How Many Hours Do Associates, Analysts, VPs, and Directors Work in a Week in Investment Banking?

The work hours in investment banking can vary significantly based on the role and the specific demands of the job. Understanding the typical hours across different positions can help new and experienced professionals better prepare for their careers in this demanding industry.

Typical Weekly Hours for Different Positions in Investment Banking

Associates: Generally work around 60 to 80 hours per week. During busy periods such as deal closings or major project deadlines, hours can exceed 80 hours.

Analysts: Often work the longest hours, typically around 70 to 90 hours per week. Like associates, analysts may face even longer hours during peak times.

Vice Presidents (VPs): VPs usually work about 60 to 80 hours per week. Their hours can be somewhat more manageable compared to analysts and associates but they still face significant demands.

Directors: Directors tend to have a more balanced schedule, often working around 50 to 70 hours per week. They are more involved in strategic decision-making and client interactions which can lead to slightly less intense hours on average.

Do the Hours Get Better?

As you advance in the hierarchy, generally, the work hours tend to decrease. While associates and analysts often face grueling schedules, VPs and directors typically enjoy more manageable workloads. However, the demands can still be high during critical periods.

Work-life balance: Some firms have made efforts to improve work-life balance, particularly in response to feedback from employees. This can manifest in more structured hours, better support systems, and the implementation of policies to limit excessive work hours.

The Type of Work You Do Changes

While hours may improve with seniority, the nature of the work changes. For instance:

Analysts: Typically spend around 12 to 14 hours in the office on average, with some days being longer or shorter. Analysts churn out slides and Excel models.

Associates: May be better off by an hour or so compared to analysts. They spend time refining models and preparing presentations.

VPs: Typically spend fewer hours at their desks than associates but are out for meetings. If they leave early, they may work or take calls from home.

Directors and Beyond: The time on desks reduces significantly, replaced with many meetings, client calls, and travel. Directors may work less on the laptop/PC but work eats up much more mental energy.

Quality of the Junior Pool: The effectiveness of VPs and Directors also depends on the quality of the junior team. How many iterations of reviews they need, can juniors step up and take ownership of projects, and so on play a crucial role.

Hop[e this helps you understand the varying work hours and expectations in investment banking better!

Note: The figures and descriptions provided here are general estimates and can vary based on individual firms, market conditions, and specific projects.