Work at a solid group with a T2 BB. I think within our group, it's like 4-5 analysts out of around 10 that are on multiple live buy side and sell side accounts while the rest are only doing internal work (myself included)
I am by no means a top bucket analyst but worried that I won't get any good experiences / and or get canned if markets aren't doing well. What can I even do in this situation?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach this situation:
Proactively Seek Opportunities: If you feel sidelined, take the initiative to ask for more challenging or client-facing work. Approach your staffer or associate and express your interest in contributing to live deals. Frame it as a desire to grow and learn rather than a complaint about current assignments.
Build Relationships: Networking within your group can be a game-changer. Build rapport with associates, VPs, and even other analysts who are working on live deals. Sometimes, being top of mind can lead to better staffings.
Excel in Current Tasks: Even if you're stuck with internal work, make sure you execute it flawlessly. This builds trust and credibility, which can lead to better opportunities down the line.
Communicate Strategically: If you feel like you're being overlooked, have a candid but professional conversation with your staffer or manager. Highlight your willingness to take on more responsibility and your eagerness to contribute to the team’s success.
Leverage Reviews: If your firm has mid-year or annual reviews, use them as an opportunity to discuss your concerns. Highlight your contributions and reiterate your interest in gaining more exposure to live deals.
Stay Patient but Persistent: Sometimes, staffing imbalances are temporary. Keep showing your commitment and readiness, and opportunities may come your way as the workload shifts.
Consider the Bigger Picture: If the situation persists and you feel it’s hindering your career growth, it might be worth exploring other groups or firms where you can gain the experience you’re seeking.
Remember, the key is to remain professional, proactive, and patient while positioning yourself as a valuable team member.
Sources: Watching others leave early is demoralizing - what do I do?, Fired as 1st year analyst?, How to deal with 2nd year analysts who refuse to work, Depressing Moelis & Co. Staffer Email, How can we do better?
become an excel monkey and your woes will evaporate - if you already are then the team is just lacking deals so run. if there are deals escaping you despite strong technical chops (as an analyst basically strong excel monkey skills), then time to see a career coach to help with self awareness cos you are missing some cues (could be politics or could be your vibe; could be fair or could be you are with some clicky groupies); as an analyst none of these issues are fatal as you are the most in-demand and cost-efficient resource in the group
Are you a first year analyst? My first year - and not saying this was fair - all the first years only did pitches until we ‘proved’ ourselves. For some, this took ~9 months.
Read the writing on the wall before the big fat zero and get out.
Bump
Give it 6 months… no one knows you / your peers and you need to prove yourself. Getting on deals is kind of random the first few months. If it gets to be 1+ years in and you’re not on deals (and most of your peers are), it’s time to worry
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