Become graduate and start as Associate?

Hi all :)

I've been reading a lot about how about how awful the life of an analyst can be and how trivial the tasks can be so I was thinking about breaking into banking after finishing my Master degree in Math/Econ.

Would that be a good choice or would I "miss" some things that the analysts who got promoted to associates will have?

I see on most of the BB Banks websites that they hire new graduates directly into associates positions but, taking into account that I get good grades on the Master, will they consider someone with a Master degree or is "graduate" meant as ph.Ds and MBAs?

With a Master degree in Math/Econ which opportunities, other than being a quant, are open?

Regards

3 Comments
 

This subject has been comprehensively discussed, and I think you will find some informative material from the archives.

It is rare to have a choice of analyst vs. associate: generally you enter as an associate when you have passed the point in life (senior in college) when you could have entered as an analyst. Most folks who have entered banking as associates (post-MBA) will tell you that they would have rather gone in as analysts out of college. The work content and lifestyle of the associate is not much better than that of the analyst, and in some cases it is more menial (the associate is often tasked with reviewing the work of the analyst, and working on formatting Powerpoint while the analyst handles the model). Most importantly, associates lack the exit options of analysts, and have few of the attractive buyside opportunities available to the best analysts.

Having said all that, a masters degree in Math/Econ will open few doors in investment banking. You really need an MBA to pursue an associate-level position, and you are past the point where you will likely be considered for an analyst-level role.

 

Ouch.. Such a shame that I've gone with the Master instead of an MBA then.

Would it be easier to just try and get directly into PE, a HF or some of that stuff with my Master in Math/Econ?

 
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