is what’s there in the internet. I am looking for a mentor who could take me under their wings and teach me all about branding.

like

I have been looking at the curriculums for Harvard Business School's Master of Business Administration and Harvard Extension School's Master's in Management. They both have the same requirements, generally speaking, including a field immersion course that serves as a capstone in the Master's in Management, which is fairly new. If I am not able to gain admission to Harvard Business School, but wanted a similar educational experience to become a consultant, should I attend Harvard Extension?

like

Where does ZS offer MBA program as part of advanced career programme and how much amount is sponsored by ZS? And after how many months post working with ZS one will be eligible for it ?

like

Dear CSMs,

Greetings!
I am a MBA(Marketing & Sales) and B.E (Computer science) graduate with 12 years of experience in customer success roles.
What are the best certifications to pursue which will help grow in this field?

like

Hey Hey all. Can anyone help with a referral?
There are a few real estate positions available that i think i would be perfect for. Background - Head of Special projects at a real estate developer (building data centres and tech hubs), former McKinsey EM, MBA from London Business School, IB real estate experience and CFA

likefunny

Has anyone successfully appealed a loss of credit for a cpa exam?

likefunny

Hey guys, so I am currently a business project coordinator. I am looking for new endeavors due to management changes. Have my MBA in project management, however still young and lack the required experiences. Having a hard time landing interviews, what should I be searching to apply for? Does anyone have any referrals or tips for someone just starting out? Anything helps, thanks!

like

Bain & Company My 13 YO is taking Career and Tech. She is dead set on diving for Michigan. What are her chances of getting hired from MBB with a degree from UM? Or would she need her MBA first? Is a Michigan degree good enough to get you into a top MBA program?
McKinsey & Company Boston Consulting Group Bain & Company University of Michigan

likefunny

I have been in Consult for past 5 months now post MBA. Have a pre-MBA experience of 3 yrs as a Software Developer. Not getting any shortlists for the profile. Any suggestions or leads will be appreciated.

I have an interview coming up mostly data analysis/ statistics. If you work in lean six sigma field can you give some suggestions on how to approach data. This is an entry level job interview. Any resources would be appreciated

like

What are the typical exits for post MBA strategy consultants (think tier 2 e.g., Parthenon, LEK)? Do they typically get a pay cut? I currently earn 90k base but have been getting recruiter calls for 70-80k (all insisting that salary will be lower outside consulting)

likehelpful

Is anyone here a PMP? I want to set goals for myself and maybe become a PMP but I’m not sure if it’s the right step and what it would entail. Any help and insight to being a PMP would be great

like

More Posts

Can candidates apply J-term after getting rejected by CBS ED with no interviews? Heard CBS is expanding its J-term class size.

like

What sites/tools do you use to create and maintain your portfolio site?

like

I don't know why this bowl was created. I don't see any replies or comments on the posts. Engagement on the posts will be helpful and motivated.

How does the compensation (base+bonus+carry) look like at Sequoia, Tiger, Accel etc as you move up?

like

Have any of you moved to PE for a slight pay decrease from the crazy banking comps last year?

Does anyone know when London on cycle will be? Have seen a lot of posts for the US…

like

Hi all! I’m thinking about moving to the Netherlands in a consulting role, currently based in London.

Any advice on whether this move is possible given I’m not currently speaking Dutch? (But super open to learning!)

Thanks for your help!

like

Bond is not legal in india
How to convey this to my company without getting any bad remarks
Suggestions please

like

I am burnt out and just not having fun anymore. I have been at my current company for 5 years and at a manager level. Anyone know of something that might reignite my passion?

Going to an office to meet the team and see the office after being offered a position. After much thought I think it is best to stay at my current position for now. How do I go about declining an offer/ask for a day to think about it?

like

Has anyone invested in a franchise? Is it worth the time as a side gig potentially turning into a path for business ownership?

like
like

What’s the FUD this time?

like

I’m referencing a cell (numeric) to a text cell. Is there a way to format that number to include commas? See example in comments.

I’ve been in PA two years now, and I still don’t understand how equity accounts work. What should you know by now that you don’t?

like

Hey Fishes,

I'm in a biggest confusion here. And its pushing me to depression. Please help me if possible. I got 2 offers and both are good reputed product based companies. And offered the same role.

Fractal Infosys Tata Consultancy Wipro Accenture Microsoft IBM Cognizant

Post Photo
like

I recently moved out of my apartment that had a Peloton in the gym. Haven’t gotten back into cardio like that and considering buying. Anybody have any pros/cons of purchasing?

like

Looking to make the move from big4 to law firm. I am a JD/LLM and a new manager. Any suggestions on networking with COVID, recruiters, etc.? Also interested in hearing experiences of others that have made the move.

like
like
like

Additional Posts in MBA Applicants

Can candidates apply J-term after getting rejected by CBS ED with no interviews? Heard CBS is expanding its J-term class size.

like

How important is the language test for INEAD - non-native speaker planning to apply with a language I learned and tested on in college

like

Does the profile of your referee matter?

like

For the Wharton app, what do you mention for professional awards? Can I mention “above average annual performance reviews and salary bonus”?? Thoughts??

like

Pros and cons for LBS/INSEAD Vs US B-schools?

like

GSB admits- is there something similar to the estimate your aid tool at HBS? Anecdotally heard they had one last year but can't see anything on the portal.

like

How do I avoid coming off as a “smart but lazy” applicant? Have very high test scores but very low gpa.

likefunny

Whats the best reputable MBA program for Florida placements?

like

Hey what’s Tuck like to go to

like

Should you have your recommender mention specific future career titles in the letter? My recommender did and I’m wondering if its okay to ask to them to leave it vaugue as my essays are slightly diff

like

Going to Wharton in the fall. Is it worth going MBB over returning to big 4 (sponsored)? Is this a common path?

like

Is IB or MBB more difficult to land?

like

Is anyone else unable to access their MIT Sloan app right now?

Is AlixPartners considered a T2? Or is it a boutique?

like

Admitted to NYU Stern and my post MBA goal is IBD at a BB at NYC. Should I consider this good enough given my goal?

like

Is it possible to get into HSW? Thinking down the line of applying - went to Princeton for UG and currently working in IBD for a not too well known investment bank. 750 GMAT 3.8 UG GPA.

Worried I just won’t get a look or judged too hard if I’m not coming from a top tier banking firm (messed up my summer internship and it’s haunted me since) - how much does that matter of prestige of bank vs the industry you’re working in and what’s the best advice in being able to go to HSW?

like

Does being LGBTQ count as URM?

like

Is starting your own side business seen as a good extracurricular for MBA applications?

like

Is it viewed as “not good” to go back to my alma mater for MBA? It’s a top 40 business school and got me into B4 consulting easily. School has strong recruiting presence in the region I want and I have a full ride for their FT program. Appreciate any thoughts!

like

Kellogg, Booth, CBS, Haas, SOM - please rank for someone looking to return to consulting but stay in healthcare long term.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal