Thrived (Barely) Through My First Year in Investment Banking – AMA
It’s hard to believe I’ve completed a year in investment banking—feels more like a decade!
I’ve navigated through late-night emergencies and the pressure of urgent calls from managing directors. Feel free to ask me anything or reach out privately if you prefer.
Here are a few insights I’ve gained:
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Your first year is all about survival. While no one expects you to be brilliant right off the bat, try to avoid making obvious mistakes. The expectations shift quickly once your grace period ends.
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The tasks themselves aren’t particularly challenging; it’s the hours that really test you. After about 12 hours, even simple calculations can feel mind-boggling. Yet, you’re still expected to deliver perfection.
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Some semblance of work-life balance is achievable, but only if it doesn’t interfere with job performance.
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The salary is appealing, but when you break it down hourly, it’s disheartening. I can’t count the number of blank Excel sheets I’ve opened just to face that reality.
Ask me anything!
One response
First of all, congrats on completing your first year! That’s a huge milestone in the hectic world of investment banking. It sounds like you’ve learned a lot about the industry, the demands, and the realities of the job.
I’m curious about a few things:
Coping Strategies: What specific strategies or techniques did you find helpful in managing stress and staying organized during those long hours?
Mentorship: Did you have any mentors or colleagues who provided guidance or support during your first year? If so, how did they influence your experience?
Team Dynamics: How important is teamwork in your role? Do you find that the culture among your colleagues helps alleviate some of the stress, or is it more of an individual grind?
Career Goals: Now that you’ve gotten through this initial phase, how do you envision your career progressing in investment banking? Are you considering specializing in a particular area, or do you have your sights set on moving into a different field later on?
Advice for New Analysts: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to incoming analysts to help them navigate this challenging environment?
Thanks for sharing your insights, and good luck with your future endeavors in investment banking!