The "kid" in the class

Question

This is geared more towards those in the community who are currently enrolled in MBA programs or have graduated, though aspirants like me should feel free to chime in. Most top MBA programs have work experience averages around 4-5 years. Of course, there are those who enter with less. How are these candidates viewed by the other half of the class, i.e. those with 4+ years of work experience? Are they seen as kids who don't know anything and thus don't add value to group discussions? Do they typically hold leadership positions in clubs, and other activities? Do they have difficulties interacting with older classmates?

This obviously links to average age as well, not just work experience.

While I fully understand that this varies from person to person, I would like to hear any insight that anyone could share, being a younger candidate myself.

Thanks.

This obviously links to average age as well, not just work experience.

While I fully understand that this varies from person to person, I would like to hear any insight that anyone could share, being a younger candidate myself.

Thanks.

fitzmanon · Answer

Very interesting question! Interested as well.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

It really depends on the person. I think the youngest people in my class are 24-25. For some people it's not even something that you would think about. My roommate is one of the younger people in my class and I forget that she is. However, there are others where the age difference is more pronounced and it will elicit an eyeroll or two. In any case I don't think age keeps anyone from being involved in the activities that they want to pursue or from getting leadership positions. When you get to school you will see that there is no end to the leadership opportunities. It's almost impossible to get out of school without leading something at some point, regardless of the perception of your age.

Ward2012 · Answer

A friend of mine got into Sloan directly out of college, but she had been working since her early teens. She had done internships, run her own business, etc. So actually she may have had more work experience than some of her peers given all that she did.

At any rate, she definitely got a few eye rolls about her age and some teasing, but she said she never felt like any of her classmates used age as a reason to make her feel less qualified. If anything they were more impressed.

Me, I'm on the flip side. I'm a couple years older than the average MBA student. And from my visits and some activities, I sometimes feel the age difference, but I think in the end, age, is not really an issue with anyone. Everyone got into business school and is there for a reason. People respect each other and know they need to lean and support each other in their experiences.

westsidah408 · Answer

Thanks Cheetarah (love your blog, btw!) and Ward. That is great to hear!

What is your experience with this during group discussions? Do you feel younger classmates bring enough to the table?

Ward2012 · Answer

What you can bring to discussions depends on what you've seen in the world, what you've experienced and how developed your views are. Your age is just a number. It all depends on what you've done. So a 23 year old person with a ton of past experiences can probably contribute a lot. But a 23 year old who hasn't done much probably doesn't have much to draw upon.

threestripes · Answer

I agree with Cheetarah and Ward. I have classmates who are 30+ but act like they are 21, and other classmates who are 24-25 but are very mature for their respective ages. People initially roll their eyes when they find out that some classmates are only 23-25. But they quickly forget about the age difference once these overachievers prove why they were accepted to begin with.

aadhirasharma4 · Answer

Thanks for share it.

The "kid" in the class

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