Constantly assigned to admin tasks instead of pitches — boring, but guaranteed top bucket?
I am an analyst in the M&A team of a large bank in Frankfurt.
Recently, I have been experiencing that, alongside my live deals, I am no longer being staffed on pitches. Instead, I am being assigned administrative tasks by our MDs.
These tasks are not necessarily secretarial work. They include creating presentations for the bank's executive board and HR related tasks like case studies with applicants.
Due to these tasks, I have gained good visibility with our MDs, which led to me being in the top bucket of my team last year and receiving the maximum bonus. Throughout the entire last year, I have not worked on any pitches.
However, I find it challenging because I actually want to work as an M&A analyst and develop the corresponding expertise.
What do you think? Should I bring this up and ask for fewer administrative tasks, or should I keep quiet and simply take the guaranteed ranking in the top bucket?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation highlights a classic trade-off between short-term recognition and long-term career development. Here's how you might approach it:
Understand the Trade-Off: While administrative tasks like those you described can boost visibility with MDs and secure a top bucket ranking, they may not provide the technical M&A expertise (e.g., valuations, modeling) that is critical for your long-term career in investment banking or private equity. This could limit your exit opportunities or progression within the field.
Leverage Your Current Position: Your visibility with MDs is a significant advantage. Use this goodwill to have a constructive conversation about your career development. Frame it as a desire to grow and contribute more effectively to the team rather than dissatisfaction with your current tasks. For example, you could say, "I really appreciate the trust you've placed in me with these high-visibility tasks, but I’d also like to gain more experience in valuations and pitches to round out my skill set."
Balance is Key: It’s not about completely avoiding administrative tasks but finding a balance. You could request to be staffed on a mix of live deals, pitches, and administrative responsibilities. This way, you maintain your visibility while also building the technical skills you need.
Consider the Long-Term Impact: If your goal is to stay in M&A or transition to a role like private equity, gaining technical expertise is non-negotiable. However, if you’re open to roles that value organizational and project management skills (e.g., corporate strategy, internal M&A teams), your current trajectory might be advantageous.
Timing Matters: Choose the right moment to bring this up. Ideally, during a performance review or a one-on-one with a supportive VP or MD who can advocate for you.
Be Strategic About Your Ask: Avoid outright rejecting administrative tasks, as they’ve clearly worked in your favor. Instead, position your request as a way to enhance your contribution to the team and align with your career goals.
Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between maintaining your top bucket status and ensuring you’re developing the skills that will serve you in the long run.
Sources: Q&A: Consistent Top Bucket IB Analyst, Q&A: Consistent Top Bucket IB Analyst, Calling All Lower-Middle to Bottom Bucket Analysts: Why were you Bottom Bucket and Where are you now?, Associates who started as analysts: Why did you stay in IB?, Never mind the hours, how do people stand the type of work in banking?
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