Feeling reluctant to start in AM. Help!

Still expected to accept or decline an offer from a top AM / long only. I have to decide before taking on an IB off-cycle I had applied to earlier

I had a problem with comp but that's taken care of. Starting in AM in the graduate phase is actually quite a big deal. The problem is I'm not sure where to go next as associates don't get promoted, and I want to stay in AM. What do you people think???

 
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This is definitely a big decision but it's one you have to make for yourself. If you truly believe that LO AM is/has a good chance of being a good long term career fit for you, then the answer is clear. I'm a junior too so I can relate to struggling with the uncertain future after the associate period. The most common path is probably B school, which would lend itself well to continuing in AM since you already have LO experience. Understandably, this isn't the most appealing outcome for all and I hope more opportunities for A2A progression in AM start to present themselves in the future but I think this is a great industry to work in and you'd be hard pressed to find a post-undergrad role that gives you the learning opportunities you will find here. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat or anything.

 

Is A2A uncommon at these places with associate programs? The associate class sizes are extremely small and I got the impression that they ideally wanted to retain the associates. Looking at Wellington, there are a lot of people who don’t have an MBA and began their career there, including the CEO. Everyone has CFA though. 

 

Nope. Original comment is correct

Actually, on Wellington's website they explicitly mention that the associate program is 5 years max. They also mention it's a new program

There might be hires without MBAs, so long as the analyst has demonstrated solid investing experience. AM whales have a knack for catching good analysts. But yeah associates almost never get promoted (you can make an exception for BlackRock). They might opt for MBA in case they like the industry though

 

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