28 yo 2nd year analyst at MM IB. I started out in accounting, and gradually moved my way up.
Just got through 10 months here, finished all my certs, but for the first time, I feel lost. I spent my post grad years working toward this goal (GPA was bad so I started at a small accounting firm) but now i genuinely feel like exit opps are bare.
Don't think I can lateral to PE, HF, VC, or a boutique M&A. My only reasonable shot it seems is to move internally to our M&A group, but I also feel the age factor creeping up. I'll be 29 this year, and I'm competing with people ~23/24. I'm almost tempted just to double down here and make VP. But then I'll be really stuck in DCM
I want these sexier exit opps, but I feel like they are years away and I feel short on time. I just mostly feel like all my goals going forward are nebulous.
Anyone have any definitive things I can do to reach that next step? Maybe I need to do some soul searching, networking, but any tips would be great
DCM is a good time, you dont HAVE to make a move. But I know what you mean, you work so hard to break in, that once you do it youre like "okay, whats next". There's nothing wrong with having goals you want to reach, but honestly if you're always planning your next lateral or your next move you wont ever have time to appreciate the results of all your hard work. Again, DCM is nothing to look down at. If you're truly enjoy the markets you can make a career out of it and get paid well.