What if you're fired as an Analyst?
I am currently anxious that I will either be let go or pushed out come promotion time due to my firms "up or out" culture and the team being overstaffed with Associates.
Is being fired / pushed out at the Analyst level a death sentence in the industry? Should I begin looking to lateral now? Any advice is appreciated.
No, just because you fired or replace doesn't mean it's the end of your career. You keep your head up and apply for other places. The job/career might change but your character and knowledge won't.
I'd advise checking in with your senior team members and asking for feedback on your performance. If you're a second year analyst, reflect on your yearly review and work hard to make sure you're improving. Ultimately though, it's important to have an honest conversation with people to see if you're on the right track for an Associate promotion. Their answer should easily let you know what your next steps should be.
For people not in banking, I always try to explain it to them like its the NFL, but for finance.
Think about it like this, it's always "next man up" in both scenarios, and sometimes guys get cut who can still play. Realize that, if you're good at what you do, you will get picked up by someone else as long as you keep hustling.
However, in both scenarios, it's not only about skill but temperament. Plenty of guys in the NFL can play ball, but they can't show up on time, watch film, or understand plays. Same with banking.
Don't be the AB of IB
Be the Michael Vick of IB instead
I don't have a dog in this fight, but seems like also a bad idea.