I'm a Senior at a semi-target. Large, public state school. I accepted an offer for a credit research associate analyst position covering high yield bonds. Firm is a top 20 asset manager, based on size / AUM, and I'm very excited. The team has told me there's potential for a promotion to analyst after 2 years, and the program is meant to last 4 years. They'll sponsor my CFA so I plan on sitting Level 1 this summer and going from there. I'm registered to take my GMAT in two months so I can sit on my scores and decide if I want to go back to school in 5 years, before they expire.
I'm wondering what kind of exits opps I should be looking at. I've searched around and haven't found much for credit analyst career progressions. Dream job would be working at a credit or distressed debt focused hedge fund in about 5~ years, give or take.
Questions I have: - Do people in credit analyst positions at AM's typically just stay there? - Should I definitely be planning for B-school if I want to exit to a hedge fund or can I do without it? - Building off previous question, are there any Top 7 or 15 business schools that are known for placement in credit funds? - Have any of you been through a similar career route, and would you be willing to share some advice? How can I make the most out of my upcoming 2-4 years?
Thanks in advance.
