Hi. I'm a Generalist M&A MBA Associate (no prior IB experience), and I'm struggling to handle the pressure of the Job. I get staffed on and requested for stuff that I have no idea to handle. I do ask around and get it done, but every time I get a request or a phone call, my heart starts to pound, and I feel I would get a heart attack. How to handle this situation.
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If you’re an associate start delegating to your analysts. You’re obviously capable if you’re an associate, you probably need to get better at delegating
This is bad advice, he's an MBA associate not an A2A.
If a brand new MBA associate started delegating tasks at my bank he would be laughed out of town... associates always start off being staffed as analysts so they learn how to do things
Literally just don't be weak
Communication is really important. Sometimes simply asking for clarification on things is huge. Is there a reason you don't know how to do something, if so, speak up. More often than not, people are willing to walk you through something you haven't done before if you ask.
Is it getting better or worse? The learning curve in IB is steep so its normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning. If you’re an MBA associate tho then I’m assuming your a little under a year in, which should mean things are getting easier. If they are then just relax and give it time. If its getting harder then maybe take a step back and think if you’re in the right career.
Oh this is all of us at one point of time. The learning curve is steep indeed, I used to dread every email/calls as idk if I will be able to handle them. But you will survive, and learn, and live to fight another day.
First of all, read the email and then give yourself a 3-5 minute break. Don't work on anything, go make coffee or a snack and think about the first steps to getting stuff done. Sounds silly, but it can be overwhelming when you start and I find just thinking about requests for a minute or two helps me make a game plan
Ultimately though, you will feel like this for at least the first two months. It gets better. At 6 months you will know how to do most things.
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