Is Associate the Easiest Job?

Analysts grind the most and have to do a bunch of mindless process stuff. 

VPs have to build relationships, know the industry and buyers and is responsible for driving forward the process and leading most calls / meetings.


Associates just check work and help shell some stuff out and pitch in when needed without having nearly as much responsibility as the VP. 

Do you guys agree that Associate is actually the easiest job in banking?

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

It varies by bank and group, but regardless, I completely disagree. 

Analysts on deal teams can suck. VPs on deal teams can suck. This can lead to some of the most difficult experiences, basically needing to craft work products from start to finish, manage up, and keep seniors happy, all while trying to train a privileged, shitty analyst. 

I might upset some people but I actually think a junior VP is a considerably easier position these days. At most, you lead the process, and can rely on your associate to manage granular work and seniors to take lead in big decisions. 

 

Quia accusamus cumque debitis voluptate asperiores quas. Distinctio perferendis architecto et earum aspernatur error. Est eum ab et voluptatem at necessitatibus. Nisi est officiis minima quas.

Facere quia animi qui necessitatibus et vitae. Placeat eos iste beatae perspiciatis rerum. Tenetur perferendis et voluptatum consequatur doloribus excepturi.

Explicabo officiis est assumenda laborum et minus molestias. Quaerat voluptatum officia possimus sunt itaque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”