GUEST COMMENT: It seems that only the inadequate stay in the same job
I'm an associate in a large investment bank. I've written two previous articles, here, and here about my experiences, which have been both perplexing and bizarre.
I'm now writing because I'm astonished at the number of people in my analyst group who seem to be leaving. And I'm astonished that the bank seems to be ok with this.
Recruiting people onto the graduate programme is a huge investment. Banks pour money into the whole affair - from sponsorships to campus tours, to training and so on.
When they're recruiting, the sales pitch is effectively that you'll have a job for life. One board member actually said to us: "You are the future of the firm." We were also assured that the proportion of graduate trainees remaining with the bank after five years was very high.
However, when I look around me now, it seems everything is in flux. I see very few people who seem to be sticking around with the intention of making it to the top. One theory among us graduates is that good people go off and find somewhere else. Only those who aren't appealing to the market and have fewer choices stay.
I'd appreciate your opinion. In particular, I'd like some guidance on my own position. I've been here for three years: should I be leaving too?
