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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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 🫡

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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.

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