What makes a good IB associate?
I'd love to hear anecdotes about the great associates you've worked with, and what makes them someone you want on your deal team.
To the analysts, how can the associate best help you to do your job, especially in terms of the new MBA associate/2nd year rockstar analyst dynamic?
To the seasoned associates & above, how can an MBA best get up to speed so that he is actually adding value to your team?
What are some mistakes new associates make? (Besides the standard, acting like you are the boss of the 2nd year analysts from day 1).
It would also be great to also hear about work-from-home specifics - what's annoying, what's actually helpful, when do you need someone to cover for you, etc etc.
For context: I'm starting as a post-MBA associate this summer in one of the firms/groups that is highly coveted on this site. I remember working last summer with analysts who were probably the smartest kids I've ever met, and as as summer associate I definitely took the tack of "I'm an analyst" and trying to do everything I could to take things off of their plate. I know that many MBAs come in acting like they know more than the 2nd year analyst who just cranked an RMT model - pissing everyone off and adding no value - and I tied to avoid that or even the appearance of that. Still, I did hear recently about the idea of the "Xth year analyst", where an MBA associate goes TOO FAR the other direction - almost sucking up to the analysts, but not help them get their job done.
I was hoping to get some advice on how to strike a good balance between the two extremes.
Def appreciate any and all advice.
From what I have seen the best associates are meticulous when it comes to everything. Your modeling, your time management, your client management. This is one skill that I think can go over aloe of peoples heads is making sure when you get staffed you can be reliable on your deadlines with good product.
I think the fastest way to get up to speed is patiently waiting. Its true, taking time to grind and make informed decisions rather than slamming you janky model down the teams throat. Mountains are not made overnight and neither are careers.
For biggest mistakes, is managing analyst. You hit on the head with this one. VPs are a little to far along to go over basic modeling questions, but analyst can sometimes not be client ready. I would just view the relationship as a "we are on the same team" and learn as much as possible from eachother.
I don't have IB experience, but am in another industry that has similar dynamics with fresh MBA's.
It sounds like you already have a good handle on it. Stay humble and continue to learn. Protect and take care of your analysts. They should recognize this and help you to be successful as well.
Find some other Associates you think are good and mirror what they do/ask them for advice. I wouldn't stress too much. Good luck.
Understanding you don't know anything and learning from your analyst is key. Getting them to like you will save your ass a ton -- especially in the first 6 months when you're treading water
It's amusing watching post-MBA 1st year associates show up and try to boss around 2nd year analysts. It always ends terribly.
Understand that I have far more confidence in their abilities than yours, and in the initial stages, I have a stronger relationship with them.
Modi quia voluptas et consequatur. Voluptatem ut voluptate dolorem. Mollitia pariatur neque optio magni. Est et expedita aperiam inventore.
Vitae quisquam odit voluptatibus eum perspiciatis. Sunt temporibus porro deserunt. Officiis qui et voluptas est officia dolorem.
Cumque numquam omnis aut officia. Dolore nesciunt cumque tempora suscipit cupiditate. Eos excepturi corrupti et deleniti culpa a et. Qui et quidem ab explicabo eveniet delectus. Quibusdam cumque aperiam omnis pariatur ipsa quo. Voluptas officia nihil et quia asperiores.
Accusamus rerum non ea non iusto provident voluptate deserunt. Quidem voluptates error possimus ipsam. Dignissimos aut explicabo fugit. Esse quis odit ut quas perferendis repellat. Porro et omnis et vero et neque amet. Nulla labore molestias officia nisi aliquid.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...