Risk of moving to PM role too quickly
Hello,
I've recently been offered the possibility to transition to a LO equities (co-)PM role over the next 1-2 years. I'm currently a research analyst covering a fairly large GICS sector and been on the job for two years. I was initially very excited and optimistic about the offer, but after reflecting and asking around to other analysts and PMs in my firm it seems that there are two opposing philosophies on my situation:
- 1st group claims that if your career ambition is eventually to move to a PM role, then the faster the better as you pick up the necessary skills and experience to be a PM immediately.
- 2nd group argues that becoming a PM (which is more generalist by nature) too soon without a thorough grounding in the deep research process and without the foundation of at least one sector expertise can actually be detrimental to your PM career. This group posits that it is best to cover a sector as an analyst for at least 4-5 years before transitioning to PM.
Overall, the people whom I respect the most (and hope to emulate more) in my firm tend to favour the second position.I am also fortunate to be covering a sector that I find to be very interesting and dynamic, and so could see myself being an analyst for longer. My concern, however, is that PM roles do not become available frequently and so fear not being able to make the transition after 4-5 years when I would ideally like to.
Does anyone have any strong opinions on which approach is optimal given my circumstances? I would appreciate any advice or views from experienced professionals in the industry.
Thank you.
Bump
I agree with basically everything you say. I think the ideal is the second group ie. to be an analyst for longer before coming a PM.
However, life is not ideal. I think realistically you have to take the co-PM role now, if you want to be a PM. You have no idea if you will be offered something like this again. I would take some comfort in the fact that it is just a co-PM role and so presumably you will be working alongside a more experienced PM. Most people in this industry are also fairly realistic and won't expect you to be a great co PM from day 1, you can ease into it.
They wouldn't offer you the role if they thought you were not capable, so I would have some self confidence and go for it.
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