I am at my late twenties and working in the marketing department of a big MNC(fortune 50). But recently I have been thinking of taking a MBA study and maybe moving to consutling industry after graduation, because of the nature of work and my own preference. I basically want to work hard for another a few years and get half-retired for my passion at arts and music, also family if I am luck enough to happily get married;) But I am not sure if consulting would be a good change for me or taking MBA is not very late for a gal at very late 20s. I've seem some messages about women in consulting firms and understand some of the challenges. My questions are: can 5-year working as a consultant give me enough experience & income to get half-retired? Is it a realistic number? If it is, should I directly apply for a job in consulting firms(I know some of them do recruit ppl with experience from other industries) or apply after MBA? Can I ask the employer to finance me on MBA if I can get both offers? I've been working for 4 years since I graduated and holding both enginnering & economics degrees.Thank you in advance for any advice... Comments are welcome too. Cheers.

"me me me..I want I want I want!".....unbelievable

Answer, Yes it can. But it is not an easy road to travel, nor is it for certain that you will emerge at the end of five years where you wish to be.THE growth industry of modern times, THE place for opportunity and for earnings leverage, as well as being THE biggest burn out business that I personally have ever come acc4ross.It is never too late, please think it through in terms of what you want to get out of this, what you are truly prepared to put into this, and what your real plan is for achieving all of this. At the end of the day only high paying, commission paying, positions will achieve what you want. And they are not easy to come by. But.... the real opportunities lie in taking the risk, getting out there, and building it for yourself!Ozgipsy...

Thank you Ozgipsy! I need to think about it carefully...I guess right now I more agree to do it, at least should try. Another question I have is : when would be a good / best time to apply for jobs in this industry for people without direct experience? I want to apply for jobs and business schools at the same time but with slightly focus.Would appreciate if any NN here can advice! Aim

In general, I think you should apply now. I'm not convinced that an MBA would make the difference between you getting accepted or rejected at this point in your career, given that you already have two degrees. I got hired 2 years ago on the back of two qualifications, a professional qualification and 3 years of industry experience to a good role within a Big 5 firm. One comment, if you're targeting one of the Strat houses, then an MBA may be a prereq.

Thank you rl,very good points. Yes, I want to enter the big ones. The reason for me to take MBA is I noticed the starting pay is quite different for MBAs and non-MBAs for some big firms. I dont know how it would go after you enter the world. (??)And as a long term, I personally think a good MBA will give a better foundation for my career. Because my economics degree was not in English as those from US or UK ....(although my another Master degree in Sci was from top University in US.I am in Asia. I dont know how much it could be valued by the employers. I want to apply jobs directly, but also want to finish exams to meet the deadline of application for my target business schools (Spring one). Can experienced people here in Singapore could give some sound comments?? Thanks a lot!

I would say go for it but one word of caution - get rid of your hangups about being a woman. It makes no difference at all and it is disappointing that you are bringing gender into it. On another point, you are having a laugh if you think 5 years will give you enough to half retire.

Hei, I think you are being a bit optimistic. I am working in Europe in consulting and got hired about a year ago. The point is that with 4 years of experience in industry you will likely get a senior consultant (associate) or at the best manager position. To get any step higher will take you minimum 5 years. I do not think that that is a very good place to retire :-/ And what do you really imagine as a retirement? You are not going to get any pension if you are 35, or for that matter working with art - all your experience from consulting will be useless... So think well first where you want to be in 5 years and if consulting is any relevant at all to reach your goals.