Questions on Corporate Hierarchy/Career Progression

So, I'm 28 years old, and I was recently offered a position as "manager" at a large international (Global 100) corporation. Compensation package should be a little over 100k with stock options (details a little unclear). Now, I know that all companies have their own different structures, but generally, how old are most people who hold this type of a position? Is this considered middle management? upper management? My division itself is small and insulated from rest of the company, but I know that there are at least "analysts" and "associates" who are below the manager level. There's not a lot of basis for comparison as this insulated division is in its own separate little office--I would be the most junior of anyone there, but the two other managers are in their late 30s, and work directly under a VP, often speaks with/presents to the NA and global CEOs, although I'm sure that's not the next progression up. I was also promised that they'll put me on the inside track--no promises on promotion, etc, but they'll try to make me a key figure in their North America operations. Will probably end up not taking the job, but I just wanted to know for reference. Any insights or anecdotes would be greatly appreciated... thanks!

Thanks for the opinion. Yeah, it's definitely a pretty sweet opportunity, and I'm not really worried about the age thing. Just that my other option is in management consulting, which is also considered to be a fast track for corporate management/executive roles--so I guess I was trying to feel out how "ahead" of the curve the job in OP was to better weigh the two options. Yeah, I definitely want to be like Alexander the Great in my own way. Just trying to figure out what the best way to go about world domination would be.

how old are pepople in "middle management" expected to be? both my parents were in education, and growing up in Boston, most of my parents' friends were, too... so I know nothing about how corporations work, etc. as for what i'm doing now, i'm currently a grad student in my last term. the other option is in management consulting (see my second post) which is also considered a fast-track in corporate management/exec roles, so I just wanted to see what would put me in a better position 3-5 years down the line. and if all else equal, i would opt for the broader industry options and higher salary (lots of loans to pay off) of management consulting. what usually comes after manager? and if anyone has experience in mgmt consulting: if i can't make it to the next level (engagement manager/project leader/etc) and am forced out in 2 years, what kind of a role would I be looking at? (the wealth of resources on consulting online mostly seem to focus on college grads)

offer at one of the M/B/B, which will pay about 1.5 times more, but entail about 2x more hours. money's not a HUGE deal, although all things equal, it'd be nice to pay off loans sooner. I just don't know what exit options really will be in 2 years, as i really don't know anyone in this industry--if i'll be starting off at the same level in 2 yrs, might as well take this job now, esp at a company invested in my development, you know? but of course if this is a typical job that one expects to have as 28-32 year old, then I won't be passing up anything super interesting, i guess.

It's under consideration--that's why I asked. I guess you could call it FO--I don't think I've heard anyone make that distinction in consulting. I got it through internet resume drop and subsequent rounds of interviews. Springboard to what, is what I'm asking I guess. If I'm pushed out in 3 years to end up where I would have ended up anyways, I might as well take the other route, you know? I like the company, the industry, the people, the hours, and the location (even if I'm not pushed out, per se, I'd like to be out of it sooner than later). At the same time, if even 2-3 years at MBB would catapult me beyond that, i'd definitely be willing to sacrifice a couple years.

I would join as an associate. Really, 3-4 years at MBB would be good enough for VP/Director? So I'd be like 31, 32? Sounds pretty sweet. Like I said before, I couldn't find much resources that got into the specifics for post-MBA consulting--all I could find were for college grads. I don't know how long it would take if I took the industry job--hence the concern about what level this "manager" job is at. As for your question: I suppose some people might find the salary difference appealing, at least for a couple years. Or not really know what industry is the one they want (one of my reasons). Could be allured by the brand name. And of course, the whole thing about accelerated career progression.