Can an introvert do well in ECM?
I'm very introverted, I'm really quiet, keep to myself, and am normally the silent one in group situations. I'm not at the extreme end of being socially awkward with no people skills, I can hold a conversation with others but I'm just naturally very quiet.
I enjoy banking but I've decided I don't like the hours and wanted a role where I had better work-life balance and stable hours so I've spoken with my managers who suggested moving into my banks ECM team where culture is really good with decent hours. I was introduced to the ECM team and they liked me and invited me to join their team but warned me that the role is much more sales heavy than industry teams so I would be expected to be on the phone to investors/clients answering queries and attending investor/client meetings, participate in pitches etc.
The role of ECM sounds very interesting to me and the team has a great culture with good hours but it's the complete opposite of my natural personality of normally avoiding people and being quiet, when I was younger I used to tell myself 'I would never ever want to be a salesman'... I've always been a maths geek. I feel buyside would have been ideal i.e. a hedge fund would be perfect for my personality and PE sounds very interesting, but I want a role where I would have good stable hours.
Am I setting myself up for failure by moving into an ECM role or is it possible for an introvert to be successful in a sales/people orientated role?
Also if there are any other introverts who are in the industry it would be great to also hear your thoughts.
bump
Unfortunately, most aspects of life are -- at least to some degree -- about salesmanship.
Since you're much more into analysis than salesmanship, sounds to me like equity research would be a good fit for you. Lot of analysis, good deal of writing and hours are (usually) supposed to be better than IB.
TBH, you are expected to be more client-facing at an earlier phase in your career in most ECM groups than banking. You may very well do well in it, but sales skills are one of the best predictors of how far you'll go in ECM and even in coverage. Research may be for you or some of the more OTC/quantitative S&T desks like rates or delta1.
As you move up in any role in finance you're eventually going to need some level of sales skills.
literally every job is a sales job to some degree you don't have to be downing vodka sodas with brad and chad but you need to be able to socialize well enough to close deals
I am very much like you in that I tend to be quiet in a group of people, even my good friends. Strange. I know. However, I have no problem in one on one situations or if I am presenting to a group.
I've held various 100% commission, direct sales jobs before school. It is something you get used to and better at over time. To do well in a sales role, you only have to prove you are competent, available, and not totally awkward. You don't necessarily need to be the slap you on the back, center of attention guy/gal to be successful. My .02
Being social for us introverts is like working out a muscle. You will become used to it I promise you. Nothing more to it.
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