<p>I'll probably be 29-30 when I get my MAcc, because I started late. Would that be considered too old for any of the Big 4 firms, or what about national firms like Grant Thornton and such?</p>
<p>I’m interested in this also cause ill be around 28 when I get a MACC</p>
<p>I don’t think at that age it will be a factor at all, especially considering you’ll have a masters. Once people are above the age of 20, its very difficult to discern their exact age. There’s plenty of 23 year olds that look 30 and vice versa. If you were clearly over the hill than maybe they would think twice, but even somebody that old could do it if they’re really good at selling themselves.</p>
<p>Even if they know that you are in your 30s, employers won’t care about your age just because it is not old for any profession. You might have some difficulties in finding a job only if you did not have any internships or working experience before. As I personally have seen, the majority of people complete their masters between their mid 20s and 30s, and those who pursue a MBA, even in their late 30s. I doubt that anyone of them has been discriminated by age. Although the age limit in business world exists, it is hard to say exactly at what age you will not stand a chance in getting a job. I guess it all depends on which positions you are applying to. For instance, if you are over 40 and applying for an entry position, your age might cause some difficulties. On the other hand, if you already have some solid working experince (5 to 10 years), you will be applying to a higher positions, such as manager, CFO, VP, etc., and at that stage, 40 years are a peak of your career.</p>
<p>Tosh what exactly is your real world experience in “the business world”?</p>
<p>I saw this post and it really intrigued me. I’m 31 years old and just graduated with an accounting degree. To be honest with you the only reason why a big 4 might discriminate on your age is because of the long days during busy season. (ya know like someone might say i have a family and i have to be out exactly at 5pm everyday and i can’t travel out of town, etc, etc…)</p>
<p>Besides that, in my experience and the few people who graduated with me within the same age bracket it has been a huge advantage!</p>
<p>Think about it this way, (or at least this was our selling point) you’re more mature, experience, and have less time to play games. You want to get your career started, you have more business experience (i hope so anyways) and this can really set you apart from the other college graduates who have literally no work experience and all have the same exact resume… summer job, summer job, and school. </p>
<p>Don’t worry, it has been a big advantage rather than a weakness.</p>
<p>If you start your big 4 career at 30, will you ever have a family?
At least if you start in public at 22, you will probably be at senior manager by 30-32 and have a better quality of life. If you start 8 years late, when will family come in to play? 40+? Start thinking about that before your kids start calling you stranger because you are never around to pick them up from school because your manager, who is the same age as you, is making you stay late to wrap up an engagement in order to exceed client expectations.</p>
<p>I’d say if you’re older than 27 then it’s too late.</p>