Aug 23, 2024

Is my role BS?

Recently made a switch to a PC firm after a little over a year in commercial banking. I thought the role would be much more intensive, which is making me worry that I’m actually in some bs role that will leave me with no actual experience when trying to move up the ladder going forward.


All I’ve had to do is basic analysis to asses the health of some of our more “distressed” current companies. Write a few pages detailing the numbers and some industry analysis, and that’s about it. Deal flow has been slow, and I’m told I’ll be involved in new deals down the line. But for now it’s just basic portfolio monitoring. 

When I read about what other analysts are doing at other firms on this site, it makes me feel like I’m in Mickey Mouse private credit. For what it’s worth my salary is 85k base 20% bonus. My main concern about all of this is that I’m not going to be a “marketable candidate” going forward if all I have is due diligence experience. 
 

Am I overestimating how much analyst are actually supposed to be doing, or should I be worried that I’m in some bs analyst role that is setting me up for a dead end career?

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

Key Points:

  • Role Perception: It's common to feel that your role might be less intensive compared to others, especially when transitioning from commercial banking to a private credit (PC) firm.
  • Current Responsibilities: Basic analysis, assessing distressed companies, and writing industry analysis are foundational tasks. Deal flow might be slow now, but involvement in new deals is expected in the future.
  • Comparison with Peers: Comparing your role with others can be misleading. Many analysts at other firms might also start with similar tasks before moving on to more complex responsibilities.
  • Marketability Concerns: Due diligence experience is valuable. It’s a critical skill in finance and can be a strong point on your resume.

Advice:

  • Focus on Skill Development: Concentrate on mastering the tasks you are currently assigned. Being thorough and accurate in your analysis will build a strong foundation.
  • Ask for More Responsibilities: If you feel underutilized, communicate with your supervisors about taking on more challenging tasks or getting involved in new deals sooner.
  • Networking: Build relationships within your firm and the industry. Networking can open up opportunities and provide insights into different roles and responsibilities.
  • Long-Term Perspective: Early career roles often involve foundational work. As you gain experience, your responsibilities will likely increase, making you more marketable.

Insights from WSO Threads:

  • Analyst Experience: Many first-year analysts feel they are not learning enough or are stuck with mundane tasks. This is a common sentiment, but persistence and a proactive approach can lead to more significant opportunities.
  • Skill Set Development: Focus on being methodical and getting tasks right. Over time, you will become faster and more efficient, which will help you take on more complex projects.

Conclusion:

You are not alone in feeling this way. Many analysts start with basic tasks and gradually move to more complex responsibilities. Focus on doing your current job well, seek additional responsibilities, and keep an eye on long-term career development. Your due diligence experience is valuable and will contribute to your marketability in the future.

Sources: Declining Analyst Quality - Fact or Myth, Why are post-MBA associates so bad?, What is that Analyst skill set everyone is talking about exactly?, First year analyst, still feel incompetent and like I haven’t learned anything, Am I a shit analyst

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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