Why not aim to start as an Associate?

From what I pick up, associates make a lot more money for doing the exact same grunt work that analysts do. I am wondering, then, why so many people strive to enter as analysts instead of assocaites. Why don't more people consider doing some corp finance work, going to a good b-school, and then start as an associate? This way, you will be able to hold on to your sanity for a few more years after college before jumping into banking. And when it is time to switch, you will be making more money Shouldn't this be a goal for more people?

4 Comments
 
Why don't more people consider doing some corp finance work, going to a good b-school, and then start as an associate?

A lot of people do this. Once you are an associate you are expected to stay in banking as opposed to an analyst who will either go to B-school or PC/HF/VC.

Reality hits you hard, bro...
 

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