Old question: I am too old?

Question

Hello, fellows,

I'd like to know your opinion: I am too old for LBS?

I will be 36 by the time of application.

enkie · Answer

Not if you have a good case for wanting to do an MBA. My mom did her MBA in her early 40s at a top 20 US school.

brazas · Answer

It really depends on what career stage you are in right now.

Let's say that you recently left the university after completing a phd in a technical field and now wants to move to a more commercial function and needs the business knowledge to make it happen.

Then, I think you are not too old and probably a mba would be they way to go.

However, if you are a manager with 12 years of experience in a business related domain, you might be a bit too old for a regular MBA. Probably, an executive mba would be more suitable.

I think it all depends on what your goals are and how you can convince the schools about why you need a mba now.

pdranieri · Answer

Yes, I have some experience, but the problem is I really want to make a career change towards finance and I've read somewhere that banks and consulting firms are really resistant on hiring older people.

I've also heard that Europeans Schools are more older-applicants-friendly. Is that so?

I've also heard that Europeans Schools are more older-applicants-friendly. Is that so?

pdranieri · Answer

Good to know that. Makes me feel more confident. Do you mind telling me her reasons?

enkie · Answer

Sure. She was an English professor at a university in Asia. When we immigrated to the states, she wanted to switch career into marketing. So she is like you, a career changer.

For the finance question, I think you really need to talk to some people who are already in finance (preferably someone who may be in a manager position) to see if it is true that there is resistance to hiring older applicants. (they probably will never give you an answer in writing as technically - at least in the US - they are not allowed to discriminate based on age)

What is your current work background? And do you have managerial experience?

bb · Answer

Just a quick glance at the latest LBS stats

pdranieri · Answer

Thank you guys for all the answers. I thought I would receive an email for every reply and because of that I didn't see them until today. I'm sorry for this.

LBS clearly has an "older" profile, but I'm 6 years to the right of the average. Well, I will go for it and hope I cant get a good enough GMAT score. Taking the 2nd test tomorrow (my first was 640). R2 application deadline is Jan, 4th.

MBAbot · Answer

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Old question: I am too old?

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