Associate
The next level up. People reach it by promotion from analyst, or join at it after a master's in business or some years elsewhere.
Associate is usually the rank above analyst. In an investment bank associates run the day-to-day work of a deal, directing and checking what analysts produce and dealing directly with clients. People reach it either by promotion after a few years as an analyst or by joining after an MBA or a relevant master's degree.
Elsewhere the word varies. At a private equity firm an associate is often the entry level for people who have already spent a couple of years in banking or consulting. At some asset managers, insurers and company finance teams, associate is simply the title for an early-career job.
Because the meaning shifts, the rest of the posting matters more than the word. Look at how much experience it asks for and what the person will be responsible for. A summer associate role is an internship for people on an MBA or a similar course.
Open jobs
| Job | Firm | Level | Stage | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment banking |  HSBC | Associate | 3+ years | Yesterday |
| Research |  Partners Capital | Associate | 1+ years | Yesterday |
| Wealth management · Bank transition |  JPMorgan | Associate | 3+ years | Yesterday |
| Private credit | Santander CIB | Associate | 3+ years | Yesterday Closes 14 Nov |
| Corporate banking · Financial institutions |  Citigroup | Associate | 3+ years | 5 days |