Question:

I have been going through your website and am subscribed to your emails. I have a few questions that I hope you can help address.

I went to a reputed business school after working for about a decade in the technology industry.

I got through the case interview of a niche consulting firm, but couldn’t make it to the final round, and later on was informed that most likely the other candidates were younger.

I then switched to a different industry and worked for two years, and then I decided to start a company with some partners, but it didn’t go well.

I’m thinking of looking at getting into consulting.

Do you think consulting has an entry age?  How do consulting firms look at candidates such as myself?

Do you have any suggestions on what kinds of firms may be suitable?

I’m based out of India and prefer being in Asia.

Your thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated.

My Reply:

In Asia, I don’t know if age is a big factor. In the U.S., age alone is not a factor, but if you’ve worked 10 years and accomplished as much as someone who has worked only one year, that is a factor.

So the accomplishment per year worked ratio is conceptually what is important in the U.S. and elsewhere.  In Asia, actually biological age may or may not be a factor. I just do not know. I certainly have not heard of it being a factor, but it may be a cultural one that I’m not familar with.

I wish you the best in your endeavors.