45 Comments
 

Roughly around $65K base + bonus = approx. $100k

The question is will you get that full bonus? I've had friends who were gypped of their bonus and ended up under paid. A friend of mine actually went to his lawyer to get the contract revised to his terms regarding the pay and bonus. The company agreed to his terms - goes to show how far you can go to get security if you have bargaining power.

 

research associate = 1st year out of college right? Just so we're clear.

I agree with the pay

1st year: 50k gbp (London) 2nd year: 75k gbp 3rd year: 100k gbp

 
CofTCDoes anyone know if they compensate for a non-MBA masters degree straight out of undergrad?

My guess is you'll come in as a first year analyst, because of no prior work experience.

Maybe a 2nd year analyst.

 
Best Response

A first year associate (remember that on the IB side an associate is higher than the incoming analyst, however it is switched on the ER side) coming fresh out of undergrad can make anywhere from $30k-$120k base with a bonus of approximately $5k-$60k. It all depends on: where the firm is, size of the firm (BB vs. boutique), the ability to negotiate higher salary/bonus, the sector followed and previous knowledge of said sector, where one went to school, where one interned - if at all, etc.

I started in a midwest boutique investment bank that paid just enough to associates to keep them from quitting. Bonuses were pittances. Many left after two years and translated the experience into high-paying BB gigs, however those of us who stayed were given nice COL raises and slightly higher bonuses for the second year. NYC simply pays more, as that is where the largest firms congregate and it is quite expensive to live there.

Moving to a new firm is really the only way to get paid market rates when one is starting out in a lower paying boutique firm. That first firm promoted the idea of moving on, and replacing associates regularly, as kind of a training ground, where they could get the most out of their associates for very little pay and then train some new associates. Kind of a flawed system, but when the mighty bottom dollar speaks, it has a loud voice.

 
the dudeA first year associate (remember that on the IB side an associate is higher than the incoming analyst, however it is switched on the ER side) coming fresh out of undergrad can make anywhere from $30k-$120k base with a bonus of approximately $5k-$60k. It all depends on: where the firm is, size of the firm (BB vs. boutique), the ability to negotiate higher salary/bonus, the sector followed and previous knowledge of said sector, where one went to school, where one interned - if at all, etc.

First, your range of 30k - 120k is way too big. First year associates out of undergrad at BB in NYC make roughly a base of 55k - 70k. This does not depend on some of the things you mentioned such as previous knowledge of sector. How much knowledge can an undergrad have in a sector? They usually bring in seasoned industry guys for that. Also, negotiate? Are you kidding me? That spot can be filled easily and I doubt almost 99% of undergrads can bring something real to negotiate with. You may be able to leverage off other offers by increasing a few thousand, but for the most part, the pay scale is set for incoming noobies.

 

yes, 50-60k gbp first year. So it's lower than ECM, but like all public side stuff, you catch up as you interact with clients and start generating revenue.

 

That's a misunderstanding - ER guys never generate directly compensation relevant revenues. That don't get Sales Credits like bankers or alike. Otherwise we would not call them RESEARCH. That's not a bad thing but always keep in mind that ER people typically never make beyond 150 k gbp. Of course their are outliers as everywhere, but you should not expect to be one - very unlikely. If you compare it to a plain vanilla M&A VP at a BB (not GS, MS more Deutsche, CS or alike) you will "always" get 300 - 600 k gdp and those are the opposite to outliers.

 

Analysts at my shop make in the millions with bonus. I am a post-MBA associate (there are two levels, the post undergrad ones and the post MBA ones) and I make 85% of what my IB friends make. Except, I work 75% as much as them.

Metals & Mining I-Banker
 

Research is the backbone of lots of banks. Ultimately, a trader and salesman makes many calls b/c of quality research. You also still have corporate brokers seeking advice and more and more hedge funds sprouting up demand for an in-depth knowledge of sectors. You can be worth your weight in gold if you end up figuring out what you're talking about.

And remember, teams are much smalller these days, so you make an impact instaneously. Look how fast independent research is growing, it shows you the demand is ridiculously high. You just have to be a very good writer, some decent finance skills and some common sense and you can be rolling in money.

 

I am curious about this as well, I would be interested in what a post-MBA/grad degree associate would make in Research...

 

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