Which age is ideal for consulting?

Consulting is a dream job for a lot of people. Due to its rigorous demands and diverse opportunities, the question of the optimal age for joining this field is a big concern for many people.

Should people join consulting right after college, using their fresh knowledge and youthful energy? Is it too early to join consulting in the early 20s? Is there any good opportunity for people joining this field in the late 30s and beyond?

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of joining consulting firms at both a young age and an old age. We will also tell you how to know which age is ideal for you to join consulting. In the end, you will be given some tips and advice for consulting application preparation. 

Ideal age for joining consulting firms

The ideal age for joining consulting firms can vary depending on individual career paths, educational background, and personal goals. 

Consulting firms offer different entry points, each attracting professionals at various stages of their careers.

Ideal age for joining consulting firms

Undergraduate entry

The typical entry point for those entering consulting directly after completing their undergraduate studies is as a business analyst or an associate consultant. 

The average age for undergraduate entry is in the early to mid-20s. At this stage, individuals are eager to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios and gain valuable experience.

MBA entry

Many people choose to join consulting firms after completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These individuals often enter as consultants or associate consultants. 

The average age for MBA entry is in the late 20s to early 30s, depending on their prior work experience before pursuing the MBA. 

These professionals bring a mix of advanced education and work experience, making them valuable assets to consulting firms.

Experienced hires

Consulting firms also hire experienced professionals from various industries who bring specialized expertise to the firm. 

These experienced hires typically have a higher average age than entry-level hires, often ranging from the mid-30s to early 40s. 

These professionals contribute deep industry knowledge and extensive professional experience, which are crucial for handling complex consulting projects.

Factors to consider whether joining consulting or not at any age

Career goals

The best age to start consulting depends on where you see yourself in your career and how consulting fits into your long-term plans. You need to define clearly the importance of consulting in your career path in long-term vision before deciding whether to join consulting or not.

Connecting with consultants through professional communities and social media platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable perspectives on the consulting lifestyle and career trajectory. Attending networking events also offers opportunities to interact with industry professionals and ask specific questions about their experiences.

Additionally, seeking guidance from a career coach with a background in consulting can offer personalized advice and help you evaluate whether this path fits into your long-term plans. 

Educational background

The timing of when you complete your education can influence when you might join a consulting firm. 

For example, if you finish your undergraduate degree and want to jump straight into the workforce, you might join as a business analyst in your early 20s. 

Alternatively, if you pursue further education like an MBA, you might enter the consulting field later, in your late 20s or early 30s.

Experience

Experienced professionals from other industries often bring valuable skills to consulting and might join at a more senior level, even if they are in their mid-30s or early 40s.

Personal life

Family responsibilities, geographic preferences, and lifestyle considerations can impact when you choose to join a consulting firm. Consulting often involves travel and long hours, so it's important to consider how it fits with your personal commitments and preferences.

Factors to consider whether joining consulting firms or not

Benefits of joining consulting firms at a young age

Career advancement

Consulting firms often have structured promotion paths, which allow high-performing individuals to move up the ranks quickly. 

Even if you decide to leave the firm later, the experience you gain at a top consulting firm can open doors to leadership roles in other industries, entrepreneurial ventures, or further educational opportunities like MBA programs. 

The skills and experiences gained in consulting are highly transferable, providing flexibility in your future career choices.

Financial benefits

Consulting firms typically offer attractive compensation packages, including bonuses and benefits. 

Starting with a high salary at a young age can lead to early financial stability and independence, setting a solid foundation for your financial future.

Global exposure

Young consultants often have the opportunity to travel and work in different cities and countries. This exposure to cultural diversity enriches both personal and professional growth, broadens your perspective and enhances your adaptability.

Professional credibility

Joining a prestigious consulting firm can boost your professional credibility. Having a well-known consulting firm on your resume enhances your professional reputation, making you a desirable candidate for future roles. 

This credibility can open many doors throughout your career, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Benefits of joining consulting firms at a young age

Drawbacks of joining consulting firms at an old age

Work-life balance challenge

Consulting often involves long hours and significant travel, which can be difficult for older individuals who may have family responsibilities or prefer a more balanced lifestyle. 

The physically and mentally demanding nature of consulting can also affect health, which might be more noticeable with age.

Adaptation to culture and pace

Consulting firms often have a distinct culture that values fast-paced, high-energy work. Older professionals might find it challenging to adapt to this environment. 

While older professionals bring valuable skills, they may face a steep learning curve in adjusting to the specific methodologies and expectations of consulting work.

Career transition and progression

Older professionals may need to start at a level lower than their previous roles in other industries, which can be demotivating. 

The hierarchical nature of consulting firms means that older entrants might find themselves competing with younger colleagues for promotions, which can affect career satisfaction and progression.

Networking and integration

Networking and integration within the firm can take longer for older professionals. Establishing relationships and building networks within the firm can be more challenging, especially if they are entering at a mid or senior level. 

Drawbacks of joining consulting firms at an old age

Reasons for consulting firms hiring old age employees

Although joining consulting firms at an old age can face many obstacles, many consulting firms are still open to old age candidates due to the following reasons.

Leveraging extensive experience

Older professionals often have in-depth knowledge and specialized expertise in specific industries. Their advanced problem-solving skills, honed through years of experience, can be invaluable in tackling complex consulting projects.

Leadership and management skills

Senior professionals bring significant leadership and management experience, which is beneficial for leading consulting projects and mentoring junior consultants. 

Their ability to manage teams effectively can enhance the firm's internal dynamics and improve project delivery capabilities.

Client relationships and credibility

With extensive professional networks, including potential clients and industry contacts, they can open doors to new business opportunities. Their reputation and experience help build trust with clients, leading to stronger, more lasting client relationships.

Adaptability and resilience

Having experienced various economic cycles and business challenges, they are adept at managing crises and navigating uncertain environments. This resilience can be crucial for consulting firms, especially during turbulent times.

Reasons for consulting firms hiring old age employees

What to prepare when applying to consulting firms at different levels of age

What to prepare when applying to consulting firms at different levels of age

Early career (early 20s to mid 20s)

Educational background

Young people should focus on building a solid educational foundation. You should aim for a high GPA, around 3.6/4.0, and actively participate in extracurricular activities, especially in leadership roles. 

GPA at around 3.6 is a safe number in applying for consulting firms, and other activities show that you are not only academically capable but also can lead and work well with others.

Skills and experiences

You need to develop your skills and gain relevant experience. 

You can seek internships in consulting or related industries to build practical experience. 

You can also take courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy in areas such as Excel, SQL, Python, and PowerPoint to enhance your technical skills. You should consider earning certifications like Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) for Excel, Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, or certifications in tools like Tableau or Power BI. 

Other activities you can take are engaging in projects that involve data analysis and participating in workshops. These are opportunities where you can find mentors experienced in data analysis and consulting to guide you and provide valuable feedback.

One of the most important skills that you mustn’t miss out on is problem-solving skills. As a consultant, you need to solve your client’s problems, so it is a must-know skill for consultants. You can learn and improve this skill by joining competitions or leadership roles at student organizations. 

Application preparation

At such a young age, you should highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, internships, and leadership experiences when writing your resumes or cover letters. 

You should also practice case interviews extensively to hone your problem-solving skills and structured thinking. This will help you perform well in the interview process and demonstrate your readiness for a career in consulting.

If you need a source for guidelines and practice tests, you can check out these sources: Consulting Resume Toolkit, Case Interviews End-to-End Programs. 

We also offer a free course to help you prepare for consulting applications, covering essential knowledge and practical tips on writing a consulting resume, acing case interviews, and more. You will also get free access to our MBB test simulations. Why not try it out today?

Mid-career (late 20s to early 30s, post-MBA)

Educational background

At this age, people usually apply for higher or senior positions like consultants or managers. So, completing an MBA or a related master’s program from a top institution is very helpful for you. Some top institutions you should consider include: University of Toronto, University of Michigan, Harvard University, and many others. You can learn more about these top tier institutions in this article.

Besides, you should also enroll in courses in strategic management, operations, finance, and other areas relevant to consulting. This can enhance your knowledge and skills, and help you thoroughly prepare for challenges in this field. 

Skills and experiences

Applying for a high level at consulting firms may require you to have 3-5 years of experience in a relevant industry or function. 

During this time, you should focus on developing strong soft skills like communication, leadership, and project management. These skills are crucial in consulting, where you'll need to interact with clients, lead teams, and manage complex projects effectively.

Application preparation

Highlighting your professional achievements, leadership experiences, and any consulting-related projects or roles in your resumes and cover letter can create an impression on employers. 

Additionally, thorough preparation for both case and behavioral interviews is essential, with a focus on showcasing your strategic thinking and leadership ability. 

A special advantage is that you can utilize your resources like alumni networks, industry connections, and MBA career services to secure referrals and gain insights about the firms you are targeting. 

To further enhance your interview preparation, consider taking courses such as Case Interviews End-to-End Programs, and PEI Course by Coach Cristian Leata. 

If you want to enhance your case interview skills by partnering with like-minded individuals. Find a case partner today and take your preparation to the next level. Connect now and start practicing!

Experienced hires (mid 30s and beyond)

Educational background

According to the ages and positions, you do not need to show your GPA or extracurricular activities like young applicants. What you need to show are your certifications in updated educational programs and achievements in relevant industries. These qualifications can help you demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and adapt to the evolving demands of the consulting industry.

Skills and experiences

You should highlight your deep expertise in a particular industry or function. Not only your expertise, it’s also important to emphasize your experiences in managing teams, driving strategic initiatives, and achieving significant business outcomes. This background can set you apart from other candidates and showcase the valuable experience you bring.

Application Preparation

For your resume or cover letter, you need to focus on your extensive professional experience. You should highlight significant achievements, leadership roles, and your industry expertise. 

In case and behavioral interviews, you should emphasize your strategic thinking and industry-specific knowledge.

Kickstart your consulting application with our free Prospective Starter Pack! You can get all the essential tools and guidance you need to navigate every step of the process—from resumes and assessments to case interviews—completely free of charge. Enroll now and get instant access to all these invaluable resources!