associate

Looking for advice on culture, how it compares to other mega funds in terms of comp (longer term not necessarily just at Associate level), culture, brand recognition / prestige, exit opps to hedge funds (not Analyst level but at Associate and above levels), and MBA placement. Assume that location...

19 May 2022

What things would you consider items that constitute a bad group culture versus just being the "culture" of Bulge Bracket investment banking? 1st Year Analyst I am sure this list can go on and on but I am going to stop here. I think that this is 80-90% bad culture and sweatshop/crappy group and...

12 Feb 2021

Former Leveraged Finance / DCM Analyst -> Associate at a BB, left before COVID (thank goodness or else I then would literally have no soul). Here to help those that are looking to get some inside detail in the job role, what you actually learn, and what you need to know during interviews. Really...

20 May 2020

Many of us first year MBA students are starting to ramp up recruiting. Part of that process involves narrowing down a list of groups to target during the networking period before interviews. To avoid the discussion on Coverage vs M&A (for which there are already a number of helpful threads), please...

17 Oct 2020

Disclaimer This post isn't meant to be a salty venting, but more of a sharing some of my self-realizations from the past year on things that I wish I had fully understood 12 months ago. "Congrats on closing your deal!" "You were a rockstar on this one – we couldn't have done it without you!" "You...

31 Dec 2017

Could use the forums help on this one: I'm a 1st analyst at a small VC fund. I'm working ~60-70hrs/week, getting paid peanuts and not learning much. I can't simply change jobs and apply to IBD because I'm international and my visa will expire in January -- meaning I'll have to go back to my...

21 Jun 2022

Investment Bankers have a secret way of communicating with one another. Whether it's a discreet nod or those matching Ferragamo shoes/ties, bankers have a fraternal pact with one another that everyone outside the industry just wouldn't understand. However, you'll soon realize not only is there a lot...

29 Dec 2017

Hi all, Been curious about this for a while and thought I'd give it a shot here. I see so many different numbers thrown around (some outrageous and unreasonable) for compensation at CVP, and so many people just saying they pay super well with zero data points. I was wondering if any of you had...

11 Sep 2020

I'm a Senior Associate at a MM PE fund in my mid-20s. I enjoy what I do, but want to try something different. I've had an entrepreneurship bug as far back as I can remember, so this would be the most logical place to jump, for me. Chances are I'll fail. I'm quite realistic about the probabilities of...

10 Dec 2018

In all industries, particularly Investment Banking, people struggle with the idea of perception. Sticky images, self-fulfilling prophecy, you name it. Ultimately, it really comes down to one concept: Metaperception. People fail to realize the inherent traits of human nature and therefore form...

27 Aug 2017

Hey Everyone. This question is simply curiosity. At what age or amount of work experience is expected for one to start applying to associate roles? I have the feeling that around age 25 or after 3-4 solid years of experience is the prime range. Sometimes I see jobs that list the experience range of...

03 Apr 2019

Hello friends, several recruiting firms have reached out to me about what seem like unique roles at PE firms. The titles have been "Strategy Associate". They are basically pitched as a mix of firm strategy / portfolio operations / investor relations. The responsibilities include: fund reporting, LP...

15 Oct 2019

Hi all - title really says it all. Any tips when it comes to recruiting for Associate REPE roles in major East Coast MSAs like NYC, Miami, DC, etc.? I am specifically looking for Acquisitions or Asset Management roles. My background is I have been at a megafund on the asset management side for three...

24 May 2021

I just stupidly bought another Saville Row suit in preparation for upcoming recruitment in Asset Management at the associate level. I am just thinking from previous experience that I was maybe too dressed up when wearing similar suits and applying for analysts positions. I get the impression that...

16 Mar 2019

Hi guys, was wondering what the key differences in exit opps are between analysts and associates in IB. I know associates don't recruit on-cycle, but don't know much besides that. I am at a MM bank; I like my team a lot, but don't see myself being an MD. I also am in a coverage group, and would like...

27 Apr 2022

Hi All - I'd be interested in hearing where the associates at your buy-side shops are going these days after their two years? I've had the opportunity to work at three firms that have spread venture, middle market PE and lower middle market growth/buyout with AUMs of 0.5-1B, 3-5B and 5-10B. I'm...

20 Jul 2018

I am currently working in small market at a family office as the lone associate/analyst in our acquisitions and development group. This is my 3rd year out of undergraduate and 1st year on the investment side. I report to the president of asset management (who is involved in the acquisitions and dev...

21 Oct 2019

Background: ~3 years M&A analyst at a large bank (not 'BB') working on big deals… 1+ years now at a young boutique TMT IB firm (wanted more industry and direct client and MD facing exposure)… considering an MBA from Columbia Business School's January Entry program or Kellogg's 1-Year MBA. Should...

11 Jan 2018

HI All I'm an Associate in S&T on the sales side. I've had a good experience so far but changes have taken place at work which puts me at a disadvantage (reporting to not so friendly higher up). My resume looks a little hoppy given I've moved around almost every 2years, 3 times now and I want to...

16 Sep 2018

Why would anyone in their right mind switch from BB Analyst --> MF PE Associate? Why not just go A2A? Everyone on this forum talking about how MF PE is 2x worse than IB for work/life balance, similar pay at junior levels, and very little chance of making partner or getting that coveted spot at the...

14 Apr 2022

Hello, have you ever heard of Associates not getting a pay raise going from one level to another? I am rather shocked but my bank (2nd tier bank) has not raised front office associates salaries in my team (likely applied to higher ranks too) because of tough environment, but they rather pay bigger...

05 Jun 2019

Hi Guys, Looking for some insight on how to break into Canadian IB. I am planning to immigrate to Canada and have admissions secured at Queens and Schulich. The main question for me is how important is a two year MBA program for me to break into IB. I understand that the Queens MBA has a better...

01 Aug 2017

I am an IBD associate at a low-tier BB. While I failed to land an offer of corporate PE, I may have an opportunity to join a REPE with a good brand name and solid deal flows. This REPE not only does asset-level investments but also is very proactive in corporate-level deals. These deals, though...

06 Apr 2021

Mod (Andy) note: This thread is from December '11, but Flake said he is still up for answering questions, so fire away Given the holiday season, I'm in a relatively good mood and feel the need to give back a little. I've seen a bunch of these "fielding questions" threads and I thought they were...

02 Jul 2012

For a few personal and professional reasons, I left a BB to join a smaller boutique. This has come with a promotion up a year in standing & pay well-above street (190k base as an Associate 2). I am greatly enjoying it, but the inner ambition in me is curious as to my future career prospects given...

15 Jan 2020

Hey chimps. Just wanted to share my experience from earlier today. Wondering if others find themselves in the same position? "You're good, but you just need more revs, and that's our fault. We need to get you more revs before you can be an associate", says the VP in his feeble attempt to get me to...

10 Apr 2016

Hi! Anyone can share any intel on Soc Gen's TMT team? Interested in the usual stuff - deals, exit opps

23 Oct 2019

Having entered the working world in corporate finance with the plan to try to move IBD, I've spent a lot of time talking to and doing some initial networking. I graduated from a target school and was in a fraternity where a lot of close friends went to work at BB's and elite boutiques. I've found...

08 Mar 2014

Someone was asking me about this in PM and I wrote a long and detailed reply about what it is like to work in Big 4 and what advice I would give to people thinking about interning / working there. Thought it might be useful for others so my reply is below. Happy to answer any questions. [quote] I...

01 Jun 2013

Hi guys. Answering your questions on career path to start with; also giving some initial generalities about what undergrad schools I'm seeing. The full cut of undergrad/b-school and exit opps data is on the way. Reminder: this is longitudinal career data from a sample set of several hundred bankers...

28 Aug 2012

Everyone is always so concerned about group prestige and firm prestige, this seems to stem largely from an eagerness to move over to the buy-side and get into a top firm/MF etc... If you are an individual who wants to stay in banking when does your firm and group "prestige" on the street start to...

01 Jun 2020

I gotta say, my life has improved dramatically since I got to the point where I could control much of the messaging my team produces. Before I go any further, huge caveat: this is completely culture-specific and audience-specific. There are some groups out there that would hand me my walking papers...

10 Aug 2012

I'm currently working as a pre-MBA associate at a leading Silicon Valley VC firm (nearly $1B in current AUM). Happy to take any questions about working as a VC associate, recruiting, etc. In terms of my background, I've worked in both business operations at a startup and tech banking at a...

03 Oct 2013

Hey everyone, I have two S&T interviews for an Analyst position, and I may receive an offer from both since I'm already acquainted with the hiring managers. I am making a pros and cons list for the two banks, and it would be great if someone with experience, knowledge, or resources could help out!...

30 Aug 2021

mod (Andy) note: make sure to check out fellow writer Aaron Burr's response in "How to deal with THAT associate" September: the time of the year when hundreds of newly-minted MBAs are unleashed upon their new groups. To those highly-educated individuals who are about to take their rightful place at...

05 Sep 2012

Hi All, currently looking into a role as an Equity Research Associate at Bloomberg Intelligence. -Is the experience comparable to typical sell side research associate? i.e. industry research, modelling, meeting with management teams etc. -Has anyone actually the read the research they produce, what...

07 Jan 2018

Hi all, Recently I was asked "what does an investment banker do at a junior level?" I know there have been many answers/variations to the types of answers available, but I would love to know what some people have experienced is the best way to approach an answer to this question. Appreciate it in...

09 Jun 2019

I joined a large investment firm out of college and am considering whether or not I should do banking for a year. Background: I interned at a bulge bracket bank for three summers (senior year of high school, sophomore year, and junior year) and went to a target school. I lack family connections in...

12 Apr 2017

Moderator Note (Andy) this was originally posted by bankerella on 9/5/12 All right, folks, got some hard stats here. Read 'em and weep, or rejoice (you know who you are). Reminder: this is longitudinal career data from a sample set of several hundred bankers in bulge bracket IBD at all levels. Make...

22 Oct 2012

Andy note: Best of WSO - this post originally went up December 2009 and we thought it deserved to go back on the homepage for those who may have never seen it. After reading and commenting on this board it is very clear that everyone has goals/dreams and an idea of how to obtain them. Another common...

20 Sep 2012

Hello Friends, I currently am an associate at a private equity mega fund (previously an IB analyst at Goldman). I was hired on for a "career-track" role (meaning not a 'two-and-out' program), so I can stay at the firm as long as I would like. I generally enjoy the firm and the people I work with,...

26 Oct 2018

For anyone who missed the latest GoBuyside compensation report, it looks like the numbers are in: $125k is the current standard in base pay for 1st year pre-MBA associates for the middle market on up. This makes sense given that 1st year IB associates now make $125 base w/ ~$225+ of all-in comp....

04 Feb 2017

Hi all, So I'm currently in the process of preparing to go into IB (am a junior in college). I obviously know that your "story" is crucial for the interview process and can make you or break you. However, I've read conflicting suggestions on how long it should be. Some people have told me that it...

15 Jan 2018

Hi All, I want to get some views from current / past consultants who have side hustled at MBB I am making the assumption that a lot of new consultants are not entirely sure about a career in MBB, and a lot come in with a degree of entrepreneurial aspirations If you were able too / not able to make...

02 Nov 2017

For a few personal and professional reasons, I left a BB to join a smaller boutique. This has come with a promotion up a year in standing & pay well-above street (190k base as an Associate 2). I am greatly enjoying it, but the inner ambition in me is curious as to my future career prospects given...

21 Jan 2020

Hi guys, need some help here. I interned at MS IBD and have been working in PE for 3 years as an Analyst. Lately I have received 2 associate offers, PE vs. Crypto VC Investment. Both are investment roles with great senior exposure for having small/startup teams. The PE fund is a TMT buyout fund that...

27 Sep 2021

Hi All, I currently work as an Associate in S&T Capital Markets covering Fixed Income Institutional clients on the sales side. Over the years I have gained a strong appreciation for real estate (through a little bit of capital market txn and personal endeavors). Is there any possibility to move into...

05 Aug 2019

We have done some quality recruiting the past few years. We have a great intern in the group this summer; a major overachiever, picks up things on the run and is always down to get a drink after work. Our first year analyst pool is equally as solid. I have come to realize that: 1. Associates have a...

22 Jul 2012

There's a really cool blog post I found of a VC guy who analyzed 600+ VC professional bios and sorted their background data. According to the findings, Want to Get Into VC? Go to Stanford, Study Engineering, and be Named David

09 Apr 2018

There comes a time when we heed a certain call When The Street must come together as one There are layoffs happ'ning And it's time to lend a hand to bankers The greatest gifts of all… Deep in the throes of wintertime, I tend to listen to my iPod on shuffle mode more often. Maybe it's because my...

17 Jan 2013