Hi all, I am thinking of applying to the grad scheme (analyst level) of some MC firmsThe thing is this - I will be 27 should I join the scheme (long story..). How is this viewed in the offices? Did any of you ever have older grads joining? I'm a bit worried that my peers will all be 22-23 and I won't fit in as easily

You will become the bitch of some cocky 24 year old who thinks they know it all. If that sounds fun, go for it.

When i joined my firm (almost 10 years ago) our starter group had people ranging from 21 to 36 (older ones had done a couple of masters and/or PHDs). Shouldn't be a barrier to entry.

Lube.That's what you need if you're surrounded by 22 - 23 yo peers and won't fit in easily.

I really should have known what kind of answers I'd be getting :)tnx anon for yr reply

I'm 22 and joined my firm straight from university in September. My intake has the majority at 22-25, two at 28 and one at 36. As far as I can tell, nobody is enjoying it any more or less than anyone else.

Its oly 5 years between you, for me its just a case of whether personalities match. If anything, it means you have less of a struggle getting in with those that have been there a few years.

I joined a grad scheme at 26 (one of the bigger strat consultancies, not Big 4) and found my British co-workers (though not other Europeans), mostly 22-23, a little immature. Not a huge problem. More annoyed with myself for being so late to start, which meant I was concerned about promotions etc., so if you're the sort of person who compares him(her?)self to peers might get stressful. Seems to me most consultants are this sort of person. Being mature helps in front of clients, if you're joining a firm that will actually expose you (cue jokes) to clients.

did it work out to yr favour or have you just joined?I'm wondering if being 5 years their senior and therefore having more experience/maturity will help me in the long run or if it won't really make a differenceI'm guessing that the big disavdantage, as you mentioned, is that an older analyst is more impatient as regards promotions, etc