Age and full time MBA

Question

Hi 

Thanks in advance for your comments.

I am 34 now and had 10 years of experience and very good career progression so far. I am considering MBA. My prep for GMAT is going really well.

I am targeting Chicago or Kelloggs part time. It has been natural instinct to go for part time considering my age and experience. But I want to make sure I am not missing anything.

Assuming I can afford to miss 2 years of earning( meaning the advantages of part time MBA discounted)

1. Is it advisable to full time, considering 80% of the class is going to be around 26 - 28 years of age. 
2. Would my age /years of experience cloud prospective recruiters.
3. Is 1 year full time MBA better than part-time from same top tier schools? 

Thanks a lot

KingKREEP · Answer

1. This basically depends on what  you  are looking for from an MBA program. Your fit for a full time MBA program does not depend on the average class age. Also, remember that 26-28 is the average. So most schools have students whose ages range from 23 - 35.

I can't really comment on this, but as far as I know, no. some recruiters really do value pre-MBA work experience. However, others such as I-banks and M/C firms prefer younger graduates due to the long work hours and frequent travel. So, it really depends on what kind of recruiters you are looking at.

Again, it depends on what you want to do after the MBA. If you are returning to your old company in a more senior position, the PT MBA makes more sense. If you are career changer, the summer internship between year 1 and 2 can really help you.

schaganti · Answer

Thanks for the response. It makes sense. How about from the point of view of Adcom when they review my application?

I think I am very clear about why I need MBA. I am confident my application profile will be comparable to rest of the applicants in the pool.

Is being mid 30s disadvantage when it comes to full time app? Ofcourse the official response is " we dont discriminate", but anyone has sense about how they view such profile? 

Can the age factor alone pull the application down?

I have seen discussion on age factor for Ph.D in business on this forum, but couldnt find one for full time MBA

Thanks

riverripper · Answer

The honest answer is yes it will be a factor at a top school for a fulltime program. They will wonder why you suddenly need one now. The view is either you are excelling in your career and you dont need one or you are stuck in a rut and think this will get you out. It is doable just like getting in straight out of college is but you are really going to have to show that you have done great things and you NEED an mba. 

The question of why a fulltime MBA instead of a part-time or even more importantly an executive MBA is one you are going to have to convince them of.

aaudetat · Answer

it's the same for all of us - we have to convince them we need it now. as stated above, you have to do a little more convincing. there are lots of folks in my class who are a bit older, 30-40. I don't know how they spun it, though.

rhyme · Answer

There are several people I've met who are 30,31,32 here at the GSB. I can't think of any past that, but I don't know everyone. I think the age thing isn't a big deal as long as you can explain why you want an MBA now. Its the same challenge a 23 year old or a 28 year old would face.

schaganti · Answer

Thanks rhyme. I am going to info session at GSB this friday and hoping to meet few folks to get a better feel.

bigge2win · Answer

Quite an old post here.

But 13 years later, and the answer to the age question is still the same. No, schools do not simply look at the age and give you lower chances of admission.

It’s all about the narrative for your career and why an MBA now. Also, it’s still a myth that consulting firms and investment banks don’t want older candidates. The reason the ages for these roles appear younger is because of selection bias. Folks in their 30s generally choose careers that balance work and life. But those over 30 who recruit for consulting and banking do get those jobs with the same chances as anyone else who puts in the work and shows they want it.

Posted from my mobile device

ARINGO · Answer

With a solid application, candidates between 30 and 35 years of age may even have a better chance of getting accepted to the MBA programs of their choice.
Consider how much work experience you have had thus far. Have there been any noteworthy achievements that will serve as a foundation for your future career? As an applicant over 30 years old, you likely have an impressive background that will support you as a candidate. Use this experience to show the admissions board that you are committed and motivated, and that you have much to contribute to a “younger” class. You should use your interview to demonstrate you are absolutely committed to your studies.

For more tips for applying to top MBA programs at an older age, and for a suggested list of MBA programs that are specifically designed for older candidates, please visit: https://www.aringo.com/mba-over-30/

Age and full time MBA

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