Am I too old if I apply for an MBA at 29yrs of age?

Question

Hi,

I have been talking to a few consultants and I have been told, again and again, to get into an MBA by the time I am 28.  What are the benefits? Is there a sweet spot to get into a b-school? 
 
I am planning to apply and get matriculated at 29. Will that keep me away from good jobs, like consulting or product management?  What are the drawbacks if I get matriculated at 29?

It would absolutely be great to know your views.

tyildirim92 · Answer

You are still young enough. Go ahead! Best of luck.

Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

Rockstarr001 :

Q: I have been talking to a few consultants and I have been told, again and again, to get into an MBA by the time I am 28.

A: Did they offer a specific reason? That cutoff between 28 and 29 is honestly very arbitrary.

Q: What are the benefits? Is there a sweet spot to get into a b-school?

A: Most people apply 3-5 years out of school to a full-time MBA program, but that doesn't mean there are not plenty of people who get in 6+ years out of school. The schools generally believe that having several years of experience make MBA experience valuable. Going in with too many years under their belt could make less sense for some students, especially if they have extensive managerial experience. Going in with too few years of experience may mean you have less to relate to when studying business cases or management theory. The schools have figured out that 3-5 years is the sweet spot for that reason. You can look this up on the admissions websites of various schools. They tend to provide age breakdowns for each of their classes.

Q: I am planning to apply and get matriculated at 29. Will that keep me away from good jobs, like consulting or product management?

A: Not at all. You have every access to the same jobs as people younger than you. You are only really talking about 1-2 years off of the average. That's really not that much. It would be a much bigger deal if we were talking about you entering in your low- to mid-30's.

Q: What are the drawbacks if I get matriculated at 29?

A: For the MBA experience, virtually none. For some post-MBA roles, it's possible you may not get enter a new job at the same level as those who did not get the MBA and chose to work their way up the ladder. That could frustrate you depending on your expectations and personality. For example, for consulting you are talking about the Associate or Consultant roles, which are the standard, immediate post-MBA titles. You cannot jump up a level just because you have more pre-MBA experience.

In general, I really would not stress about this at all. Plus, you can't do anything about it assuming you are now of that age. If you are really interested in an MBA program, I do urge you to act now rather than vacillate and postpone as acceptances and the experience do become different as you get significantly older.

Good luck,
Admissionado

tyildirim92 · Answer

Here you go. Now, you have one admissions consultant who supports your case. Best of luck.

Posted from my mobile device

SSS001 · Answer

Hey  tyildirim92 ,

Haha...so that makes it 2 out of 2 supporting my case.

Thanks a ton !!

SSS001 · Answer

Hey  Admissionado ,

Thanks for your well articulated answers.

When speaking with admission consultants the only reason they gave was "28 is the sweet spot for an MBA" and I should try to hit the same.  (Btw, I am 27 now)

They also pointed out that getting jobs in industries such as consulting or product management might get slightly difficult as they look for relatively younger candidates. Now, I do feel that such a thing totally depends on how good the candidate is at the time of applying for those jobs. What's your take on it from an employers point of view?

bb · Answer

Ha! Just posted an article about it: https://gmatclub.com/forum/am-i-too-old ... 52223.html P.S. No, you are not really that old yet

SSS001 · Answer

Thanks  bb .

Will check it out.

Admissionado · Answer

Rockstarr001 :

I can't speak to the employer perspective directly, but for some of your more "traditional" post-MBA jobs (banking, consulting, corporate leadership programs) it does not matter. You will be eligible for their standard entry-level job regardless of your age.

The difference may be in your second post-MBA job. Your years of experience will probably matter more in the long-run.

That all being said, we're talking about a year or two of difference for someone such as yourself, so all of this is kind of insignificant. You won't get credit for an additional year of experience just as your colleagues a year below the average age won't be penalized for less experience.

In your case, you are not going to face any advantages of disadvantages. Apply soon, get in and and go land one of great jobs!

-Admissionado

SSS001 · Answer

Admissionado

Thanks a ton. Your perceptives have been very helpful.

ARINGO · Answer

First of all, you are not that old... you're just a bit older than the average age at the top MBA programs, but that's just an average, meaning some students are older. If you feel that an MBA degree is the right step for you right now, go for it and be ready to explain this.

While schools peruse thousands of individual applications, they also have their statistics to consider. Older applicants don’t always contribute to positive outcomes, which are based on factors such as job placement and salary increases. Review your profile to determine how YOU can help boost these statistics, and be sure to highlight these points.

Be sure to fully understand your motives. Generally speaking, people get an MBA to either change fields, enhance their current career or to get into the business side of their field. The biggest thing you need to ask yourself at this point in your career is: “Do I need an MBA?” If you’re satisfied with your career trajectory and can promote without it, an MBA may be unnecessary.

For more tips for older applicants, and suggestions for programs for older applicants, please visit: https://www.aringo.com/mba-over-30/

SSS001 · Answer

ARINGO

Thank you so much for sharing such perceptives. It really makes a lot of sense and gives confidence too.

Saransh123 · Answer

Hello, between age 24 and 33 is fine, all the best

SSS001 · Answer

Thank you so much  Saransh123 .

Since you are about to matriculate this year, your understanding pretty much clarifies all my concerns.

All the best to you too !!

Saransh123 · Answer

Rockstarr001  , not this year , I am hoping that I will commence my MBA in Spring 2022 (January), currently working on my application

SSS001 · Answer

Saransh123

That still keeps you way ahead of me, since I have only started with my school research and planning to apply 2-3 years from now. So, thank you.

And I must add, All the very best again !!

MBAbot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

Am I too old if I apply for an MBA at 29yrs of age?

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