Is This Comp Too Low?
Hey Guys, Im currently interviewing at a GE firm based in NYC with an AUM of ~$1bn. The team has some pretty good guys mostly ex-JP or goldman. I've just become a 2nd year analyst in banking and I've been told I'll come in with the title of an "associate". The comp base is 120k with an expected bonus of roughly 90-100. So pretty much in line with banking I guess. But I'm just wondering if this salary seems low given I'll be an "associate". On the plus side the firm is only 2 days a week in office and the rest online.
If anyone has any datapoints on what different growth firms are paying analyst 2's and associate 1's that would be great. Just want to know if I'm wasting my time here. I also figure that unlike PE, most of the well-name growth firms are only like $~5Bn AUM (ex. lead edge) so this wouldn't be a bad idea to grab a spot in a place of this size?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Compensation Comparison:
AUM and Firm Size:
Geographical Considerations:
Market Data Points:
Intangibles and Firm Culture:
Decision Factors:
In summary, while the base salary and bonus seem reasonable, it's essential to weigh the total package, including work-life balance, team quality, and growth potential. If these align with your career goals, it might be a worthwhile opportunity.
Sources: Is this associate compensation competitive?, "Analyst" vs "Associate" in PE (2018), PE Associate Offer - Comp Too Low?, Q&A: 3rd Year PE Associate ($10bn+ AUM, MBO/LBO, equity, mezz, distressed debt), Promoted to associate but average base salary bump
Wouldn’t focus on mid term compensation here. If you wanna do GE, sounds like a good shop and would take it. Worst case, you lateral in two years if you really care about more comp but that package seems pretty normal for a fund of that size
Feel pretty much in-line with what I'd expect. As I've said in the past, the people that come in here and tout massive PE Associate salaries are the outliers. I think if you're in the 200k-ish range all-in that's probably more of the norm.
Plus, it's only a $1B AUM platform, and you're only in office 2 days a week. To me that's work $10-20k in itself from a lifestyle perspective.
Assuming the fund is doing well and the culture feels pretty good, I'd say it's a solid offer. Given the size of the firm, maybe there's a chance for you to stay on for longer than two years if things go well.
Is the bonus 90-100k or 90-100% of base? Your compensation seems reasonable although potentially slightly below average. It’s certainly not low enough that you should pass up on an opportunity that is otherwise a good fit for you.
A bit low but if you're coming in at the An2 level essentially and the firm culture is a bit more relaxed / 'VC like' then it's not a bad offer at all imo.
Off topic but also looking into growth. Is this tech/software focused?
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