I am in the process of leaving my current employer who is a major player within the Petrochemical industry. I have some 20 years middle management experience in the areas of Services Procurement and Contracts Management, focusing in on the management of change in relation to performance improvement.I achieved my MBA 18 months ago at the age of 49. Will my age be a barrier with regard to a position within the management consultancy arena.

Alas, you will find a problem finding a position with the majority of Management Consultancies - you do not fit their 'profile'.Some of the smaller, specialist firms may look at employing you and leveraging your considerable knowledge. Please give me a call to discuss - 0207 331 1802

Some managment consultancies specifically seek to hire experienced executives, particularly those with substantial line management experience. An example is Proudfoot Consulting.

Cay, thanks for the advice. Any other examples

I was in similar position to you as a "grey" MBA (now a bit greyer). Question - do you want to stay working in the petrochem industry? If so, do a quick websearch and you will find that there a number of small/ medium consulting companies working in this area who not only use but require greybeard people like you (us). Someone basically said earlier that you wouldn't get a look in at the big consulting companies - not strictly true - but my stance is why would you want to. Your hands on expertise of the industry plus your contacts in that industry make you very saleable and recruitable for the smaller guys (plus I think its more fun). The MBA is a great method to update and bring together your business skills for a new market but it won't sell you - your experience will. Send me an email if you want to chat. Good luck.