Sell Side Credit Research -> Private Lending or Credit HF; Looking for better culture and mentor who is invested in my career
Fellow members, I am currently a sell side analyst at one the top banks with slightly less than a year at the job. I also have a graduate degree in a relevant subject from an Ivy League school.
I am being paid decently well, I love the work (like to understand businesses and going deep to understand what’s working or not - I enjoy getting that differentiating piece of information). I think I have good social skills and am building relationships with people on the floor and our clients (though very slowly).
Hours are rough with zero flexibility. We need to come to office every single day, starting at 6/6.15 am and ending at around 7/7.30 pm on normal days. During earning seasons (~8-10 weeks per year), it can be super early and super late. It does not get better as people 30-35 years senior to me follow the same schedule (don’t know how much they get paid to live such a life).However, at this point, I am more or less okay with the hours in the short run.
I don’t like the culture at all. I know it depends from person to person, but for me its a very senior junior (read: professor student) relationship. I have absolutely no freedom and I need to send my boss even the smallest thing before sending on the main IB chat (even a simple news tape like a downgrade or upgrade). Basically, I send him the news and he sends it on the office chat (allowing me little or no visibility). The same is the case for all internal notes that I write. Separately, I find him very rude and sometimes racist (more on that in some other post).
I am considering opportunities for the future. If I leave in 1/1.5 yr (which I plan to), there is definitely going to be a lot of learning left on the table. However, I think I can grow better if I have some more freedom to express my views. Importantly, I am looking for a much better mentor.
What do you think is a better career transition (Private Lending or Credit HF) based on following factors? 1. Compensation 2. W/L balance 3. Skills Transferability 4. Social aspect (I think I can do well at a role with social interaction and business development) 5. Culture 6. Long term growth
I know I might not have the relevant deal experience for private lending but I can build myself if it is a better path.
I would try to get two years there. You will have ample opportunities in long only credit research. I would recommend reaching out to past junior credit analysts at your bank and asking them for career advice (eg how did you make the move to XYZ?). Life on the buy side will be way better - hang in there!
Thanks for your response. Noted, I will consider your advice before I make a decision.
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