Is 30 Too Old To Get a Degree in Business Management?

If you're 30 years old and contemplating a career change, you may be interested in going back to school. But you may be wondering: have you missed your chance?

Is 30 too old to start a new degree program, particularly one in business management?

Read on as we take a deeper look at this question and answer some additional questions you may have about getting a business degree.

Is 30 Too Old To Start a Business Management Degree?

The short answer to this question is no; it's never too late to start a new degree or pursue a new career path in business management. But there are things to consider if you're planning to get a business degree at age 30.

The majority of people who work in business management and administrative professions get started at a young age. Most major in business in their late teens and early 20s, then pursue an MBA a few years later.

If you are an older candidate, you may have to work a little harder to get accepted into your degree program of choice — especially if you are applying for an MBA program.

Most 30-year-olds have several years of work and life experience, and they can use this experience to their advantage when applying.

Highlight any professional accolades or accomplishments you have, particularly those related to business or leadership roles.

At the end of the day, both schools and companies are looking for candidates with strong leadership skills and the ability to succeed. These qualities are not necessarily dependent on age.

Will a 30-Year-Old Business Management Graduate Get a Job?

As noted, most people pursue business management degrees and begin their careers when they are in their 20s. But what about job candidates in their 30s?

It is possible for you to get a job in business even if you're just starting out at age 30. But, as with getting accepted into a business management degree program, you may have to work a little harder to find a job.

Companies generally prefer to hire younger candidates, but they will hire some older candidates for the sake of diversity and the experience these employees bring to the table.

Again, highlighting relevant experience and focusing on what makes you a good fit for the role will give you the best chance of landing it. This is true regardless of your age.

If you plan to pursue a business degree and change career paths in your 30s, take a look at why you want to make this change. Understanding your own motivations will make it easier for job recruiters to determine whether you will be a good fit for their company.

Are There Age Limits for Business Management Degree Programs?

Schools generally don't place age restrictions on their degree programs. Students of any age are welcome to enroll in college courses and graduate with degrees.

At most schools, the majority of students are in their late teens and early 20s; master's and doctoral students are typically older and have a more diverse age range.

That said, there are exceptions to every rule. Just because most students are younger doesn't mean that older students will be unwelcome or unsuccessful.

Students who have a greater level of work and life experience often have a lot they can contribute to their classes. They may also have a better idea of their personal and professional goals, which can make them more dedicated, hardworking students.

But even traditional, campus-based programs are not closed off to older students. It is not uncommon to see students in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s enrolled in classes.

How Long Does a Business Management Degree Take?

The length of completion for a business management degree can be different depending on various factors.

If you are completing an associate degree and study full time, you should be able to finish in about two years. Alternatively, bachelor's degrees take full-time students about four years to finish.

If you choose to go on and complete a master's degree, you can expect to spend an additional one to two years in school. Getting a doctoral degree can add anywhere from four to seven years to your study time.

Getting your degree on a part-time basis is definitely possible, but it will take you longer. The length of time it takes you to graduate will depend on how quickly you complete the required credit hours.

Regardless of how long it takes you to graduate, the important thing is to learn from your classes so you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your new career path.

Start Your Business Management Degree Today

You are not too old to start a business management degree at 30, though you may have to work a little harder to get accepted into a degree program and to find a job as an older candidate. It's a good idea to evaluate your personal and professional goals to decide if this would be a good career move for you.