Starting as IB analyst at age 27

Why analyst and not associate?

Normal in Europe. Even outside of europe, nobody would care as long as you blend in and work hard.

27 years old with a Master degree. Almost certain you're in London or Europe because that's very common there. People finishing 3 years of bachelor, then 1-3 years of master in finance or management as well. Don't worry about it. Just do well and people will definitely not have any problems with you.

I worked with a few analysts that were 25+. Like others said, it's totally fine as long as you don't make it a big deal.

I "knew" (not personally but shared a class with) a guy who was late twenties or around 30 that was doing undergrad while I was (at the typical age). He had played prof. sports and retired from that before going to college. He ended up in BB IBD at the analyst level.

I think age isn't a huge deal, I wouldn't worry about that. If anything, it'll give you a leg up on your peers because you're going to be more mature and work-focused than them. Those years you have after college to figure out your adult life are very important.

One thing I will say though, is to be prepared to work "stupid young people" hours for "stupidly low young people pay". 100+ hour weeks are rare once you get out of entry level jobs and get a lot harder on you as you get older (yes even as "old" as 27 :) ). Take care of yourself and focus on success and you'll do great.

I just saw this thread and realized that I'm in a kind of similar situation. I am currently a professional musician and starting my two year msc (finance) at a european target school next fall. I will have just turned 25 by then. That means I'll be turning 27 around the days of my graduation. Aiming for IBD in London. I reckon this shouldn't be an issue for any Analyst positions at boutiques, BB's or EB's. Right?

Not even close to an issue.

I was a 36 year old analyst. Worked out ok.

Hi anyone can give the standard age range for Analyst and Associate positions in IBD and at what age recruitment for either level becomes an issue, if at all?

Another way to think about this is, your career is, unless you strike gold via selling a startup or whatever, going to be fairly long - most people retire in their 60s (could be sooner, but it seems to be trending later). So that's a good 30 some odd years of career.

Whether someone makes it to MD / SMD / Partner levels aside, eventually people all get to that same point. And after a certain point of the climb, some people make it faster or slower than earlier in the process where it's a promote every three years give or take. As a poster above said, the age number is not as much of a thing as where you are in life (having kids / prioritizing family vs. not having kids or those additional obligations other than to yourself, as these factors or lack thereof would affect your desire and ability to work long hours and answer your blackberry unconditionally).

I am an old Analyst. It has actually helped me since I have a MS and some experience. Been able to take on more responsibility and go on client meetings.

Just show that you are good and age won't matter.

Background and story?

Don't mind fuck yourself. Don't get caught up in your age vs. others, or your bonus vs. others, or what you drive vs. others, or whether you should be doing this or that because someone else is. Just put your head down, do the best f-ing job you can, build rapport, and try to move up, get onto good deals, build a network, learn the skills. When that pesky nagging voice in your head comes up, smack it down, and get back to the task at hand.

My view is good job landing the spot. Congratulations