Comp Advice - Unconventional Career Path

Hello,

I was hoping to get some advice from you wonderful folks about what would be a fair comp level for someone like myself. 

Context:

I am in the private debt space. I am currently working as a senior analyst and our team sits on the buy side of the transaction. Firm is very large and renowned: 100B+ cap and well respected within the alt space.

Background:

I did not do the traditional 2 years in IB. I have a bachelors of mathematics and had no relevant investment experience prior to joining this firm. My prior positions included call centre for a fundco, insurance/wealth sales, and compliance. While interviewing for my current firm, I impressed the interviewers and was offered a job in the  investment risk function. I was moved to the investment function after 12 months and this is currently where I stand. I took a pay increase and title decrease when moving from risk to investments. To prepare myself for the opportunity, I self studied compsci/software development and also enrolled in the CFA program. I am a level 3 candidate. I have been self-studying for years.

Additional:

I currently provide value to the team via software. Prior to joining the firm, there were automated systems in place. I am developing the back end system for the firm, which marries local and cloud sources into a clean dataset. Using this clean dataset, I have now been able to develop a batch reporting process that is as "one click of a button" as possible. I am extremely competent when it comes to technology. Prior to joining, the firm produced quarterly, monthly and weekly reporting via Excel - it was and still is very messy. I have now given them the legs to do automated batch reports daily.

Finance wise, I am very comfortable with standard fixed income products. I do feel like I could use some knowledge reinforcement when it comes to structured products. I also need to spend more time in the private debt space so that I can experience the funding of more opportunities. My knowledge with these products will come over time. I feel as though my years of experience does not affect my true knowledge however I need to be careful with that. Registered for the 3rd level of the CFA currently however I already feel as though I've attained mastery of a lot of the material just through learning via osmosis at work. 

So.... The ultimate question.... How much do you think I am worth? I just want to ensure that I'm being comped fairly. Sorry for the wall of text.

Thank you!!

2 Comments
 

Nobis ut itaque saepe fugit qui consectetur aut. Labore similique neque libero nam eos magnam cum et. Est sequi aspernatur inventore ratione rerum ad laboriosam. Culpa qui dolorem dignissimos et recusandae fugiat. A vero assumenda nam mollitia vitae laboriosam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”