Vent Some Wisdom to Incoming Analysts/Interns
I've seen a lot of Interns/Analysts on here lately asking for advice. Thought it would be nice to have a thread where everyone throws some quick, simple pointers out on how to not piss your bosses off and be a bottom bucket analyst (;
- Never intentionally take your time on an easy task just to keep occupied and stay looking busy longer during what feels like a slow period to you. You never know the schedule of the reviewer of your work - they may get wrapped up with something after 4PM and now have to stay extra late to review your work when it could have been completed and reviewed by 3PM.
- Always, always, always overcommunicate. If somebody gives you a task then forgets about it and doesn't respond to your first email then follow up in person/with a call when their calendar is free. Once somebody assigns you work you take ownership and are responsible for keeping track of the deadline. Just because your boss doesn't remember doesn't mean it isn't your job to.
- Be respectful, kind and a team player who considers the impact his/her effort has on other team members
One of the first post toward analysts that is insightful and didn’t come of as really douchey.
Thank you.
And in return, he hit you with Monkey Shit. Rule #1 on Wall Street kid, trust no one.
"Rule #1 on Wall Street kid, trust no one"
Counterpoint to your first bullet. Learn when you can take your time on tasks and when things need to be done ASAP. Some easy tasks can be pushed off until later and doing them too quickly will lead to more work down the road. People like to “add value” and finishing something too quickly will inevitably lead to iterations even if the work is perfect. Top bucket analysts in the class above me knew when sending a presentation out too early would blow your day up or weekend and compromise your ability to deliver on other deadlines.
I think the big thing is just don’t make any mistakes and the rest will follow. Mistakes slowly erode trust and overshadow everything you do. If you mistyped the multiple on page 15, who is to say you didn’t switch a plus and minus sign in the excel backup? No matter how simple or insignificant the task, make sure the work is absolutely perfect. If people can’t trust your work, you won’t be put on the meaningful staffings.
“Just don’t make any mistakes and make sure your work is perfect” gee why didn’t I think of that thanks bro
Maybe try to treat others like how you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes to the extent possible
Very insightful. I would never have thought of this myself and have never heard this before, even not all through elementary school.
Ok. Would you like me to remove the comment?
Edit: lol to those SBing this as funny… I was and am being serious here :)… I’m happy to remove the post if it annoyed/bothered that commentator or anyone else. I am not sure if the above person is being sarcastic or not, I thought the poster was…
edit 2: alright guys… thanks for the SBs and all but def no need :)… not trying to pile onto some intern here….
High level thoughts. I assume most people in this thread will talk about learning technicals, modeling, formatting, etc. but wanted to share some reflections as an Analyst (BB and top ranked analyst in the most humble way)
If ANY investment banking analyst has to read one thing, its the above.
This job and its title has absolutely no association with your self worth, so you should treat it as such. Never prioritize this job over your own basic needs, and make time to ensure you are still enjoying your life day to day. The moment you conflate your self worth with your job is the moment you lose all respect for yourself (and typically become a bit of a cunt).
Unless the meeting is the next day, I've never seen something that absolutely MUST be done within a certain time frame. Typically, its the people above you wanting adequate time to review and try to figure out where they can add value. Adding "value" has never won a deal or a pitch. It solely relies on your MD's ability to charm a client. A good MD relies on their social skills to win a deal / negotiate terms / etc. and uses the materials as backup when needed. If your MD is relying on the book to sell the client, then you've already lost the deal... which in that case you may as well take your time on turns.
you can't get a chick pregnant if you only do anal
oh sorry wrong thread
Used to be a staffer and managed associates and analysts. My biggest advice to incoming associates /analysts / interns: get out of the bullpen and make yourself known. Yes, it's awkward and intimidating but, in the end, when we are sitting in roundtables deciding on whether to give you a return offer or year end review, people pound the table for people they like and remember.
A big piece of advice that I haven't seen yet is staying present and not looking too far into the future. This is easier said then done, and I definitely wasn't able to take my own advice, but I think it's critically important for junior banker sanity.
For example, I'd destroy myself mentally when we got a new deal signed up because I'd be thinking about all the work that needs to get done. On week 1, when I'd be putting together the WGL, KYC checks, and setting up deal team distros I'd be dreading the CIP iterations, buyer outreach, dataroom, DD, deal docs, etc. Obviously those things are all coming down the line, but it serves no practical purpose to dwell on future work to the extent that you're depressing yourself. It is just too overwhelming.
The best people I worked with were always (seemingly) able to stay present and not get caught up with future obligations. Focusing on daily and maybe weekly tasks/milestones is very important for mental health.