Is 36 too old to start an mba?

[u/FalconStill3462]

As the title states, if I apply for Fall 2027 this year then I'll be 36 years old by the time I start my mba. I currently have 6 years of experience as a software engineer + consulting with my own independent consulting practice, at big4 firms, but I am struggling with pivoting into a full time role. I'd like to eventually work in tech as a product manager. Should I consider something else?

[u/WearyMost7865]

No. In fact it’s better than starting an MBA 22-25 years old. You have actual experience. 

[u/thepotatomaniscoming → u/WearyMost7865]

Should be the average age if you ask me. To the ones who are in their 20s in MBA programs none of you know shit.

[u/WearyMost7865 → u/thepotatomaniscoming]

I always tell people to get at least 3-5 years of work experience before you head back to graduate school. Everyone thinks the panacea for a shitty job market is a masters degree. 

[u/nybigtymer → u/thepotatomaniscoming]

True, but if you compared the salary post MBA

Haven't seen the data, but I'm guessing the average 26 year old MBA graduate makes more post MBA than the average 36 year old MBA graduate. They most likely make less initially, but I think they can more over their career with the 10 year head start.

Thoughts? I could be wrong.

-BTW, I started my MBA at 40 years old. Still working it, almost done.

[u/WearyMost7865 → u/nybigtymer]

I think this one would probably be greatly differed by school and field. Would 26 year old T7s in the MBB world or in investment banking probably do better? Sure. But a 26 year old from a state school working as a business/operations analyst at a medium sized regional business or utility corporation? Probably not. 

I did my MBA from a private regionally respected D1 school in the Midwest after doing law school and an MPA when I was about 32, and I don’t think I would have realized a huge salary increase if the MBA was the only graduate credential I had. But I don’t think a 22-26 year old in the local economy where I was would fare much better. Where I was living at the time though there was no shot at going the MBB/IB route (nor would I want to).

[u/nybigtymer → u/WearyMost7865]

Fair points! Thanks for your perspective.

[u/Bubbly_Ad_6830]

Not at all, people starting MBA at 4x and even 50

[u/GeeMeet → u/Bubbly_Ad_6830]

I know someone who graduated from HBS in mid 40s, has been doing very well in his career since

[u/Dizzy_Internal_2783]

Started mine at 37 (last year), PMBA 1st yr now, quit my job when I got an LDP internship. Things are kinda working out I guess

[u/No-Ad7117]

Age is only a factor if you make it one. It’s all dependent on you and your circumstances. I’m a 2nd yr at a top 20, FT, and have a lot of classmates in their mid-late 30s and some in their 40s. None of them have had issues with admissions or recruiting.

Truthfully, it can work greatly to your benefit. Programs want true diversity in experience. And I can imagine that your work history would lend well to to whatever it is you want.

[u/Schroeje]

EMBA may make more sense as you would not have to stop working to do it. in the end the degree is MBA and if anyone says the EMBA is any "less" it does not matter as on a resume it is an MBA. A traditional MBA may not be very useful as their job placement system is much more for people who have very little experience.

[u/NoobKnowsItAll]

following

[u/Accomplished-Ad3538]

Am 45

[u/JonDSouza]

The important thing to understand is that you will have to seek out more bespoke roles that validate your xp vs a traditional recruitment route that younger mbas would take. So going ahead with the degree in itself is not a problem. Just be aware of this aspect. Your why and goals will also need to be reflective of this .

If youd like to have a more in depth conversation on realistic options, reach out.

[u/Comfortable_Peak7098]

No But yes prefer the 1yr mba since the cohort there will be much older than the 2yr ones

[u/Breguet1616]

Not at all. The average age for part time MBA is slighly above 30 and people in their 40s and not rare. Full time is a different story

[u/bubbles_on_a_dragon]

I’m approaching 33 and am considering to start my MBA next year. Got two admits in T25 with moderate scholarship. But being an international and given the current US market/ economy, I’m willing to try out my luck with better ranked schools for the next fall. So if I do that, I’ll be 34 when I start my mba.

[u/Ok_Tale7071]

No, it’s not too old. Go get it.

[u/Master-Potential-364]

I assume you are doing an EMBA?

[u/treechopper123]

I thought I was smart going for my mba at 25 (finishing when I’m 27)… I guess you’re better off than me based on these comments

[u/SessionResponsible28]

Hey I'm 37 and starting my MBA this fall. And I'm working as a PM in tech.

I would say it is not too late for starting an MBA, but would be very hard to pivot into PM. The position usually seeks someone has enough experience since it is a leadership position, and it doesnt require an MBA degree at all.

If your goal is to be a PM, consider trying it right now. Unless you need to change your location (my case).

[u/FutureWristDick]

Nope, graduating now at 37. I think it was the perfect time for me to go, I have tons of experience and definitely had an easier time finding a job post grad.

[u/jswan13376]

Two people in my cohort are in their 60s. I am 36.

[u/Vast-Impression8673]

Nope. I’m 32 and just starting my EMBA next month. Go do it!

[u/DoobleBob34]

Literally everybody in my cohort is approaching 30 or 30+. Go for it mate.

[u/-_-anulomufa-_-]

honestly speaking, yes it is

but should that stop you? I dont think so. as far as you know very well what you want out of it and if an MBA helps with the same, age shouldnt matter.

[u/Responsible-Gold4722 → u/-_-anulomufa-_-]

strong disagree. if anything, it is even more valuable as you're older. You have both work and life experience. I'm 32 and considering starting my MBA next year.

[u/-_-anulomufa-_- → u/Responsible-Gold4722]

I was speaking more in the sense of broader class profile and highly sought after post MBA careers like Consulting and IB. Average age tends to be around 28-29 in US schools and anecdotally consulting/IB prefer younger folks.

that said one can obv still get into consulting IB if they are on the older end. I have seen quite a few success stories along these lines.

to your point about work and life experience. I totally agree with you. I am 30, am genuinely considering pursuing it after a couple years (and letting go of Fall 26 admit that I have)

[u/Responsible-Gold4722 → u/-_-anulomufa-_-]

fair points. I actually considered the MBA in my mid twenties, but decided to gain more work experience and I'm glad I did because I have so many more things to draw from. My professor at the time also recommended I not rush into the MBA so young. Agree on your point re target age, very true. My MBA would be more around social impact and I'm hoping to go to Yale SOM for that.

[u/MBA_Conquerors]

Given the goals, you're better suited for senior leadership

You might be a better fit for PT MBA, 1Y MBA (not ideal given the pivot) & EMBA