Ares Management comp/hours/culture (associate)

I was approached by a headhunter for an investment associate position at Ares. I'm thinking it's probably more hours than I'm used to working but wanted to get more info before moving forward. Denver/NY/LA offices. Thanks

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I currently work in back office (valuation and portfolio monitoring) for a top direct lender on par with ares, and can tell you comp and hours are great.

I cant speak too much to how the deal teams WLB is but they don’t seem to work long hours based on conversations with them. I never receive emails on the weekend from them if thats any sort of sign.

My salary is currently 105 base and 125-145 all in pending on portfolio performance and individual work ethic. My hours average around 50 a week and rarely hit 60 with zero weekend work.

 

One year of experience at a top val consulting shop doing 3rd party valuation for PE and Debt funds (firm was one of our clients). Then was recruited by the firm to join them instead. Not a huge fan of valuation work, but its a solid resume builder, a great way to make a lot of good/powerful connections, and gives me the ability to see how a majority of the roles within our firm operate.

The benefits are also great compared to consulting - catered lunch everyday (have breakfast as well just isn’t catered), 15 days pto that are actually acceptable to take, gym membership, any type of drink or snack we want they will supply it, I just made a request for a standing desk so will have one of those by next week, just overall taken very good care of. For only being 23 I’m pretty content with where I’m at. Also planning on going to B School in about a year so this will be a great pivot point for that.

 

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