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If I join Bain at 21, how old can I expect to be when I make it to partner level?

I've accepted an offer to join Bain London as a graduate next year. I will be 21. I was just wondering out of interest how long it usually takes to become a partner? Can I get there by 30? If I do an MBA will it be 32 ish instead?

Just wondering out of interest. If anyone knows I'd be grateful!

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Thabang
Coach
on Dec 03, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there, 

Based off how things are now, I'd say it can take you anything between 8 - 12 years without going for MBA to reach Partner at Bain. This does vary somewhat across regions and will also be affected by the practices you join. But generally (and for simplicity), from Associate => Consultant => Manager => Principal => Partner, you can spend anywhere from 2-3 years in each role. This can be 4 years too for the more senior roles and depending on slow economic cycles.

So if you join at 21, in a great (early case) scenario, you could reach there by 29 or as late as 33 or more. 

All the best

Florian
Coach
on Dec 02, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 500+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Congrats! What a great achievement.

Your timeline seems realistic and I have seen a few similar profiles in McK while I was there.

All the best,

Florian

PS: I have written a book called Consulting Career Secrets. Check it out on Amazon if you are interested. I detail how to navigate the entry, work towards an (early) promotion while paying attention to work-life balance concerns and many other things!

Alberto
Coach
on Dec 03, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

To add to my colleagues’ responses, I’ll point out that less than 5% of people at the entry level actually make it to partner.

Some move on to pursue interesting exit opportunities, others prioritize finding a better work-life balance, and some simply don’t understand the dynamics needed to hack the system and accelerate their careers.

Best,

Alberto

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