Ducera Partners: The elite boutique where associates earn up to $650k

Saw an article on efinancial careers today about Ducera's ridiculous comp for Analysts and Associates.

Worked across from these guys on a restructuring 2 years ago but have heard they are doing a lot of M&A and SA right now given the lack of activity in the RX market.

Can't post the article link in here for some reason on here but the article said comp is:

  • Analyst 1: $110k base, $215k - $230k total comp

  • Analyst 2: $125k base, $210k - $270k total comp

  • Analyst 3: $140k base, $310k - $330k total comp

  • Associate 1: $200k base, $430k - $490k total comp

  • Associate 2: $225k base, $560k - $590k total comp

  • Associate 3: $250k base, $620k - $650k total comp

 
Controversial

I'm guessing they attract lots of non-target hustlers willing to work their asses off because they believe money will solve all their problems. 

 

From my understanding, one of the partners/founders came from a non-target and cause of that they like to open themselves to non-core schools. Not to say they don't take targets but they like to pride themselves as a firm that finds diamonds in the rough. Smart people that may be overlooked because they don't have as polished of a background. Honestly I got a culture vibe close to the HLRX group.

 

Not sure where this comment is coming from, HL RX is very very focused on pedigree, analyst class is always 50% Wharton, and rest is like one kid max from MIT/Duke/Uva

 

Heard this place is hell on earth. Anyone have insight into hours? and if this comp is real?

 

Some of the the heaviest hours across any bank on wall street. Once spoke with an employee there who has since left because he couldn't bear the workload. He mentioned that juniors were always in the office with hours during the busiest weeks around 120-130 hours/week. 

 

I met a guy who left Ducera after 2 years to go to a shit tier bank as a 25 year old 3rd year analyst. I was shocked that he said he was an analyst because he had massive bags under his eyes, was really thin, and his hair looked like it was thinning out. I would've pegged the guy as in his 30s. Banking drains your life and Ducera does it the most.

 

I am not saying your friend didn't gain weight but,  I am calling BS on 25 lbs - 1 pound of fat is approximately 3500 cals. Over 10 weeks that would be ~1,250 cals a day - if 14 weeks ~900 a day.  

That is about equivalent to either running 7+ miles a day and then stopping 

or drinking a 6 pack of beer everyday

I am guessing that there is some split of less working out and an increasing bad diet - but 25 lbs is just a lot.  

 

1200 isn't a lot bro. If you started treating yourself to a shake & cookie from Shake Shack to get you through til 2AM+ every night then ur done for

 

Friend of a friend worked there. Comp was very high and they had great things to say about the culture. Tight-knit group that works and plays hard

 

seconded.  Heavy on technicals and long hours but high comp with interesting deals (passionate people about RX from what I've heard).

 

Find it funny how people on here go into IB then complain about the hours..what are you expecting?  Understand the mid/low tier firms (rayjay, piper sandler, baird, etc.) don’t get great flow/prestige at the deal level but why go into finance if you’re not willing to work the hours?

Greater question…but why is our generation so SOFT and not willing to work hard?

 

Had a friend there for two years. He became a shell of his former self - was constant 9-3/4 6 days a week. The light in his eyes was dark and only came back after he left.

Banking can obviously have tough hours, but Ducera is a notch above. Sure that sticker number looks great, but there’s a real trade off for it (i.e. your life).

Would strongly advise starting at another firm and test the waters if you have it in you. I’ll take the odds you’ll take the Analyst comp and WLB at another firm over Ducera once you realize $150-$190k p.a. with 80hrs on average is a whole different story than 90-110hrs and whatever they pay.

 
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