Concerns about top heavy team

About me: Analyst with 6 months experience in M&A, previously working at Big 4 FDD for 2 years.Currently working at a LMM boutique bank doing M&A deals in the $50m -$200m range focusing on large private and small cap public companies. We have a very lean team the following structure:-3x MDs-3x Directors (c.10 years experience at the firm)-6x Associates/Analysts (ranging from 6 years at the top end to 6 months experience)Deals are usually staffed with 1x MD, 1x Director and 1x Analyst/Associate; very rarely will there be a deal team staffed with both an Associate and Analyst at the same time. As such, this means that most of the deal preparation, IM writing, modelling etc. is done by the sole junior team member. The MD is primarily the relationship holder with the client and the director will project manage and manage day to day liaison with the client.My primary concern as an Analyst is that the workload imposed on junior team members is too high without cover from an Associate. Every junior has 3-4 deals at varying stages on at any one point in time. Additionally, the Analysts are forced to figure things out for themselves (not inherently bad, just inefficient) and miss out on useful learning experiences without having an Associate 'in the weeds'.Is this team structure typical for smaller boutiques? Am I missing out on development opportunities because I'm not working in a typical Analyst/Associate/VP/MD deal team structure?

5 Comments
 
Am I missing out on development opportunities because I'm not working in a typical Analyst/Associate/VP/MD deal team structure?

Probably, but if your directors are filling a VP role that it okay.  I am more concerned that you are wiriting investment books as a Analyst - Good experience,  but probably want to make sure you are learning from someone.  

 

Even at a BB associates are not in the weeds as much as you think. They are often on 7-9 projects and mostly in a checking work/coordination with VP role, not doing heavy modeling work or IM writing.

3-4 projects, doing most of the work product, and figuring it out with little guidance is all pretty normal, especially 6 months in. Probably good experience to be honest, if you ever want to lateral or move industries you will have a ton of knowledge of your deals

 

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