The Ways To Separate Yourself As An Analyst

Analyst life is a grind.

There are no two ways about it.

Not only do you have to do the work no one wants to do AND sacrifice your lifestyle, you also have to find a way to separate yourself.

At the end of the day, you want to be promoted to Associate, either at your firm or somewhere else.

By definition, you are going to have to try and figure out a way to separate yourself from the rest of the class or group.

You're trying to be different, by being the best Analyst in the group, or by being one of the first to be promoted to Associate.

This is not an easy task, but it is doable and possible for any Analyst.

It will require effort, and a drive that your fellow Analysts don't have, or aren't willing to put in.

It's difficult to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new, especially a new way to represent yourself, but if you're steeping outside for good reason and with the right mindset, you could be doing something awesome.

A lot of the ways to separate yourself is by stepping outside of your comfort zone.

It’s a lot easier said than done (trust us we know and hate doing it too), but if you're able to find the courage and take the leap of faith by embodying one of these ways, it could be a difference-maker in expediting your career.

Note: These are all ideas or recommendations we think could help you stand out, and further advance your career. Whatever you feel most comfortable with, whatever works for you, ultimately is the right choice, use your judgment to know what's best for you!

Here is a question to ask yourself...

What can I do that no other Analyst is doing, or what is something I can provide (a unique angle, approach or idea that no one else is thinking of)?

Whether it’s a unique personal connection, a unique viewpoint or perspective, or a different angle to approach a client, it’s important that you make yourself and your reputation unique in some sort of way.

We've heard of Analysts making exquisite menu books for senior people to order from, giving them a great rundown of what to order, and the best places to order from.

The reason this is so important is that it will give the senior people something to remember you or label you by, and hopefully in a positive way.

Offer Different Ideas

This one is great but often a tough sell. Most of the senior people are going to be stuck in their ways, and believe their way is the best way.

But if you're able to have great supporting evidence or reasoning behind offering a different idea or strategy, they might be inclined to listen.

Don't get your hopes up on executing through on your idea, but you never know if someone remembers you by it, or it starts building your reputation and encourages you to speak up more often.

Focus on Building Relationships

Most Analysts are going to be focusing on their exit opportunities, and their day to day life.

Now while both of these are important to most Analysts, so are the relationships you can build. Relationships are the currency of business and can prove to be the most lucrative part of any position or transaction.

Within a company, having someone looking out for you, or there to help you, is more important than any promotion, or accolades you could receive.

Side Note: The higher-ups will promote someone they feel is well-rounded faster than the person who does the work the fastest. It's important to be both.

Behave Professionally

This one is critical, as you might find yourself in the presence of clients or higher-ups of the company.

The Analyst's behavior and actions are a reflection of your boss or leader who is taking a chance on you. You want to make them proud and feel like they made the right choice in hiring you.

We'd also like to point out, if you behave well the first time around clients or someone important, your boss will start to trust you and bring you around to meetings more often.

Our Tip: Every boss is walking on eggshells when they introduce their Analyst to someone important, make them proud or happy they did, it’s how you start to build their trust.

Join Networks, Organizations, and Events Outside of Work

This one is great in every sense. It's a way for you to meet people, network, and learn more about the industry you're working in.

You never know who you meet, what you can learn, or who will be at these different events.

It's also a great way to keep your pulse on the market, and the other deals that are being completed in the marketplace.

Every boss loves market intel, especially when they don't have to work for it and know its well-vetted. It’s even better as an Analyst as no one is expecting it from you.

Be Ahead of the Curve

This one takes time, but you'll figure it out once you get enough reps under your belt.

If you know your deal procedure is to get the deal info, input into a model, size it the best you can and show your boss how the deal sizes, do it without them asking.

Rather than wait for them to hold your hand every step of the way, take the initiative and do the work they are going to want without them asking you.

This way, when they ask you, you can say you've finished it, started it, or ask if there is anything, I should keep an eye out for?

Side Note: Your boss will take a mental note that you are taking the initiative, without them having to ask you.

Solve A Problem of Theirs

Whether it's moving their car or helping them carry bags up to the office or waiting on a line which could mean a lot to them. Odds are they’ll be appreciative you even offered.

Every Analyst has something they can offer their boss, whether it’s time, energy, or patience.

If you can help solve a problem of theirs, and they truly value it, you just might start building that great relationship or finding that mentor you always hoped for.

Our Tip: Everyone talks about the small things, but few are actually willing to do them. Be one of the few.

Connecting with or Bringing in Potential Clients

This one's a long shot, but if you can help in any way, you'll be receiving a ton of praise and recognition.

Bringing in or connecting your boss with someone they can pitch, or possibly win business from will go a long way.

It shows you are committed to the team and willing to help in any way possible.

Note: Odds are, no other Analysts are doing this.

Work on Your Golf Game

An enormous amount of business is done on the golf course every year.

If you can be an asset to your boss in a group outing, then you will have awesome networking opportunities other Analysts won't have.

It's important to behave well and be a mensch while you're out on the course. And before you say you're a golfer, hopefully, your skills are pretty good.

Our Tip: Most golfers, like to play with other good golfers, so if you can become one, you could find your way into some cool places.

Speak Up in Meetings

This one is risky but could pay off.

Depending on what you say, and how it lands, you could do incredibly well.

If you can support or give reasoning to a certain claim or proposal that no one else knows, everyone in the room will be happy and thankful you spoke up.

It's definitely important to know your place in meetings, but if you're able to provide value, and help the group make a better or more well-informed decision, your boss will be a happy camper.

Side Note: If your boss is a self-conscience, insecure person, then it might be best not to speak up, because odds are, they’ll want the accolades and recognition even for your work or idea.

Get Involved with Other Business Lines

This is a great idea if you have the capacity to do it.

Most Analysts are already overloaded with work, but if you can help the company in multiple ways, or in other areas of business, you'll be viewed as a valuable employee.

It's important not to bite off more than you can chew, but if you feel you could be an asset in another area of business or are willing to sacrifice more of your time, then go for it.

Most likely you're trying to build your career and reputation, and if you can help the company in any way, you'll make yourself more valuable.

Create a Process

This one can be awesome for both you and your boss. If you create a standard procedure that you follow, or that works for you, then you can both be on the same page.

Whether it's a mini-meeting or huddle in the beginning of the week, or a preview call before taking a deep dive into a deal or the numbers, or even a daily email to give a rundown of the day’s agenda, this can be mutually beneficial.

Sometimes you might be given or handed a process, and if that's the case, then follow it to a tee.

Have Enthusiasm for Your Work

Almost everyone views the work they do as an Analyst as boring or tedious. If you're really interested in the field, you’re in, show enthusiasm in the work no one else is.

This is a sure-fire way to catch the attention of your boss, and the people around you in a good way.

Your time as an Analyst is a stepping stone to get you to where you want to go, the process deserves some enthusiasm.

Grind

Whether it’s a weekend, a holiday, or a task no one wants to do, try to push yourself to do it.

By digging deep and possibly sacrificing a bit, you could receive a lot of credibility and respect from your superiors.

Think whether your plans are worth it, and what they offer you. Sometimes they will be, and sometimes they won’t be.

A lot of Analysts have a hard time doing something different than what everybody else is doing.

It's hard to be different and requires a lot of courage and character.

The easy way is to conform and blend in, after all, everybody else is doing it. But the way to growth is by doing something different.

Something no other Analyst is doing, something that you are willing to go above and beyond to do because you want to be great.

Conclusion

Separating yourself is almost contradictory, by the nature of the two words, you are isolating yourself.

But if it's for the right reasons, and with the right execution, it can be lucrative financially, emotionally, and personally. 

It won't be easy, and it probably won't be enjoyable, just to set the stage, but hopefully, down the line, it will be worthwhile.

Keep grinding, take it one task, one day at a time.

Eventually, when you look up, it all be worth the sacrifice, pain, and suffering you experience to make it happen.

Keep grinding…