Hello everyone, I would like some advice on a question whoch I don't think has been answered on this forum before. I will soon be starting a career as a graduate with a major consulting firm. At 25 I'm a few years older than most starting graduates and the reason for this is that I completed a PhD in environmental science. My question is should I use the title Dr or Mr?My thought process is that I should use the title beause I don't want my managers etc to forget that I am a little older, more experienced (even though it's not directly related experinece), and have very strong academic credentials. If there are a few candidates up for the same promotion every little helps no?However, I don't want to be percieved as an pretentious idiot who thinks he's fantastic. What do you all think?thank-you.

Work with loads of Drs (MDs and PhDs) and one 'Sir', none of them use the title

If you exude wisdom, experience and gravitas you'll have no need to flash your official title.If you exude none of the above, flashing your title will be of no use anyway.

Got one myself. Unless I'm completing working in the area the research covered I will not use it.Don't talk about it either - people will line you up.

Hi,With a PhD at 25 you have all the right to be proud of yourself. Nevertheless, if you want to use your title it still depends on the country. In Germany for example it is most common to use it. They would even consider it weird if you don't. My best advice would be to ask your superior what is most appropriate at the department.

I say use it. Why ever not? Assuming you're good at your job, it will further enhance your credibility with clients (cough...NHS) who, these days, are often running scared of inept management consultants. It is possible to be proud and unpretentious. And well done!

I think you'll be seen as a pretentious idiot by colleagues and clients alike if you go around calling yourself Dr. You'll probably find that a number of the other "graduate" entrants these days have both academic qualifications and work experience.

Unless you buy a monocle, adopt a pseudo German accent and supplant your middle name with "von", I don't think using "Dr" at 25 will go down very well. I would suggest you put it on your e-mail footer, so that it is understated yet obvious - but you'll come across as a pretentious pratt if you insist on being called Dr. Besides that, most firms have a first-name culture - so unless you want people to call you Dr Dave, I'd stick with Mr.

HI guys,Thanks for your comments. Of course I would never insist on beng called Dr, in fact I'd be rather embarassed if I were. what I meant by my question was should I have the title Dr on official documents, staff sheets etc where other staff may have Mr/Mrs/Miss, so that it would be down on paper. I appreciate the comment about email fotters. thank you!

hey, thanks for putting up this post dave. im writing up this yr and have secured an offer for a strat firm. had thought about this issue myself but felt a bit silly asking it. i guess it depends where you are and how the firm views it, everyone you work with will be v.strong academically so its a fine line to tread.thanks again for the post!