Boutique Analyst/Associate: Goals For First 90 Days

I have been doing consulting work for a small boutique bank for the past few months and recently accepted a full time offer with them starting next week. So far I’ve built models for a sell-side deal and an equity offering and I have 2 years of experience in the middle office of a bulge bracket bank.
Consider: in investment banking terms, the firm I’m joining is a startup and I’m the only non-MD member.

The question at hand is 90 day goals: I’ve been asked to provide the partners with a list of goals that I’d like to achieve within my first 90 days of employment. The first thing that came to mind is to survive. But I worked my fair share of 90hr weeks in the MO and I don’t expect hours to be anything extreme here. Besides, that’s not something you tell your new boss.
In a small firm, revenue generation is a must. I realize that it’s not easy for Junior Bankers to close deals. Realistically but still optimistic, one of my goals will be either “Generate at least 2 quality client leads” or “Produce 1/2 my salary in revenue”.
The rest of the things I can think of just sound like 'competence' i.e. “meet all deadlines”, “produce high quality models”, “contribute innovative ideas”, blah blah blah…

I’m at a point where I would appreciate some brainstorming ideas. I’d like to hear some of your starting goals and some realistic objectives for a boutique bank Analyst/Associate. I'd like to deliver this list by Friday.

 
Best Response

Why not ask other younger guys at your firm what is realistic and then either write that or write "one better" than what they tell you?

Alternatively, you could:

  1. Attempt to keep your model/bottle ratio 2:1

  2. Focus on red bull instead of blow (for legal reasons)

  3. Bang a secretary

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I think its a bit naive to say that you will generate revenues. That's not your job. Focus on some technical milestones and interpersonal stuff too. Like, for example be able to an industry analysis, spread comps, do valuation models, m&a analyses and present a concise pitch to your internal folks as to why the deal makes sense. Realistic, yet ambitious.

 
CRE:
Why not ask other younger guys at your firm what is realistic and then either write that or write "one better" than what they tell you?
I’m the only associate at the firm. There’s no one young to ask.
Bot Some Calls:
I think its a bit naive to say that you will generate revenues. That's not your job. Focus on some technical milestones and interpersonal stuff too. Like, for example be able to an industry analysis, spread comps, do valuation models, m&a analyses and present a concise pitch to your internal folks as to why the deal makes sense. Realistic, yet ambitious.
I agree that generating revenue is not typically an analyst’s task, but the idea is to pull down the branch so the partners can pick the fruit. I feel the need to tee up some potential business in order to justify continued employment, bonuses and salary increases.
Make opportunities. Not excuses.
 

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