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Am I an "older applicant"?

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Am I an "older applicant"?

by dianemba » Wed Jul 20, 2011 9:56 pm
I have a high GMAT score with a below average GPA. I have more than 8 years of experience as an engineer. I would like to break into consulting post-MBA.

However, after reading several posts, I feel like my age is a huge disadvantage. I am 31 and I plan to apply for Fall 2012. I will be almost 32 when I join my MBA next fall provided I get admitted to a top 30 MBA program.

Is 31 at the time of application and almost 32 (still 31) when classes start make me an "older applicant".

I do not want to do an exec MBA since I want to break into consulting.

Thanks for the help.
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:06 am
Hello,

In my view you're literally right on the border that separates "the older side of average/regular age range" and "older applicant." How much relevance/weight the age issue will have will depend on your application overall, because the adcoms will view your application holistically.

One key factor will be your goals - the adcoms are supremely interested in your post-MBA employability. Even if they love your application, if they think your age will hinder this aspect, it could be a problem. They know that many top tier consulting firms will consider you old for their regular MBA hires. The burden is on you to make a strong case in your goals essay for why you will be an attractive hire for consulting firms - you could do this by demonstrating your relevant unique experience, knowledge, and/or skills. Note that this does NOT mean just MORE experience - it should be identifiable skills or knowledge that (a) is relatively rare and (b) valuable for the firms to have.

I discuss this issue and others pertaining to older applicants in "Applying to Regular MBA Programs as an Older Applicant."

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com
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by dianemba » Thu Jul 21, 2011 12:31 pm
Thank you Cindy. Should I consider applying for European MBAs? Considering my age, would I be a better fit in an European program. I have read that the average age at most European schools is higher?
What schools are good in Europe to break into management consulting given my engineering background.

Also, would it help to say that I would like to go into Product Management instead in the essay vs management consulting given my age?
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by dianemba » Thu Jul 21, 2011 12:34 pm
Thank you Cindy. Should I consider applying for European MBAs? Considering my age, would I be a better fit in an European program. I have read that the average age at most European schools is higher?
What schools are good in Europe to break into management consulting given my engineering background.

Also, would it help to say that I would like to go into Product Management instead in the essay vs management consulting given my age?
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Fri Jul 22, 2011 6:57 am
Hello,

I do think European programs would potentially be a good fit, given the age factor. Most of the top programs are strong in relevant curriculum and consulting recruiting, including HEC (where consulting is the largest post-MBA industry), IE, ESDE, and IMD (where over 15% of grads go into consulting). Since the overall age of students is higher, one can suppose that the recruiters are open to older hires, but I can't say that for sure based on any data.

I think you should state your actual goals. You can also mention that product management would be a viable "plan B" to get you where you want to go if the right opportunity in consulting does not materialize. Having a plan B shows the adcom that you're adaptable and realistic, but you needn't spend more than 1-2 sentences on it.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com
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by dianemba » Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:18 pm
Thanks Cindy. How about Part-time MBA programs from a top program like Haas etc. Are they helpful to break into management consulting from engineering? Or would a full-time MBA in a top 30 school that is receptive to older applicants or an European FT MBA help more for me?

Thanks again.
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