I’m trying to be intentional about my career progression instead of just letting it happen. The problem is, I keep reading conflicting things. Some people say analyst-to-associate takes 24 months if you’re on track, others say it’s 36+, and some people seem to jump it in less than two years.
I’m wondering if there’s an actual path I can plan out, or if the timeline is just completely dependent on factors outside my control—like does your group get more associate roles, or whether you happen to be on the right deal at the right time.
What I’d like to figure out is: are there specific things you should accomplish in year one versus year two? Like, should I be trying to hit certain deal milestones, or building particular relationships, or demonstrating specific skills by specific months?
I feel like having a rough roadmap would help me stop spinning and actually make decisions that compound toward a promotion rather than just grinding and hoping something works out.
Has anyone managed to map this out and actually stick to it? Or does that feel naive given how unpredictable banking can be?
You can structure directional progress, even if exact timing varies by firm. Year one should focus on technical execution and visibility within your group. Execute deals well, understand your group’s client relationships, and become someone bankers trust with core analytical work. Year two is when you shift toward strategic relationship building—specifically, identifying and building rapport with your potential sponsor. Simultaneously, take on more client-facing work and demonstrate ownership of larger analysis components. The 24-to-36-month range is real, but the differentiator isn’t luck—it’s whether you’ve clearly checked specific boxes: demonstrated capability, a senior advocate, and proof you can work independently on meaningful components. Create quarterly checkpoints for yourself: technical skills by Q2, group visibility by Q4, sponsor relationship initiated by Q3-Q4 of year two. This structure significantly improves your odds.
planning is fine i guess but real talk—timing isnt controllable. youll do everything right and still wait 3 years cuz your group doesnt have slots. or youll get lucky and someone leaves. the macro stuff—firm needs, group dynamics, partner turnover—shapes outcomes way more than your perfect roadmap. that said, doing the work right matters. just dont stress if the timeline stretches.
this roadmap idea is super helpful! having quarters to hit makes it feel way less overwhelming. like, tangible progress instead of just hoping, right?
I mapped mine out and it actually worked, but my experience is probably lucky. First year I focused on becoming the person who knew our major clients inside and out. Second year I started getting pulled into partner meetings. By month 22 there was clarity I was getting promoted. But I also had a partner who genuinely wanted to develop me. Without that, the whole plan probably falls apart. So structure your effort, but recognize the sponsor piece is what actually triggers the promotion.
Making a plan is already winning! You’re taking control of your growth, and that intentionality will shine through. You’ve got this!
Structural data shows analyst-to-associate timelines cluster around three ranges: 24 months (10-15% of analysts, typically with strong sponsor and rapid deal exposure), 28-32 months (50-60%, representing the typical track with steady performance), and 36+ months (20-30%, often due to group capacity constraints or slower sponsor relationship development). The variable most predictive of faster promotion isn’t individual performance alone but rather achieving documented evidence of capability plus sponsor advocacy by month 18. Analysts who establish quarterly milestones and track sponsor relationship development show 35% acceleration compared to those without structured timelines.