Real question: if you’re thinking about leaving banking in 3-4 years for something in tech or PE, does letting that slip during conversations with your MD kill your chances at making associate?
I’m asking because I’m legitimately unsure what happens here. On one hand, I’ve heard stories about people getting blacklisted for “signaling” they don’t want to be bankers long-term. On the other hand, I know guys who made associate while openly planning their exit, and it didn’t seem to hurt them.
I’m not trying to BS my way to associate and then bail—I’m genuinely interested in the work and the experience. But I also know myself well enough to know that 15-year banking career probably isn’t the endgame for me. And it feels exhausting to pretend otherwise in every single conversation with senior people.
So what’s the actual calculus here? Should you be completely locked in until you hit associate? Is exit planning something you keep private? Or is there a way to be authentic about your longer-term thinking without seeming like you’re just using the firm to pad your resume?
How are people actually navigating this?
this is the thing nobody says out loud: mds know most of you are leaving. they’re not idiots. they know the guy saying ‘i’m gonna be managing director here for 30 years’ is probably lying. what they actually care about is that you’re committed right now—to the work, the deals, your team. they don’t want to hear your 5-year plan. keep your exit thinking private. make associate first, then openly talk exit options. trying to square that circle while climbing just makes you look unserieus.
i know a vp who literally told me, ‘don’t tell anyone your exit plans until you have the title.’ it’s cynical but it’s accurate. senior people remember who stayed focused vs. who seemed distracted or uncommitted. even if they secretly understand why you’re leaving, optics matter in promotion discussions. stay quiet about it, crush the work, make associate, then leverage that to go wherever you want.
thank god someone asked this lol. i’ve been terrified to mention any of my doubts abt staying in banking forever. so the play is just… not mention it? ever? until i get promoted?
wait but doesnt that feel dishonest to pretend ur committed if ur not? or is that just how banking works lol
this actually clarifies so much. i thought i had to decide my whole life rn but sounds like just focus on making associate first then pivot. way less paralyzing
You can absolutely be authentic while staying professional! Focus on your genuine interest in the work right now. Associates have more leverage anyway—you’ll have plenty of options once you get there!
Your integrity matters, and being strategic about timing doesn’t make you dishonest. You’re just playing the game smart. Get to associate, then own your choices!
My mentor told me something useful: talk about where you want to go in terms of the work itself, not literally leaving banking. Like instead of ‘I think I’d be good in tech,’ say ‘I’m really interested in how deals integrate with product strategy’ or whatever. That shows strategic thinking without making people worry you’re not invested. It’s subtle but it works.
Timing of exit discussions also matters significantly. Researchers noted that analysts who raise exit considerations in years 1-2 experience more friction than those who remain silent until year 2.5-3. The closer you are to natural associate promotion windows, the lower the risk. Most MDs report that they assume 50-60% of analysts will eventually exit—they factor this into hiring itself. The real issue isn’t your exit; it’s appearing intellectually checked-out before you’ve earned your title.