Maybe some people can share their experiences as analysts. I understand that you go through about a month of training prior to starting at your group. But my question is how long does the learning curve last?? When does work stop becoming a challenge as far as the technicality of doing things such as models/comps/spreads...whatever. (obviously the long hours and work load is always a challenge.)
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very interested on this as well
As an M&A analyst, things didn't start to get old until I was on my 3rd transaction (about 9 months - 1 year in). After that, you've really got the process down and the learning curve starts to flatten out.
Once you get into PE, it gets nice and steep again.
The learning curve is 1) very sharp and 2) very short... While this is very group specific (and as a generalist the length of the learning curve is slightly longer) by the end of your summer you are already running with your own books and projects. I would assume the curve lasts ofr maybe another 3-6 months after that, for a total of 9 months
How Long Did It Take To Hit Your Stride? (Originally Posted: 04/22/2014)
I feel like everyone goes through a period of 6-12 (estimate) months in a new job before you really feel like you "hit your stride." Meaning, you find your position at your current firm secure, you feel like you're adding value, and you're building meaningful relationships in and outside of your firm.
Would love to hear from people about how long it took to hit their stride in current or past jobs.
6-12 Months is about right in my experience.
Yea, there are little things you can do to expedite the process but I've found that it really does take about 6 months. That's one of the issues I have w/ the rotational program I'm in. By the time I get settled and feel like I'm really adding $ and strategic value, its time to pack up and go to the next place.
a foreword, the period at which we associate for hitting our stride, is also when complacecy usually sets in. always remember to be humble and keep improving
Great advice. Thanks.
6 months
I do feel it can take a bit longer if you relocate to a new city.
Used to take me ~6 months, but post MBA i'm now almost 2 yrs in and only now beginning to feel like i'm something other than dead weight. Avg tenure is like 15 years though so the 'rookie' perception could take awhile to wear off.
Value adding and security ? It takes time, often more than a year, less than five perhaps.
Learning Curve (Originally Posted: 02/13/2013)
To all 1st year analysts:
How long did it take you to get over the learning curve when you firs started out? Like when you go into meetings with clients and senior people, you understand everything that is going on and can contribute to discussions meaningfully? Ever felt stupid at the beginning? If so, how long did this last?
Hahahah, contribute to discussions? You're lucky if they even bring you to the presentation to carry the pitch books. Just sit down, shut up and listen.
seriously though. I worked a bit in project finance (had no desire to learn about it outside of work), fuck i had NO idea what was going on. but when i got it, it was nice / you can contribute.
bump
I can't speak for IB (though I've heard it's pretty close to what kalga said) but in consulting you better be making an impact from day one.
If you turn up to a meeting and just sit there, everyone is wondering what the fuck you're doing in the room. Even if you just say one vaguely meaningful thing, you'd better say something.
Typical length of learning curve for a BB analyst? When does it get old/boring/less useful? (Originally Posted: 04/21/2016)
Title says all basically.
Curious for those of you in the trenches now or in the past, when did your learning curve flatten significantly? When does it become a plateau? When do you stop getting that cool yet uncomfortable rush from learning stuff? I read somewhere else on this site that it's normally around 6-7mths. Obviously this will differ person to person, so curious to know your thoughts.
Relevant because I am feeling what feels like a plateau...but have yet to finish my first year.
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