PIMCO Portfolio Associate?

I have an opportunity to interview for the aforementioned position, the job sounds to be more on the operational side than I would prefer and is technically a Trade Support role, nevertheless one gets to work alongside some of the best portfolio managers in fixed income and likely can learn a ton in the first years. My question is whether this route actually leads to a PM position? If one is stuck with no career progression prospects as a senior portfolio associate what are the exit ops?

Job description:

Portfolio Associate team members directly support Portfolio Managers and build relationships internally with Account Managers, Product Managers, Legal and Compliance counterparts, Operations teams, and other Portfolio Associate teams across the firm’s global offices. On a day-to-day basis, Portfolio Associates actively monitor portfolios and markets to assist Portfolio Managers in rebalancing risks and managing client assets. Portfolio Associates are routinely encouraged to provide creative solutions and develop key tools and reporting methods to support the Portfolio Management team.

Position Development Value

Extensive exposure to industry experts within Portfolio Management and across other functional areas of the firm A broad range of opportunities to collaborate with talented colleagues Learning environment focused on key buy-side portfolio risk and return principles Constructive feedback to foster career growth in addition to a formal annual review process

Daily Responsibilities Ensuring investment objectives are reflected across portfolios in scope Monitoring portfolio positions and products versus client guidelines in concert with Compliance team Coordinating with Portfolio Management on re-balancing of portfolios Utilizing proprietary risk systems for monitoring of portfolio exposures Assisting in account transitions and cash flow management Conducting performance and attribution analyses Responding to ad-hoc requests from the Portfolio Management team

Position Requirements Strong academic background in a technical field from a leading, accredited college or university Deep understanding of fixed income and equities including knowledge of most cash and derivative instruments Exceptional communication skills are required to operate in a complex financial environment Excel “power user” - SQL, VBA and programming skills are preferred Strong process-oriented background and ability to demonstrate keen portfolio risk and operational awareness Outstanding analytical and multi-tasking skills with a proven ability to function efficiently and problem-solve in a high-pressure and time-critical environment

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