too old for mba?

[mrc72]

Hi,

My question is in two parts:

1) Hypothetically speaking, if an appliant is seeking a career switch from IT into Finance (Investment Banking related: Research Analysis), has been in his/her field for over 10 years, and is applying to business school at age 35-36, are their chances of graduating and making a successful transition to the new career unrealistic?

2) And if age bias does play more of a role with older MBA applicants, would getting a JD (with a focus on M&A) be better for this endeavor? Are older applicants in law school better received then business school applicants?

Finally, I know it sounds suicidal to make a career switch at such an old age, but I feel its something I must try to do. However, if it's totally unrealistic, then i'll stay within my field and just try to do the best I can.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks - Drew

[Stacy Blackman]

1) Hypothetically speaking, if an appliant is seeking a career switch from IT into Finance (Investment Banking related: Research Analysis), has been in his/her field for over 10 years, and is applying to business school at age 35-36, are their chances of graduating and making a successful transition to the new career unrealistic?

This really depends on the hiring firm's preferences. I have been told many times that investment banks want younger hires, partially due to the rigorous hours they demand. Older employees who are more settled with families may be less likely to endure this schedule. In conversations with the banks, I have learned that this is not a hard and fast rule. If you have emplyers that particularly interest you, you can ask them directly.

2) And if age bias does play more of a role with older MBA applicants, would getting a JD (with a focus on M&A) be better for this endeavor? Are older applicants in law school better received then business school applicants?

I do not think that a JD would be as desirable of a degree for this type of job. Also, I am NOT an expert on law school admissions, but my sense is that most law schools take students straight out of undergrad so the average student is even younger, Regardless if your end goal is the same job, if age is an issue, it would not matter if you have the MBA or the JD - you are still the same age (am I understanding your question correctly?)

[mrc72]

Thanks,

Yes, you've answered the question well. So if you're looking to switch gears later in your career (in your mid-late 30's), it's probably a long shot with either degree. Not impossible, but definitely a long shot and the odds are highly stacked against you.

I suppose that's reality. Ok, thanks.