I'm at the stage in my career where the next step up in terms of promotion would be to Manager.I used to have a few good mentors, but they have now left the firm.So I am thinking of asking some people more senior than me if they would consider being my mentor.Something I am really worried about is this. Some of the senior people I work with came into Consulting through very different career pathways. They might have started off doing X, then spent a bit of time doing Y, before joining Consulting. Consequently, they might be a Manager, but perhaps in their mid to late thirties. I'm not knocking it, I'm just trying to explain why I might have reservations asking them to be a mentor to me. Could they maybe see me looking to make Manager at age 26/27 and perhaps be a bit...'funny' about that?Is this a valid concern I should have?

Any which will be "funny" you won't want as a mentor. However "diversity" is important and varied backgrounds bring a much more rounded perspective on consulting rather than those who know nothing different.I'm sure you could sound them out and understand this before making your mind up as to who is best.I certainly wouldn't worry about upsetting them with some pointed questions.