VPs and Asso that don’t know how to model + do processes

Do they exist? I’ve read similar threads on here how non-BBs and other low deal flow firms/groups can have people who have coasted their way up. Wanted to ask if anyone is in a similar position or knows people in similar positions

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So true, some VP are good as project manager (they chase you every 5min) but they have a lack of corporate finance knowledge. Lucky enough to have never ever touched a model either pushed down or had it done externally

 

Most associate and VP should know how to model unless you’re MBA, then it’s a split. Running process is another thing, a lot of MM have coverage / execution in one versus some BB hands execution over to M&A. Personally I think running process is harder because not all group will have deal flow.

 

Out of curiosity, why do MBA’s not start out as Analysts? I’ve heard stories from interviewers from BB’s that even analysts do better than the MBA folk (both interviews/overall knowledge and work)

Aren’t they just slowing down the pace/making things harder for others at a higher pay for no reason?

What is the incentive to hire them??? (except the select few MBA’s that are actually good)

 

Out of curiosity, why do MBA’s not start out as Analysts? I’ve heard stories from interviewers from BB’s that even analysts do better than the MBA folk (both interviews/overall knowledge and work)

Aren’t they just slowing down the pace/making things harder for others at a higher pay for no reason?

What is the incentive to hire them??? (except the select few MBA’s that are actually good)

Um....supply and demand for junior IB labor?!

What analysts are willing to take 6.5 years of abuse when they can do their standard 2 years and then jump to the buyside for more pay, fewer hours, and - most importantly - no clients to have to dick around with or send you some painful ask at 3PM on a Friday (that said client has known about since Monday morning....)?

Plus, they can punt all their bitch work to.....*checks notes*.....ah yes, the IB analyst and associate on the advisory team they engaged......

 

This question comes up constantly—you aren’t being selected to do the immediate associate job as good as an A2A, you’re selected as a potential senior banker

Obviously there is a base level of competency involved, but analysts who get frustrated that the associate can’t do modeling as well or quickly are missing the point of their role + future

The core competencies from VP onward are dramatically different than that of an analyst

 

Post MBA Associate here—rarely am working in excel on key points of a model, but understand how it runs and will provide feedback.

If I needed to, yes, I could work on it but would be very slow and inefficient. Would need to spend a good amount of limited free time catching up.

Understand in a perfect world I would be lights out at that too, but portions of the job (process management, writing content, etc) are what I’m told to focus on. I do feel less knowledgeable about intricate corp finance things but from my experience the group would rather not have us spend more time than necessary in the weeds.

 
As an MBA Associate my greatest value add is not touching the materials at all then chiming into review meetings every 10 minutes to say "let's double click on that" 

Makes sense

 
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