FIRST WEEK ANALYST INSANITY ADVICE NEEDED

Hey all I really would appreciate anyone’s feedback or guidance. I completed my first week at a BB in Private Banking and have been completely overwhelmed. Now I know first of all people are going to be like stay in the game it’s only been a week but here is a brief summary of how this week went…

The MD’S I cover (2 of them and an associate) have had non stop client meetings this week. Both these MD’s have given me task to do that I have no clue how to do in the first few days and I have had analyst help but they are also super busy and don’t have much time. All the new analysts that started are covering smaller bankers and have been sitting in on trainings this week while I have only sat in on like half because of the work I have received. My one MD already made me go to client meeting (legit day one he pressured me to come) which was a great opportunity but he let me know like 20 minutes before the meeting so I basically had no idea who the client was. Now the same MD wants me to go to NYC this Monday with him for a meeting as well. I have legit not stopped and worked 7:00 AM - 8:45 PM in my first week and I know it’s not IB, the hours don’t bother me I just don’t know what’s going on and it's been chaotic.

I don’t have time to figure out the clients, the internal systems ( I was not an intern). I really thought maybe this was a test but I know it's not and the other analysts again are not in my situation. The associate who helps cover the other MD I think is disappointed I couldn't do certain things right away like day one and two she sent me stuff to do and I told her I would try (with the little time I did have between the dozens of mandatory meeting training or client related) but am not sure how to do task "x".(Note the tasks require a system that we use to onboard clients, run reports, build books and generally do a ton of work but I am just not familiar enough with it)

My other MD I cover the one I mentioned above legit pulled me into an office and said "Until you prove you can't handle the work I am going to keep you loaded". Not sure if I should speak to an analyst manager and be in front of this or keep trying to grind until someone notices my struggle. I really am just confused and overwhelmed and do not understand the expectations going forward or where I should be at in a month. My boss pinged me Friday night and said great first week, but I think it may be insincere. Even the associate I mentioned told me I was doing a great job after she looked visibly frustrated I didn't get all the work she gave me done and just felt very fake. 

Sorry the long post but it’s been a long week and I’m about to head in to the office on Saturday just to organize my email and inbox since I haven’t had time. Appreciate any advice or guidance hoping it was just a chaotic week but based on expectations that may not be the case. I hope I am cut out for this career but feeling a little unsure now.

14 Comments
 

Sounds like you're just adjusting to what it means to work a full week. Communication with your team is key. If you have any questions you can post them here and we can help.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Based on previous WSO threads, here's some advice and guidance for your situation:

  1. Communicate with Your Team:

    • It's crucial to communicate your challenges and seek clarity on tasks. Let your MDs and associate know that you're eager to learn but need some guidance on specific tasks. This shows initiative and a willingness to improve.
  2. Leverage Analyst Help:

    • While other analysts are busy, try to find moments to ask for quick tips or best practices. Even small pieces of advice can help you navigate the systems and tasks more efficiently.
  3. Prioritize and Organize:

    • Given the workload, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Use tools like to-do lists or project management apps to keep track of your responsibilities and deadlines.
  4. Utilize Training Resources:

    • Make the most of any available training materials or sessions. If you missed some due to workload, ask if there are recordings or materials you can review in your own time.
  5. Seek Feedback:

    • Regularly ask for feedback from your MDs and associate. This not only shows your commitment to improvement but also helps you understand their expectations better.
  6. Manage Expectations:

    • It's important to manage your own expectations and those of your team. If a task is beyond your current capability, be honest about it and ask for guidance or additional time.
  7. Self-Care:

    • Working long hours can be draining. Ensure you take short breaks to recharge and maintain your productivity. It's also important to manage stress through activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
  8. Consider Speaking to a Manager:

    • If the situation doesn't improve, consider speaking to an analyst manager or HR. They can provide additional support or resources to help you manage your workload and expectations.

Remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed in the first few weeks. With time, you'll become more familiar with the systems and expectations, and things will get easier. Keep pushing through and seek support when needed.

Sources: Dealing with Uncertainty / Burnout as a First Year Associate, Feeling as an incapable first year analyst might, Expectations vs reality of being a first-year IB analyst, I'm so lost, First year analyst, still feel incompetent and like I haven’t learned anything

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Dude you have multiple people telling you that you’re doing just fine (maybe even more than fine) but your anxiety is making you not believe them. Drop it. If they say you’re doing good then you’re doing good. Self-doubt ain’t gonna help this along so you’d better learn what “fake it til you make it” means pronto. This is the literal definition of anxiety, look it up to get familiar with the concept so you can name it and confront it. Watch Inside Out 2, it’ll help you out (I’m dead serious)

Communicate with the team that you feel overwhelmed being new and see what they say. It’ll be fine, people don’t expect you to know wtf to do during your first week. This is all your anxiety speaking.

 

Someone get this kid some Xanax STAT

"If you don't have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything" - Winston Churchill | "It's a testament to the sheer belligerence of the profession that people would rather argue about the 'risk-adjusted returns' of using inferior tooth cleaning methods." - kellycriterion
 
PrivateTechquity 🚀GME🚀

Someone get this kid some Xanax STAT

Or just some weed at night to chill out lol - maybe some indica.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

I get the sense he's the type that would freak out about weed being federally illegal and potentially give himself a stroke lol

"If you don't have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything" - Winston Churchill | "It's a testament to the sheer belligerence of the profession that people would rather argue about the 'risk-adjusted returns' of using inferior tooth cleaning methods." - kellycriterion
 

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