Is 36 too late to join IB as an associate? Alternatively, can stay in my industry (not banking) as manager.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’m 36 and an 3rd year associate. It’s brutal. If you have a family, it’s brutal. As I sit here on a Sunday working and I worked until 2am last night.

likehelpful

Yes, too late.

Hard to say definitively, but the associates I knew who joined >35 all left by the 1-year mark. A few were actually fired, and am not in a group that fires people often. This job isn’t rocket science, but there is a very challenging on-ramp when joining that is that much harder to pick up the older you get. Not just technicals, but attitude and being able to be available pretty much 24/7. The people i knew who joined 35+ often had a wife or kids, or the expectation of either of those within the next few years. It’s a long grind to MD from associate and something’s gotta give. If you can really see yourself working 80h/week from 35-45+, go for it. But otherwise would stay at your current role or do something else.

likehelpful

Yeah, this feels like the right take. If you’re single, aware of the grind, and able to check any ego at the door then go for it. But otherwise it’s probably not going to work out. Beyond the steep curve mentioned above, the reality is that your work experience will not exempt you from the grind of “lackey” work, your age will not exempt you from having to defer to people a year out of undergrad, and to the extent relevant, your family will not exempt you from the hours. I don’t mean to sound demeaning, it’s just the brutal reality of the environment.

likehelpful

It's never too late to change paths, IMO.

like

I’d say it’s just largely dependent on your situation. Not sure if there’s a significant other or family involved but if you’re willing to learn and work the hours go for it! Not sure of your background but I’ve seen many military > college > IB success stories absolutely kill it around that age. So don’t get caught up thinking it’s too late if you’re willing.

like

Never too late. I know an analyst who joined at 30… he’ll be 32 when he gets promoted to associate

like

I’m joining as a 3rd year in a week, I’m turning 30 tomorrow

like

If you’re ok with the hours at that age go for it

likesmart

Late reply but firstly agree with Macquarie 1 - IB is such a drag, even if you think you’re good for it…
Anyway, definitely possible. Im at an EB and Industry experience is looked upon very favourably. If i were you i would be targeting firms who are active in renewables or broader industrials / infrastructure type firms. If you go about networking and connecting with people well there’s nothing to stop you landing an associate role…
Good luck 🫡

like

Is Nomura greentech highly sought after in the space? Other top BB EB or industry PEVC as an associate

F

It depends on what firm and what industry group uou join

Honestly I’d prob rather go the consulting route if I was u. Less demanding but still decently good pay and u can exit to something similar to what IB opps get (obviously not the same, but corporate strategy type roles etc)

It's not too late but what was your previous experience?

How prestigious is the firm?

We have a 3rd yr associate who is like 33 but simultaneously have 30 year old VPs and a 32 year old ED. Ages get weird

Id say def weirder to be an old analyst or associate than to be stuck at VP

Good to hear they still take people from late 20s to early 30s
I thought I'm mad late to join as an analyst as a late 20s.

It is kind of late to be an analyst in late 20s but I have definitely seen it

It’s possible. Start at a small boutique with good WLB.

Related Posts

I’ve got a friend in Dubai who has experience in IB and VC at junior levels (in London and Dubai) and would like to break into consulting. He’s at a small cap VC at the moment and works not that challenging, and he wants to break into MBB or tier 2 for strategy. Anyone happy to look at his CV?

like

When an agency is about to hire you as a creative lead but without seeing your book to find out what you had done in your career, is that a red flag to you as a creative?

like
like

I got a job offer at GSA in Washington DC for their pathway program from GS9-GS12. I currently work in a private company and wanted to switch to federal government. The reason I wanted to switch is to get good person for my family because I'm still in the Reserve and would be able to buy time for my retirement. My wife doesn't why I'm leaving the private company. I bought my house in Iowa and I live my family. Just need advice. Thanks

like

Hi friends! I’m looking for resources to help me be successful in a “Functional Lead” role.

The role is in FinTech
I’m responsible for strategy, comms and key partnerships for a bank product. It reports through Customer Experience but touches product, Ops. marketing. It’s basically a Project Manager role but more nuanced.

Anyone out there in a role like this? Any books. videos or even best practices to share?

like

I’m an L6 SDM at Amazon but a Meta recruiter sent me an M2 sdm job description. I have all the XP I need from previous job experience but does Meta keep your same level as Amazon? Meaning if I am an L6 at Amazon am I automatically interviewing at M1 or can I jump to an M2?Amazon Facebook (Meta)

like

Anyone have advice on getting your foot in the door at Google or Meta for a Sales Role? I’ve only got 3.5 years of experience but have achieved Presidents Club and have had success at 2 “blue chip” organizations.

like

Looking for some material for a crash course in IT strategy consulting - books article etc. any recommendations would be appreciated

like

Hi Everyone,

At the moment I'm a procurement consultant in London, but want to make a move towards supply chain consulting. My preference would go out to a supply chain consulting role which is more analytically challenging. Do you have any advice on how to make the transition (e.g. firms which would help me transition or courses to upskill myself before applying)?

like

Starting a new job as a Merchandising Coordinator for a large food/sales company soon… no experience in merchandising, just customer service. Any advice???

like

Can someone having work experience of 6 years in Procurements can move to a domain like CSR?

If yes, what would be required for that?

Need help on how I transition my career from Audit to Management Consultancy. I have only completed BCom and ACCA (UK Chartered Accountant) and have worked for over 2 years at EY.

like

How is the Project Manager position at NTT ( Location : Mumbai) ?
Job security?
Pay scale to be asked for as minimum as where does this role stand in internal hierarchy in the company?
( Considering the high cost of living in Mumbai)

like

Hello everyone, I am graduating this May as a double major in business management and operations and supply supply chain management. I interned at a large 3PL last summer and it led to a full time offer as a operations supervisor. I am supposed to start this June but for some reason I'm not sure if I am on the right track. I would love some insight on a good potential career path and if I should look for other opportunities or see how the one I have plays out. Thanks!

like

With two years of work ex as Data analytics and constant upskilling from Coursera / Scaler towards product management domain how do I align and prepare for roles in Big tech companies in the big picture atleast an year or two from now?

like

Planning to exit tech firms as a mid to senior level roles. What are some possible sources I can reach out at to make this happen?

like

Any interesting product management podcast, interesting Indian product journeys, interesting other product journeys that has something to learn for a product manager

like

Any good recommended books on how to build a scalable product and team? I'm looking for recommendations for two areas: 1) in general laying the groundwork in a startup to have the tools and especially processes in place to scale, and 2) tactical focus on building a SaaS project. I've been promoted into a management role from Dev roots, so need to learn more PM processes to be an effective manager in day job, plus would like to start building my own SaaS solution.

like

I am currently working in advertising with experience on fintech & CPG. I would like to work in tech marketing, specifically Google’s APMM program.
I’ve been studying some PM/PMM books/podcasts/videos, attending Google events, and want to keep learning more to try to prepare myself as much as I can.
What resources helped you get into product marketing/Google?
Has anyone here moved from advertising to tech?
Would love to hear from a marketer about their experience getting into Google.
Thank you

like

Someone reached out to me on LinkedIn about becoming an author on the side. Has anyone heard about such a thing?!? The person said she’s worked with 800 consultants writing their books and marketing it for them.

like

More Posts

We are just starting out on our adoption journey and have sent in some initial bills from our adoption attorney to the Pathways email address. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to hear back from that inbox? It's been about a week so far.

like

Curious what other opportunities are out there for licensed insurance agent in P&C, Health/Life/Medicare. No sales.

like

What is the best health insurance for parents visiting USA? They are visiting for the first time. Appreciate any helpful insights. Thanks in advance!

Hi Fishes, Have a query. My spouse is working in the electrical and electronics field for the last 15years, in various GCC countries. Now he wishes to come back to India and wants to join some company here. But seems like similar opportunities are very less, say close to 3-4%. What is your opinion if he takes a DevOps course and do a career change ? What will be the % of getting interviews ? Even if he gets selected, how much will he get?
Please reply.

like

Almost done with second weeks in industry. I absolutely LOVE IT! Ive been making a point to reach out to people from different teams via Slack and arrange a quick meet and greet zoom call. Been introducing myself mostly to the heads of each department, head of marketing, head of sales, head of product development. to get a better idea of what everyone does, and asked sales/product for walkthroughs of the products so that I know exactly what we offer as a company

like

where my canadians at? how strict is covid there? my friend is in toronto for work and the hotel found out he has covid. now they’re locking him in his room. is that legal? if so, what’s the protocol to break quarantine? hotel wouldn’t answer 🫠

likeuplifting

Hey Fishes, Recently I got offer from Nokia.
Can you please help me with How is WLB at Nokia & what should be the average expected CTC for job grade - 7. Currently I have offer of 14LPA CTC from a different company.. Nokia

like

Hi Fishes,
Can someone tell me the shift timings at Tiger Analytics? I have heard that they have flexible shifts is 8-5 possible?

like

People worrying today should read books on trading psychology! Not being patronizing- it will help you in the future, not just for investments but for doing better in life!

like

Come from a no money family & limited financial savvy. What’s an easy way to open and manage a personal investment fund so my savings makes me more money, similar to my Roth 401k. Thanks in advance!

like

Name one thing you're thankful for.

like

anyone have an chiropractor they would recommend in the city? please also let me know the cost per sesh and/or if they take insurance!

like
like

2 part question:

- Does anyone know who Accenture uses for their 3rd party background checks?
- If i allow them to contact my current employer, do they still ask for W2’s and Paystubs?

like
like

Does anyone know the typical salary for a 1st-2nd year associate at Lewis Brisbois in Los Angeles? L&E

like

What is the goal of your life?

like

whether it's a good decision to jump to another company just for a high package?

I took this decision as it takes longer to get the same package in the current company. Please suggest… more

like

Hey guys
Leadsquared is hiring for this roles on priority.
DM me if interested

Capgemini Tata Consultancy Accenture

Post Photo
like

Additional Posts in Investment Banking - IBD

Am I more or less likely to be laid off if the economy tanks even more if I just started as an analyst two months ago

like

Say I work in tech and have a decent finance experience. Would my 3 yoe of domain "expertise" in tech make me an attractive bet for the banks Tech coverage team? In other words, does having experience in Tech make me more hireable for IBD?

like

I just received an offer to lateral into banking. How does independence affect the stocks I currently own? If I join and my stocks are on a restricted list will I have to sell them? Or will I be limited to being unable to buy more/sell any during the course of my employment.

likeuplifting
like

Lateraled into banking and I'm getting killed. My aso will mention to do stuff as he's walking out, says do this this and this and by the time I process what he said he's out the door then I miss something he's like I told you to do it. If I ask questions to clarify he gets annoyed, he says read what I wrote again, how is what I said confusing, etc. Dude I just want to be fed info my first few months until I reach a critical mass level of info to run shit on my own to some degree's

like

Does anyone know typically how many rounds there are for hedge funds interviews and how soon after interviews I’ll hear back about next steps?

like

I’m a financial advisor (Series 7 and 66) and I really wish I would have become an accountant or investment banker. I like advising, but it’s a grind to find people to make new clients to sell to in order to survive. Are there any exit strategies for a successful young 26 y/o advisor to move to investment banking or a salaried advisor job?

like

Does anyone know Barclays Ib summer bonus cycle month?? Thanks in advance

like

Just signed an offer and moving to Chicago in about a month. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone there. Any best practices for finding roommates?

like

For those that have worked at a Bulge Bracket and an Elite Boutique, I’d love to hear you compare/contrast your experiences.

like

Equity research associate considering to pivot into IBD. Is this a wise choice? Heard ER is an exit for some of the IB folks out there.

like

Could someone please suggest how to handle this situation?
My manager (Technology Director) sees me as an emerging thread to his position and stopped sharing details / trying to avoid including me in visible projects etc.,
FYI - His manager is the division head and Managing Director.
Why I think my manager tries to move me out?
- I am 18 YOE with a technically strong background
- Upper mgmt is starting to identify me as the backup for all systems. My manager tries to move me out since then

like

Hi all!

Could anyone please look at my CV and Cover Letter for IB associate roles? I need someone experienced to look at them before I start submitting.

Thanks!

like

Anyone have any thoughts on Primary vs Secondaries PE as a career after coming from Tech M&A? Wondering if Secondaries is a good move?

like

Does Barclays UK help it's employees who are interested in getting financial/ accounting certifications?Barclays

like

I have a meeting with a CEO of a start-up IB. She is meeting to help guide me in the industry (not just a job interview). What questions would you ask?

like

I just graduated from a nontarget in Dec 2020 & am currently interning at PwC before I go back to do my Masters. My initial plan was to accept my full time offer and slowly work my way into IB.

I see postings right now for FT IB analyst programs. Should I even try applying online?

Ik recruiters don’t really read cover letters, but I learned about banking rlly late into college. i’m the daughter of blue collar workers who don’t speak English so I never really knew what jobs were “prestigious”

like

Any thoughts on BNP M&A in nyc

like

What kind of bonuses do EY, Deloitte and GT guys working in M&A Corporate Finance make in UK? I’ve got offers from the three - a mix of AM and M levels and would appreciate any insights. Thanks.Grant Thornton EY Deloitte

likehelpful

What are realistic expectations for 3rd Year Analyst / Direct Promote Associate bonus range at a BB? Note that at MS, 2nd year bonuses in my group last year were 90-115K, while MBA associates received a pro-rated 90K stub (~40k). Personally would be pretty unhappy to take a pay cut between 2nd and 3rd year…

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal