Average age for graduate schemes?

clewis

Hi, I just wanted to ask what would the average age for people on graduate schemes? Would it be mostly 22-23 year olds, and would older people be out of place? The reason I'm asking is that I'm graduating next year with a degree in economics, however I'm going to be 26 years old (as this is my second time around doing a degree...long story). Just wondering would I be out of place at 26, or would there be other people around my age? Also how would future employers look at the fact that I have two undergraduate degrees, I'm worried it might make me look unfocused. Thanks for any help!

Seifer

Older people might be out of place but your not old.
23 year olds and 26 year olds are around the same age.

AEG

You are still a graduate, whether you are 21 or 26 or even 56 IMO.

You just need to have an answer prepared if you make it for interview as to why you have two degrees, but maybe an employer might view this as a strength rather than a weakness (i.e. you have experience in two different disiplines).

RedXIV

I went on a graduate program in April and at 23 i was the third youngest of 12, oldest was 29.

So you shouldn't feel bad

SGKM

I started a grad programme in 2008, there was 98 of us taken on. I was 22 at the time, the youngest was 21 and the oldest was 35. There were also a few guys who were 28 / 29. You'll be older than average but depending on the organisation, you shouldn't be the oldest.

urban cowboy

Hi

I'm going to be 34 when I graduate and so the question in this tread is one that I've been asking myself a lot lately. At how much of a disadvantage will I be at compared to others in my class who will be graduating at ages 22/23. I am expecting to get a 2.1 class degree if results from the past two years are anything to go by.
How do people in HR view older graduates. Do they decide on how many older or mature graduates they will take on before interviewing begins? I read in an unrelated tread that the fact that the retirement age will be increased should be viewed as a positive for those of us who are entering our newly chosen careers that wee bit later than the usual age of 22/23. I really hope so. Jobs are gonna be that bit harder to come by in the next few years without the disadvantage of being older. I am beginning to think that the quality of any interview I give will have to be better than an interview given by a 22 year old. I mean that any silly answer from a 22 year will be forgiven quicker than a dumb answer given by a 34 year old! It doesn't sound fair in a childish kinda way!:(

D-Generate

Nah 26 isn't too old, probably average to a bit above but not near the end of the spectrum. If it is a multinational a lot of graduates can be from continental Europe and if they were doing Engineering or the Sciences will have spent 5 years in university + military service for many and also there will be some who have pursued PhDs.

Don't worry about age, its merits they care about. It is also illegal for them to ask you your age, it is in the US anyway and I assume here too.

experiMental

I'll be 25 when I graduate, so I'm a bit worried as well. Also, will the graduate scheme recruiters look at what an applicant done in secondary and even primary schools? Are they looking for a mind that they can mould easily or someone who has actually had a varied experience in life?