HELP: Transitioning from Junior to Senior Analyst
Hey guys. I'm somewhat new here (posted a lot back in 2008). I recently got 'promoted' to a senior analyst position at a credit fund and was wondering what advice you may have for the transition.
Background: Did sell-side credit research as a desk analyst at GS/MS for 3 years, moved to a top HY credit fund, now moving to a relatively young credit unit of a very large long/short hedge fund.
I was a junior analyst doing mostly modelling/credit analysis work but nothing on the investing side. My old team really liked me and supported my move - I thought I was going in as a more 'senior' junior analyst at the new fund.
Just turned out that they want to give me a few sectors as a 'senior analyst' - these were the sectors I primarily worked with over the past few years, and they are not looked at closely by the current team.
So the main question: HOW should I prepare for the transition from a junior analyst to a senior analyst - obviously networking becomes more important, but what are things to think of. The senior analyst role is sort of like a junior PM - I have to start thinking about hedges, rates sensitivity, etc. We will invest in primarily long/short performing credit and credit derivatives.
Thank you for the help and looking forwad to being an active member of the community. I'm 26 and most of my new team is 5-20 years older than me so I don't want to start off on wrong foot.
Any mid-level or senior guys want to comment on what their transition is like? I'm just reading 10-K's as of now :(
Difference between 1st and 2nd year analyst (Originally Posted: 10/25/2015)
Heading into my 2nd year of investment banking at a regional firm.
What do you guys think is the biggest difference in the mentality of a first year analyst vs a second year analyst. Also, anyone have personal or stories from others of analysts going from bottom bucket 1st year to exceeding performance expectations / getting better at the job in second year?
You own the work product much more in your 2nd year, and are given more responsibility. Generally are much faster at tasks, and can be the go-to analyst whenever an important pitch for the group comes up. Obviously expected to make less mistakes, and usually contribute more in content development and dialogue with the client.
I've also noted that as you become more competent at the job, the seniors trust you more and thus you are staffed on more deals leading to longer hours. But I've also heard that as a 2nd year or experienced analyst you are able to push back more.
What is the relationship between first year analysts and second year analysts (Originally Posted: 02/01/2012)
Are second year analysts the boss of first years? If there is assignment to do late at night, is it assumed that the first year would have to do it? Next year at my firm, there will be 1 3rd year analyst, 3 second year analysts, and just 1 first year analyst? Am I effed?
Dicey.
Everywhere I worked thus far, 1st and 2nd year analysts got along and I think once the first years are up to par, you won't necessarily notice a difference. Some 2nd years think that since they are in their 2nd year they can boss 1st years around.
You gotta pay your dues so you'll probably get your share of late night trips under the bus... but everyone goes thru it... They went thru it when they were a first year. You should make an effort to be cool with your senior analysts because they can help you out and teach you things, and realize that you are creating a lot of late nights for them in the beginning because you are worthless to everyone when you start.
interested to hear any anecdotes
Quam sit quis necessitatibus rerum ipsum. Odit ullam sint eos beatae quibusdam voluptatum alias pariatur. Odit et commodi architecto. Unde corporis recusandae consectetur quod deserunt doloribus doloremque.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...