Where is the $ after ER

I am a new associate at a MM firm and don’t really know what I got myself into long-term. I wanted to do IB all of college but decided the WLB wasn’t for me. Now I’m worried (because an exit into PE is non-existent), how I’ll ever break $1M total comp in a year. What are the best exit opportunities, timelines, and comps for positions on sell-side, and buy-side at different firms (HF, long only, etc.)? Can I still be successful?

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People shit on climbing to become Analyst, but hot sectors (i.e. biotech) will get your average Analyst low 7 fig comp. HF, long only, pod, CFO/CBO/upper level strategy for start up, are some that come to mind. SS ER opens a ton of doors. If you don’t think so, you either 1) work for a bucket and your Analyst is shit, or 2) you have no competence and don’t know the usefulness of all that company/BS exposure, on top of the work. 

 
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Why not IB? A pretty common transition is ER to IB after a year or two. IMO you should re think your thesis on why you dont want to be in IB. Even if you can tolerate IB for a year it will set you up for almost any exit you want. It depends on the industry but in the mining and metals space IB shops love ER guys because of the in depth specific industry knowledge we have. The ability to slice and dice and mine model and understand how it actually operates is an invaluable skill. Almost as useful as a geologist in ER. But going back to your question: I see two options. Switch to the buy side (try to get in with a HF, maybe become a PM one day) or do IB for a year and get your fancy PE exit. Lots of ER people in the mining and metals space become Investor Relations for mining companies.. and they get lots of options. You can have a SERIOUS SERIOUS pay day if the company does well in a commodity boom.

IMO if you're worried about IB for the 70/80hr work weeks then you need to re think your mindset. Small short term sacrifice for a lot of upside. Get to the top in whatever industry you choose and you will be paid well. 

 

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