Starting as an associate after going to get my masters degree (worked in sales for 2 years following undergrad). Did not realize nearly everyone in my hiring class is about 3 years younger than me. A friend said that I should have been brought in as a senior associate, but I’m not sure if I’m qualified. Did I settle? Or should I be grateful for my current role? I’m leaning toward the latter, but still feel like I had a delayed start

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

Hiring is based on qualifications, not age. If your prior experience wasn’t relevant to the role then you are are at square one just like everyone fresh out of school.

like

The others will struggle with things you’ll pick up early on (assuming they are campus hires). You’re experience will show from day 1 and you’ll likely be among the first promotes from your class.

I wouldn’t say you’ve settled, I would say they were hesitant to give you a lot of responsibility without seeing you work first. IMO it’s much better to come in lower, thrive, and move up than it is to start higher and maybe struggle out the gates.

likehelpful

3 years isn’t a bothersome age gap. I promise that 5 years from now it will be irrelevant.

like

Wait till you get a career change in your 40s and 50s. This is part of life. Comparison to other people is the cause of much inner pain.

like

What masters degree, from where, and what practice are you joining? An MBA from a decent school, joining strategy or a transformation team would likely yield an SA offer, but other degrees, institutions and practices could change the situation.

Also consider that even though you have the Associate title, you may be paid more due to your degree and experience.

Related Posts

I have a question for the sales managers out there.

What motivated you to pursue a career change from front line sales to managing a team of sales professionals?

I ask, because as I look to the future I am wondering if just staying on the front lines will be more lucrative then entering management.

like

Does anyone have experience with career changers in Data Analytics or UX/UI after taking the Career Foundry or Spring Board bootcamps? I’m curious to hear opinions if it’s worth the investment. Interested in hiring perspective or career changer!

like

Any places hiring junior planners or market research analysts? Also going back to school part-time to get an MBA, so places that offer tuition assistance for employees would be great

like

Hey all, I needed a referral for job posted by Societe General and have the job id handy. Would be great if someone could help me with the same

like

I have been on a planned personal sabbatical this year pursuing personal interests. Now I’m ready to go back to work. I will have next week the second interview with an exec recruiter for a company for a Director level position reporting to the COO of the company. In addition to having relevant experience and accomplishments handy, I would appreciate any pointers for having a good interview at this level.

like

What’s a reasonable comp to expect for a Product Manager role after 4 years of consulting experience? Seeing a lot of PM roles below 150K- worth taking the comp hit for the title?

like
like

Has anyone done the GARP Financial Risk and Regulation course? Was it educational? Did you do the FRM after?

7.9 years of exp..
Barclays has offered 22 lpa, for BA4 role...Is this a fair offer.?...looking forward to hear your suggestions...
Thaks in advance

like

So I finished my 3rd interview with a company and the TA specialist said they loved me but can’t meet me at my bottom line salary, however, I said I can negotiate and she said she’s going to speak with the decision makers and see if they’re okay with that. What does this mean? This is for a marketing specialist role. I’m asking for $70K bottom line

like

My remit quadrupled+ in a recent re-org with no increase in pay/promotion, my new director is new to the company and was zero help, and I was passed over for recent promotion during the comp cycle. The new director essentially began shutting me down any time I ask for clarity in my career progression. Now they have taken credit for the project I’ve been building over the past year+ without giving me props whatsoever to higher ups. What is the best plan of action here?

like

Hi there, I am looking for companies/referrals hiring AE roles right now. I have 4 years full sales cycle experience and have been a top rep at my HR Tech company located in San Diego. Looking for a hybrid role in San Diego or remote position. Anything would be helpful, thanks in advance!

like

I'm thinking I won't be getting promoted if not laid off at the end Q2 or sooner. What are some good exit ops for an associate with 2 yoe in tech consulting? Exp in Cloud, PMO, IT Risk, and SoD.

like

Hello team, pls let me know if anyone is aware of any openings are there for manual testing skills in property and casualty domain. YOE - 8 yrs

like
like

I'm a manager specialized in Strategy & Customer Centricity projects. Joined Parthenon a few years ago but mostly do Cost Evaluations and CDDs. since Customer isn't really their core. So, I just recently received an offer to work for NTT Data to energize their Strategy & Customer practice (and near +50% salary). What would be the pros and cons of switching?

like

My husband just received a job offer on an opportunity he is really excited about. It would be great for his career and they are giving the 15% jump in base he asked for, however they won’t share what the target bonus amount would be. It’s an executive director position, so I would assume it’s a decent target bonus, but without that in writing it could honestly be a gift basket at the end of the year. Is it a red flag for them to not share this? His total comp could be less at this new job…

like
like

Anyone in Big 4 health (payer) consulting practices have any insight in to current or upcoming openings for SM level roles?

like

What’s an acceptable salary for a entry level customer success manager role in cybersecurity? Coming on with 3 years related experience.

More Posts

Hai !!was looking out for job as an interior designer/architect.Looking out for a company with good work life balance!!If any pls ping.
Thanks in advance!!

like

When will the new pune office be operational ?

like

Looking for firms that are hiring fully remote litigation associates. Thanks!

like

Does your firm let you take 28-30 December off? Many of my team members won’t be working those days and I decided last minute that I’d like to travel somewhere between Christmas and the New Year.

likehelpful

Looking into preowned watches under <$10k resale value...patek, vacheron, or rollie?

like

What’s the going rate for an implementation manager with 4 years of service. Primarily in the PBM world

like

Hey Mates,

There are talks of focusing on talent retention & offering competitive pay in meetings by Higher Leadership so
Is there any salary correction actually happening for current employees or some salary equity policy being made?

like
like

Hello! I was offered a promotion at the NYC-based creative agency I work at for a newly created role and I’m not quite sure what I should be hoping for with the salary increase. Any insights on Manager, Strategic Insights roles?

like

Looking to get away from transactional sales and more into consulting. My current role is very heavily transactional sales, but requires me to act in a consulting role also. I love the consulting part of the job. Anyone have advice on breaking into the field? Happy to DM. Thanks all in advance!

Hi, looking for some general advice please. 4 years litigation experience, 2 years international commercial. Really interested in getting into l&e, but no idea where to start? Any particular courses, newsletters, groups, other? Thank you!

like

FAANG salaries and tc on Glassdoor seem way too low? Thoughts?

I accepted an offer to work at an Am Law 100 firm in June. I just graduated law school in May. They offered a stipend and reimbursement for bar expenses. I am currently still waiting for any word on when the money will come. They have not started onboarding me or anything. Should I be concerned? Why are they dragging their feet? I have contacted them 3 times since June.

like

I just completed the interview process at CGI, the HR called thereafter saying that I've cleared all the rounds and they'd like to give me an offer. They also sent a couple of mails for required documents. But I am yet to receive the offer letter, is this usual?

like

I don't know if this is the imposter syndrome talking, but as in house, I feel like I rarely *do* anything. I answer questions as they come up, review maybe 1-2 contracts a day, and manage a few litigation cases (primarily handled by outside counsel). Compared to my 300+ emails from clients a day that I would receive from my large firm job, I feel like I'm missing something? I'm the only attorney at my small company. I don't know if the workload at my previous firm skewed my perception.

like

What are some of the best consulting firms for a software engineer? Is MBB still considered elite in this area too?

like

What to do if your SM is not competent and you feel project is falling behind? Can't really go to MD bc he has relationship with the SM. Also doesn't sound good coming from a consultant. Do I just need to work extra harder?

like

Anyone here leave the Federal Reserve system for a Big4 manager role? Any regrets? Currently a senior examiner frustrated in my internal opportunities and direction.

like

Being forced onto banking project with no finance background or cultural leanings—tips? 🥴

like

Hey fishes, I have offer from
virtusa 12.96fix+54var
Tsystem-11fix
Exp-2.6
Which one should I go for?

Additional Posts in Consulting

Anyone have CFP Prep books they don’t not need anymore?

likesmart

What's the best consulting firms for H1B folks who have studied masters in STEM here? Got a cousin graduating this fall and he needs to know H1B/GC policies.

like

My brain and body have decided that my long weekend actually started today instead of Friday 😊

likesmartfunny

Question: what are the best certifications to get in terms of demand and salary negotiation?

like

How long does it typically take for Altman Solon to make a decision after the final round interviews?

like

Does anyone regret joining a boutique consulting firm? I signed with a startup out of college (spring 2020) whose founding partners were all partners/Sr leaders at a few T2s. Our firm is super small (dozen FTEs) but does really good work (we charge premium rates and work super cool projects). I’m just having second thoughts as exit opportunities aren’t as prevalent as I thought, the pay/benefits don’t match industry/risk of joint a startup, and I’m not getting the network of a Big4 or MBB

like

Anyone know of any consulting roles (IT Industry) in Miami? Would love a referral, have lived here a while without any luck unfortunately.

like

Had an offer from Meta before going with PwC back in Jan (more money at Mgr level) but now that I’m traveling again, working longer hours, considering to apply again. Been contacted twice by the recruiter to do so, but not sure what to do… anyone have advice? Knowledge of both sides?

like

Is EY-Parthenon going to match MBB undergrad salaries at 100k?

funny

What are the best consulting firms for pricing (consumer goods focused)?

like

Ok travelers, what was your most surreal experience on a flight?

Guy just opened the cabin door to try to get on my flight after flashing his boarding pass through the window to cabin crew. Immediately arrested. So far, nothing even comes close for me.

likefunnyupliftingsmart

I work as a consultant for a small HR consulting service in Ontario, Canada. Our owner/president wants us to hit a revenue target of $1m this year. The closest we’ve come is $800k in 2019. We also noticed that in 2019 we hit our highest revenue but did the fewest overall client work for that year. In 2020 and 2021 we did more client work but fell short of $800k revenue. Our avg rev per client is $2500, with a lot of single projects @ $500. Does it makes sense to increase our prices?

funny

I can relate.

Post Photo
likefunnyupliftingsmart

I'm an introverted person, like to keep to myself, focus on work, spend the rest of my time on family, gym etc. I've been told that I need to work on my communication and client relationship building skills. any books I can read? I don't follow pop. culture anymore, no longer actively follow team sports (but sporty myself) as I consider it bread and circus for the masses and don't rly enjoy work drinks... Am I doomed? Personally I am happy and love the work but fear for my career progression.

like

Definitely not a fan of Westin's "Eat Well" proposition. I'm working in the room at 2:00 AM and the most appetizing menu item is a cold turkey avocado and arugula wrap. I just want a burger and fries!

like

Got a note from Deloitte Talent team, is this a glorified project manager gig? Any thoughts on comp range? Worth making the move? Senior opening for our Government and Public Service practice. The role is project delivery focused across our Enterprise Performance group and work with ERP Packages like ServiceNow, Workday, SAP, and Oracle.Deloitte

like

How is Strategy& doing these days from a revenue / growth and market positioning perspective? Now an alum from several years ago; genuinely curious to hear how the integration has gone and if the waters have calmed a bit since I was there. (I personally had a good experience and was a good launchpad for my career, but have sort of lost touch with the firm and folks there)

like

Is it pronounced gif or gif?

funnylike

Best consulting firms for PE work (CDD,Value Creation)? Looking for the best firm for exit ops to PE ops eventually. Thanks!

like

Anyone have info on MBB/Strategy& supply chain consulting? Group size, actively hiring, common backgrounds (MBA/certifications required/helpful?), project types, & interview prep tips? Looking to enter as an experienced hire. Currently a procurement financial analyst and just passed my CSCP certification. Ex-big4.

Thanks!

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