When I started my search for an MBA School, I came accross your blog. I need a few suggestions and would appreciate if you could reply to my email address.

Respect!

MJ

In the terminology I came across in one of the books that gives an overview of the MBA application process, I am considered an older applicant. I am 32 years old engineering professional with 8+ years of experience in the field of mechanical engineering. I have MS in Mechanical Engineering and have worked in different companies in various roles which mostly have been very technical but have given me some flavor of technical marketing, consulting and product strategy. At this point in my career I am interested in pursuing full time MBA mainly to accelerate my career growth. One of the programs that I think will be the right fit for me is the MMM program at Kellogg. Also the MBA programs offered at Columbia, MIT and LBS are of interest to me. I looked at the class profiles at these schools and it is true that my age makes me fall outside the 80% class size age range and justifies my classification as an older applicant. This is of concern to me and it really would be useful if you could provide some insight into the following:
1. Percentage of older students (mid-thirties age group) enrolled in the MBA/MMM program at Kellogg.
2. I will be 36 when I graduate if I get admitted to the class of 2012. How much of a disadvantage will my age be during the recruitment process?
3. Typically what percentage of the students in mid-thirties at Kellogg do not return to their pre-MBA employers or embark on careers different from pre-MBA?

Any other suggestions that you can provide will help.

Thanks,
Mani

I do know a bunch of JD/MBAs at Kellogg – they’re better placed to give you an opinion on this. If you’d like me to put you in touch, let me know – just pop another comment here.