Starting as IB analyst at age 27
Hi all, I will be starting as an IB analyst at 27, fresh out of my Master degree. What are your views on starting as Analyst at 27?
Thanks!
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Why analyst and not associate?
He is probably in Europe, did a non-experience MSc. in Finance (not an MBA) which only lets you apply for analyst positions. Average age of MSc. graduates in analyst roles is 25-27.
OP, the last thing you should worry about are the views of anonymous internet forum users on your starting age in a job. Hit the ground running, go above and beyond - no need to worry.
I agree with Red Power Ranger. I started way later than that and age is only an issue if you make it one.
Couldn't have said it better. And I'm also kind of jealous that I didn't think of a Power Ranger as my username.
Normal in Europe. Even outside of europe, nobody would care as long as you blend in and work hard.
You'll be an associate by the time you're 29/30, which is pretty much in line with where post MBA associates start. Yes, it's weird that VPs or even some Directors that started as analysts straight from undergrad will be younger than you, but they don't care and you shouldn't either...this job is all about what you know and what you produce.
When people say "xx" is too old to do this job, it really is more about where you are in life than how old you are. If you are 27 with 4 kids, you're going to have a harder time doing this job than someone that is 32 and single. As long as you are willing to work and your life situation allows it, it doesn't matter how old you are.
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.
Ok, thanks. A stone fell off my heart. Appreciate your response!
I was a 36 year old analyst. Worked out ok.
Wow. That's impressive!
So what's your story? Did you come from another industry? Military, sports or arts? Also at what kind of firm did you start out as an analyst and where? If you don't mind me asking.
Nothing too exciting. Military -> IBD internship at BB -> mm corporate banking -> IBD at small us office of European bank. I didn't feel discriminated against because of age; I could give tangible evidence that I could handle the workload and age disparity. It only comes up now when I don't go out for drinks because I have to take the train to see my kids.
Oh, do tell your story!
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?
I've heard that the BB's have started handing out offers to boarding schoolers in Connecticut around age 11 now.
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.
You will always be worse than someone and better than someone else no matter how high you climb. Everyone is born into the world about the same way and leaves about the same way. Nothing is new under the Sun, everything is worthless.
My view is good job landing the spot. Congratulations
^^ this. If they hired you, it means they feel there's a good chance you can do the job. Prove them right. You (slightly) older age ought to mean you have some maturity. Use that to rise faster through the ranks. Besides? What are your alternatives? Quitting in a huff because you're old? Please.
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