How long does it take to become a good associate?
I'm a few months in to the PE associate job and feel incredibly stupid and useless at work. I did two years in IB but didn't do too much modelling (and the modelling I did do was quite basic stuff) and I was in a completely different sector, so I'm having to learn a lot from scratch with not much guidance.
Aside from the technicals, I'm also struggling with the overall investor mindset. Associates at my shop are expected to speak up but I always feel like I have nothing to add of any value.
Is it normal to feel completely overwhelmed at the start? And roughly how long does it take to get to a point where you feel generally comfortable doing the majority of the work? I'd say in IB, this was around a year - should I expect something similar in PE?
Hey there, don't worry, you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed at the start. It's a common sentiment among many associates, especially those making a career switch or stepping into a new sector.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it typically takes an MBA Associate about one year to get comfortable in their role. This is because there's a significant learning curve involved, especially in the first few months on the desk.
However, the timeline can vary depending on the individual and the specific demands of the job. Some associates may find that they're up to speed and can perform effectively in about 6 months.
Remember, a good relationship between the analyst and associate is key for high-quality work with less stress. So, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your colleagues and superiors.
As for the investor mindset, it's something that develops over time as you gain more experience and exposure in the field. It's okay if you don't have much to add in the beginning. Listen, learn, and gradually, you'll find your voice.
So, hang in there! It might seem tough now, but with time and experience, you'll get the hang of it. And remember, even the best analysts and associates had to start somewhere. Keep learning, keep growing, and you'll do just fine.
Sources: WTF IS GOING ON WITH MBA ASSOCIATES???, Thank you, Associates, Why are post-MBA associates so bad?, Why do banks hire MBA Associates?
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Probably a year
Bump. Really struggling here too as well. Same situation
I had this same experience. Feeling overwhelmed is definitely the way to describe it and your story resonates with me. How long it takes you to get up to speed really depends on whether you're getting good experience working under someone who is both competent and capable of being a good leader/mentor. Assuming that is the case, I would say it's probably around ~1.5 years when you start to feel like you're consistently very competent at your job and can start taking meaningful work off of your VP's plate. In the meantime, I totally agree it can be frustrating and overwhelming, but you'll start to get the hang of it if you keep raising your hand to work on new projects/deals and get as many reps as you can.
Thank you, really appreciate the response and it’s reassuring to hear I’m not the only one who’s felt this way.
My seniors are great but often forget to explain things from the absolute basics, so I’m left wondering if I’m meant to already know a whole bunch of things I’ve never seen before. Good to know that there is a steep learning curve and things should get better with time.
How many hours a week do you work typically?
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