I’ve been talking to a bunch of people across different desks, and I’m noticing this weird gap in how people describe the analyst-to-associate jump. Some say it’s automatic after 2 years, others talk about a weird purgatory where you’re waiting for a spot to open up. A few mentioned it depends heavily on which group you’re in and whether your MD actually knows your name.
I’m trying to map out what the real progression actually looks like. Like, what are the actual milestones people hit? Is it desk performance, client relationships, deal flow, or something else entirely? And how much does your network inside the bank actually matter versus just grinding it out?
I feel like there’s this unspoken path that people follow but nobody explicitly lays out, and I’d rather learn from people who’ve actually lived it than guess based on what the career guides say. What were the actual turning points for you—or what do you see happening with people moving up around you?
lol, it’s basically “wait for someone to die or leave.” the timeline is whatever your managing director says it is, not some fixed 2-year thing. i’ve seen guys crush it and wait 3 years, and seen mediocre guys promoted in 18 months because they made partner’s golf buddy laugh. it’s less about what you do and more about being visible to the right people.
the real talk? your network matters but not how you think. it’s not about coffee chats—it’s about whether senior people actually remember you when a spot opens. most analysts network in a vacuum. they need to actually be in rooms where decisions get made. otherwise you’re just waiting.
this is so helpful to hear!! i’ve been wondering the same thing and it’s nice to know ppl actually have different timelines. makes me feel less crazy for not havin a super clear path rn. thanks for askin this q!
so is it like, the longer you’re at a bank the better your chances? or do some ppl move teams to get promoted faster?
The progression is genuinely desk-dependent, and that’s worth understanding early. In some groups, associates rotate every 18-24 months; in others, it’s a 3-year minimum. What I’ve observed is that the analysts who move up fastest typically accomplish three things: they deliver exceptional work on high-visibility deals, they build relationships with senior bankers (not just peers), and they actively position themselves within their group’s leadership. The networking piece matters, but it has to be purposeful—not performative coffee chats, but genuine relationships with people who influence staffing decisions.
You’re asking exactly the right questions! The path might feel unclear now, but you’re already ahead by thinking strategically about it. Keep pushing, and your moment will come!
I jumped from analyst to associate pretty quick—about 20 months—but honestly it was timing plus being on the right deal team. My MD knew me because I’d worked on his favorite client. A friend on another desk waited three years, same performance level, but his MD didn’t rotate analysts up as often. It’s wild how inconsistent it can be. The networking helped, but being visible to your own leadership team mattered way more than I expected.
Based on what I’ve tracked across my network, the median timeline is around 2.5 to 3 years, but the range is genuinely 18 months to 4 years. Key factors: group size (smaller teams promote slower), deal flow (teams with high activity promote faster), and whether your MD has budget to promote. Performance matters, but it’s almost never the sole factor. Internal visibility and having sponsors who advocate for you—particularly someone one or two levels above you—correlates strongly with faster progression.