Is 30s too old to start an Investment Banking job as Analyst?
Hello,
I'm 31 years old and just got an offer as Analyst (2) in the coverage section from one of the top US investment banks.
I have done RM at the commercial bank and several finance roles (I hold a CPA qualification) at the global commercial company but M&A is totally a new field.
Essentially I want to work for Private Equity (apparently it's super hard to break into) so working at IB for several years could help me.
But I'm also a bit concerned that if starting as Analyst could be too late and if there is any other better way to get a PE role.
I've thought about VC and Strategy consulting as well but IB seems to have the best chance. Of course I've applied to PE firms too but not sure if I can get any offer so I'm thinking about back-up plans.
In addition, I'm a single mother and my parents live far away so I'm a bit worried how I can manage (of course I need to hire a baby sitter). Would love to know any thoughts on my situation!
Thanks
Well you got an offer so I would say it's not too late. Being a parent and managing the job will obviously present its challenges the largest of which is having to travel on last minute notice, which can happen. At the end of the day though you are the only one who can decide what is and is not possible, in my experience the most determined people always find a way. Best of luck.
Thanks a lot for your comment! Yes, you are right. Having an offer means that it's not too late. I should at least give it a try. Thank you!
It's never too late, until it's too late
Stay committed to the cause. I'm entering as a mid-year analyst in IB as well. I'll be 29 in 3 months. And have a 7yr old, fortunately my gf and I are still together thru the trials and tribulations. My end goal is PC more than PE. I'm sure it will be hectic but I'm focused on the big picture and I'm sure as the above poster said, you'll find a way.
Congrats! You are right, being focused is indeed key! Good luck to both of us :)
Single mother ib analyst.....you will need a full time nanny...100%
Yes, that was my concern but I live with my sis (and luckily her job is not too busy) so probably hiring a part-time nanny could work... hopefully..!
afree with above poster....yes you can do it, but you will not be able to provide fulltime child care to your children...you will need either a fulltime livein nanny, or family member to care for your kids....this is where grandparents shine. If you don't have some kind of nanny, then this is not possible.
Totally agree. I'm lucky to have my sister living with me as my parents live far away (for Analyst, paying for a living nanny wouldn't be that easy I assume...). will probably need to hire a part-time nanny too though.
Just make sure you pay the nanny (be that your sister or someone else) a fair wage...Don't want resentment to build and bridges to burn lol. If I were you, I'd opt into hiring a nanny that's not your sister. You should definitely ask your sister what her thoughts on that are, though. Best of luck.
Congrats! I'm about to be in the same boat. I have 4 years of experience in the field performing a different function (accounting/credit rating analyst) and I was offered an analyst role in IB that puts me at the same level as someone that just graduated.
Another thing you should keep in mind is your attitude. You'll be at the same level as people that just graduated, and taking orders from younger people with much less experience than you. Which means you have to be super careful not to come across as condescending or too good/too smart for your level.
My goal is to kill it and learn as much as possible on the banking side in 1 yr and then bounce to an associate role at another bank. GL!
Thanks for the comment. I'm glad that there are a few people who are on the same boat as me. Being at the same level as new grads made me a bit hesitate to accept an offer to be very honest. However, Analyst at IBD will give me so much experience that I can't gain at my current role so I should just try my best :) Also like you, I'm trying to move to another company, ideally PE in a few years! Good luck to you too!
I'm a 52 year old associate. Never let ANYONE tell you that you can't do something
Excuse my short comment but need to turn my 30 year old VP's comments asap
Thats not an issue, just make sure you do your best
Thank you for your kind comment :)
You are now well-positioned to get that PE role you desire. However, it depends on your priorities with regards to relationship or family. You will obviously get worked to hell as an analyst but I will warn you that even if and when you score a PE job, you will still be very much on call or at least tied to your job via email. So it really depends on where you are in life and what matters to you now - coming from a 26yr old
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