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Chief
People should not be asking you how old you are as part of a job application process.
It depends on the country.. not everybody lives in the US!
Chief
I started in a junior position at 27, but that’s due to a 4 year bachelors, 3 year law degree, and 2 year masters. It’s okay to start a little later, I’m also nervous when she comes up but I’m backed by so much Education that it doesn’t matter.
Rising Star
This feels like a personal insecurity, because clearly you possess the info that it's ok to be "older" (PS: 27 is not old)
Plenty of people start their high-powered careers later in life. Look at the armies of PhD grads who spent years in academia and later decided to go into consulting/banking/hedge funds. Look at the people from all walks of life who spent years in prior careers only to get a JD and join Big Law as an entry level associate, often in the same class as the gunner who got their undergrad and JD back to back.
Idk what to tell you, friend, its just not an issue.
I started a little older than my peers as I switched industry and whilst I was insecure to begin with I quickly got over it because
A) there were actually quite a few people my age or older after all
B) I was more effective and targeted than my younger peers and was therefore promoted rapidly (my title on here is old)
Which is not to say "get over it" so much as to say, don't worry, this feeling will pass!
27 is not old, I started consulting at 35
Chief
Dunk on the 22 year old fresh grads. It’s so easy because their brains are still smooth
Rising Star
Just as you're not supposed to ask someone's religious preference or sexual orientation, people are not supposed to be asking your age.
Anyways entry level positions at 27 is nothing, I got my undergrad and started my second career in consulting at 36. No one cares unless you're dealing with some shitbag like you had to. If you feel bad at 27, imagine how I feel when literally all my bosses except for the most senior partners are younger than me
I restarted my career from scratch at 27 taking an entry level role and now I’m 30 and I’ve 2.5x’d that pay and loving the job. Don’t worry about what other people think.
I switched careers at 31 into consulting. I was a high school teacher prior to joining. At no point in time has anyone asked my age. I look fairly young for my age. This is very odd ask.
I finished undergrad at 27, so similar experience and I totally understand what you’re feeling. Just let your maturity and experience make you stand out from the rest of your peers. And the people advising you are right: Everyone takes different paths and a few years up top against at 30 year career doesn’t mean too much, even though it feels like it now.
It is not legal for an interviewer to ask your age.
I didn't even really start my office career til I was 27. I went right into a MA after graduation. Then couldn't find work anywhere (great recession) and worked retail for 2 years. Found my first 'real' (in sense of my personal career, not anti-retail) job in 2009. From there, I advanced quickly with different moves and growth opportunities.
I know it may feel embarrassing, but don't. Your path is your path. And if you're moving into consulting you may advance very quickly, beyond where some folks are currently in their tracks that may be 'ahead' of you now.
I started my consulting career at 29 after 4 years of industry and had to start from scratch. Now 31 and recently got promoted to manager.
Most of the M are in their mid 20’s. Everyone is on their own Path enjoy the journey
Congrats! That’s a win.
May I ask for a few pointers on what to focus on in order to gain that momentum and get those promotions?