Hi everyone, I have worked in the IT field in UK( Reinsurance & Money Laundering within a FTSE100 firm) as a systems analysts for over 20 years. I am looking to go into management consulting. I am currently still working in the FTSE 100 firm.I am thinking of taking an MBA course in September 2009 at a non top tier Uni. My question is i. What is the probabilty of being considered for Management Consultancy? I have 8 years of software house client facing experience - Reinsuranceii. I will be 51 by the time I finish the MBA. Will I be considered too old by the consulting firms?Many thanks....

better to do a specialist MSc in a field related to your experience and then be a guru consultant in that area

FITP,Based on the reasons you give I would not do an MBA at anything other than a top tier school because the value attributed to such an MBA by the top consultancies is significantly lower. If this is for reasons of cost, then it is a false economy.On another note, if you have over 20 years' experience then you're likely to be over 40, which is very old to make such a jump unless you were to be recruited at a senior level, which is unlikely given that your experience is purely IT-based. Furthermore, consultancies are currently being flooded with applications from fresh grads and the refugees of the banking diaspora.Sorry if this sounds very negative, but best of luck whatever you decide.EC

Agree with anon- do an Msc instead of an MBA, then market yourself as an expert consultant in that area. Companies such as ACN, IBM, EDS etc would love to have your in depth experience ( and education too), then wiggle your way to a more management consulting type role in those companies. Much easier if you already are an employee to get an internal transfer rather than do a degree (any degree) and come in through the front door.