I’m currently 49 years old and thinking about switching careers to get into strategy consulting. This has been on my mind since I finished my MBA back in 2009. After graduation, I went into the healthcare and medical device sector where I worked in different business roles like sales, marketing, and partnerships. At one point, I was running competitive intelligence for a billion dollar business unit at a major corporation. I worked closely with an external CI consulting firm for over a year on this project. The work felt very similar to what consultants do and I really liked it. Back during my MBA program, I also worked with a team on a consulting project for a big biotech company where we analyzed the market for Alzheimer’s treatments. That was another great experience that got me excited about consulting work. So I do have some background that seems relevant. My main worry is whether my age will be a problem when trying to break into management consulting. I want to learn more about how experienced professionals can make this move. Would love to hear both positive examples and cautionary tales from people who have tried this path.
look, 49’s tough in consulting. most firms want young folks they can shape and grind through 80-hour weeks. that 2009 MBA doesn’t carry much weight anymore, and competitive intelligence isn’t the same as actual consulting experience. you might land something at a boutique firm or leverage your healthcare network for niche roles, but MBB firms? they’ll pick some eager 28-year-old who’ll work for half your salary every time!
Your healthcare background is pure gold right now! Industry-focused boutiques love seasoned professionals who actually understand the business. Don’t worry about age - experience beats youth when clients need real expertise!
I disagree with all the doom and gloom here. Age might be tricky, but your healthcare expertise is incredibly valuable - there’s tons of consulting work in that space right now. Skip MBB and go after firms like L.E.K or smaller health-focused shops that actually value domain knowledge over stamina. Your CI background proves you can think strategically. Just keep realistic comp expectations at first.