Deal Struggle?

Hey everyone,

1st year associate at an UMM shop, about a year in. Up until this point, things have been going well and feedback has been solid. But now on a deal with a VP I haven’t worked directly with before and things have gotten shaky. Hours are very long as usual but now finding myself caught in a tough feedback cycle where assignments have been unusually tight, I have been doing a lot for the first time, getting rushed through things even more so than this job usually requires, and in trying to rush through things have made mistakes which only makes the environment more stressful. The VP, who is normally a pretty calm person, has gotten frustrated on a few calls, and is now checking in very frequently, over analyzing work, and making comments that reflect poorly on me during team meetings. 
 

Obviously I feel partially responsible. There are some things unique to this deal that have made the situation more challenging, but if everything was running smoothly and I was cruising through the tasks this wouldn’t happen. But now feel like I’m in a hole that’s getting more and more difficult to climb out of, and the stress is making it all more challenging. There have been times where I feel like an idiot even though a lot of the things that have been difficult in this deal have been strengths on other deals like speed of analysis. Wondering if these are ups and downs are associated with the job, or if there’s a specific way I should approach the situation to mitigate?

6 Comments
 

Thanks! Any way you’d approach this differently? Almost feel like there are things I should be doing differently instead of just powering through as-is given another few weeks on this deal and room for things to get worse. 

 

As someone who has been in this position more than once in my career, I agree with m8.

It can be tough to deal with in the situation, but after some time, it does help steel you as go forth in your career.

Also took some introspection on my part to realize where I could improve and other moments to realzie that a situation wasn't conducive/reflective of my skillset and performance overall.

 

Without knowing specifics, I'd say your VP is also responsible IMO. Obviously things move quick but consistent super tight deadlines scream disorganization to me.

Big picture, you'll jive really well with some people you work with and zero chemistry with others. As m8 said, everyone goes through this. Just power through and take this as a challenge / learning experience.

All the best!

 

To respond to this and also to the OPs additional question of what else can you do. Sounds like you’re already busting your ass, and you won’t get along with everyone you work with in your career. Gotta just keep a positive attitude and don’t let it affect your work or your demeanor. Take the criticisms where it’s valid and improve, otherwise just keep a smile on your face and give it your best. Don’t take it personally and you’ll be fine. 

 

Libero eveniet assumenda qui perspiciatis. Aliquid soluta assumenda numquam. Eum expedita animi tenetur corrupti nam harum et. Reprehenderit fugiat et voluptates assumenda tenetur molestiae voluptas. Alias optio blanditiis ut sunt.

A dolor facilis voluptatem quibusdam rem quos. Ut rem est animi amet officiis laudantium ut sint. Et sed voluptatibus modi aut facilis. Ab quia necessitatibus voluptates ut natus nobis eveniet suscipit.

Corporis et beatae voluptatem veritatis. Qui eum quis iusto est delectus et pariatur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 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

June 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

June 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

June 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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”