To all A2As: When did you know that you wanted to stay on?
When did you guys know you could stick it out for the A2A? What was your rationale behind the move?
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Bump
when I didn’t get into pe
I may catch monkey shit, but I have historically seen analysts convert when they’ve built significant rapport and trust with senior bankers thus affording greater flexibility, landed top-bucket compensation, enjoyed their group and deal teams, and realized that the buy-side typically means re-proving one’s worth and future fund movement past a few years as an associate.
Seeing the change in PE recruiting from the class above me to my class (PE offers signed in September for all 5 vs my class where 2 have offers) and not being totally sure what I want to do long-term in my career. I like my group and the people I work with and I don't see a reason to change it.
When I realised PE stood for physical education
I've been doing extremely well at my bank and while they haven;t said anything, they've said there is a 100% chance I am getting the associate offer. I just think it's easier to make my way up these ranks then to start new with PE. All the analysts say I am the leader of the analyst class and everyone looks to me to respresent the nation of analysts. I couldn't bemore proud. I stand up for my analysts though as well so it's not false praise, friends. Enough about me though...
I'm teaching everyone new things all the time and am afraid that might nobe the case at any other place.
I gave my honest opinion and you all are Morgan Stanley me? Is this what I deserve for baring all? Please inform me if my actions have hurt anyone.
Where's the low eq watchdog when we need him?
Bro it's cause statements like "All the analysts say I am the leader of the analyst class and everyone looks to me to respresent the nation of analysts" make you seem like a clown show.
This guy didn't get into PE.
Never tried cuz I was comfy where I was.
You know that i mean to say indicated not said...
People seem to have been offended by this comment. I will think through this and get back to you all with a response.
I am just telling things how they are. Alas, let me formulate the proper response and get back to youl all.
There's no need to repeat yourself
Came down to 4 reasons for me. 1. Wasn’t 100% on PE. Didn’t want to go right back to the bottom of the totem pole for something I didn’t see myself in long term. 2. Had no intentions on MBA. 3. Built a solid reputation in my group and that led to strong pay and, more importantly, a lot of flexibility on who I work with and what I work on. Improved work-life balance. 4. I haven’t figured out what I want to do long term. The A2A promotion provided a big financial incentive to stay while leaving (and opening) plenty of doors for the future
Can you expand more on improved work-life balance?
Having support below you saves about 5-10 hours / week immediately.
I've also been working with the same guys above me for 3+ years. My old associates are now VPs and there is a level of mutual trust that eliminates any micro management / facetime.
Pre-COVID i was averaging 60-65 hours a week.
I know a lot of people who were in similar positions as you were - almost all who stayed pointed to the people they work with and the ones who left even with uncertainty in their interest always complained about their group. Culture really matters
What doors do you have open though and even so isnt PE better for options down the road? (Genuinely curious to learn)
I signed my PE offer asap cause I figured if I didn’t like PE I could probably go to an MBA (although you did mention that for your point 2) and reset or find a HF/AM that values the 4 year IB/PE experience. Or worst case I could always lateral back jnto IB into a senior associate role.
Also, in PE if a fund is more hands-on you have the optionality to go into corporate/join a portfolio company.
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