What am i doing wrong
Hey monkeys, long time lurker here. Wanted some advice.
so at a solid bb group and like everyone else the deal flow has been pretty shit. not much live m&a or ipo. but even when there is something kinda live, i never get put on it. always get the dumb pitch work (still learning stuff but it’s not the same). most other ppl in my class are on something live.
at the start i made many mistakes but have accelerated a ton and now genuinely feel like im at my top game. but it just feels like that perception of me not being good from the start has really stuck.
idk what to do .. just feeling bummed out. i proactively collected feedback and worked on all my mistakes and now rarely make any + im super quick and know the ins and outs of most tasks (modeling, process, presentation etc). i work super hard, easily 80-100hr weeks and work most weekends. But still i just feel like it doesn’t matter. i’ve given up a lot and just feel like it was all for nothing. What’s the point of coming to banking and grinding away if i don’t even have anything to show for it? why bother with working hard if people are just gonna judge on first sight?
not sure what i’m looking for, but figured i’d throw this out there. thanks for reading this far.
Navigating the challenging waters of investment banking, especially in a competitive environment like a bulge bracket (BB) group, can indeed be daunting. Your situation, while frustrating, is not uncommon. Here are some actionable steps and insights based on the most helpful WSO content that could help you shift the current dynamics:
Continue Seeking Feedback: You've done well by proactively seeking feedback and addressing your mistakes. However, don't let this be a one-time effort. Continuous feedback is key. Ask for specific areas of improvement and make it known that you're committed to excellence.
Visibility and Networking Within the Firm: Sometimes, getting on live deals is about visibility as much as it is about capability. Engage more with senior colleagues, not just within your team but across the firm. Express your eagerness to contribute to live deals. Networking internally can often open up opportunities that weren't apparent before.
Showcase Your Improvement: Create opportunities to showcase your improved skills. This could be through volunteering for tasks that others might not be interested in or by finding ways to add value beyond what's expected in your current assignments. Excellence in even the smallest tasks can change perceptions.
Mentorship: Find a mentor within the firm who can provide guidance, advocate for you, and perhaps offer insights into how you can change the current narrative around your performance. A mentor can also be a great source of emotional support during challenging times.
Personal Branding: Work on your personal branding. How you present yourself, communicate, and interact with others can have a significant impact on their perception of you. Be professional, positive, and proactive in all interactions.
Patience and Persistence: Changing perceptions takes time. Continue to work hard, deliver quality work, and gradually, the narrative will shift. Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Consider External Opportunities: If, after giving it your all, you still find yourself sidelined, it might be worth exploring opportunities outside your current firm. Sometimes, a fresh start can provide the recognition and growth you're seeking.
Remember, the path in investment banking is fraught with challenges, but how you navigate these challenges can define your career. Keep pushing forward, stay focused on your growth, and maintain a positive outlook. Your efforts will pay off in the long run.
Sources: What's happening during live deals?, What should I do over the next 3-5 years to improve my chances of an M7 B-School Admit?, Does life get better as an IBD associate?, What can I do from home to help my chances for an internship next year?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/do-i-have-a-chance-be-honest?customgpt=1
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