Introduction 

The world of investment banking is characterised by high stakes, long hours, and an intense work environment. As you climb the ladder from analyst to associate to Vice President (VP), your responsibilities change, as does your perspective of the traditional workweek. For many, the distinction between weekdays and weekends blurs, but Mondays often come with their unique set of challenges. Here, we delve into what you can typically expect on Mondays as an investment banking professional at different levels. 

Analyst 

The analyst position is typically the entry point into investment banking. Analysts are expected to perform a lot of the groundwork in investment banking like building financial models, preparing client presentations, and conducting market research. 

On Mondays, analysts often have a slightly more intense day than the rest of the week. Over the weekend, data from Friday's closing bell might have accrued, requiring immediate attention. Analysts will likely spend their Monday mornings updating models with this data, preparing reports, and performing analyses that will guide the week's work. It's not unusual for analysts to face long hours on Mondays as they lay the groundwork for the week's projects. 

Associate 

Associates, the next rung up the ladder, supervise analysts while also managing relationships with clients. They form the link between the analysts who do the detailed work and the VPs and directors who make the high-level decisions. 

Mondays for associates tend to be filled with planning and coordination activities. They usually start the day by checking in with their analysts, ensuring that all the tasks assigned over the weekend are progressing as expected. They might also have client meetings scheduled to discuss the previous week's updates or the plans for the upcoming week. Their day can be intense, balancing between managing the expectations of their superiors and ensuring that their team is on track. 

Vice President (VP) 

Vice Presidents in investment banking are responsible for sourcing deals, maintaining client relationships, and overseeing the work of associates and analysts. Their workdays are typically filled with high-level decision-making and strategic planning. 

On Mondays, VPs typically set the tone for the week. They review the progress of deals, meet with clients, and strategise with other senior bankers. They might also need to check in with their teams, reviewing the work of associates and ensuring projects are moving forward as expected. While their days might not be as task-intensive as those of analysts or associates, they are filled with a different kind of pressure involving decision-making and maintaining the bank's business. 

Are Mondays More Intense? 

Mondays in investment banking are often perceived as more intense due to the momentum they set for the rest of the week. However, the nature of investment banking means that every day can be high-pressure and demanding, regardless of the position. 

For analysts, the workload is highly dependent on the deals they are working on and the deadlines they are chasing. Associates, meanwhile, juggle a multitude of responsibilities that don't necessarily adhere to a  

Monday-to-Friday schedule. And for VPs, the intensity lies in the criticality of their decisions rather than the volume of tasks. 

In the demanding world of investment banking, it's safe to say that intensity is not confined to any single day. The nature of this job requires relentless commitment, with every day presenting its unique challenges and rewards. 

Conclusion 

Investment banking is a demanding field that requires a high level of dedication and resilience, with Mondays often seen as a microcosm of the intensity experienced throughout the week. From the detailed work of analysts to the managerial duties of associates and the strategic decision-making of VPs, the pace and pressure are relentless, irrespective of the day. 

However, these challenges come with significant rewards. The experience gained, the skills honed, and the relationships built in this industry are invaluable. The early-week intensity of Mondays, despite being particularly challenging, is an integral part of this enriching journey, shaping the professionals into experts in their field. 

In summary, whether you're an analyst, an associate, or a VP, Mondays in investment banking may seem more intense due to the tone they set for the rest of the week. However, the reality is that in this fast-paced industry, every day is a new opportunity for growth, learning, and making critical contributions to high-stakes financial decisions. While Mondays may be a launchpad, the relentless pace of the industry ensures that the rest of the week is just as demanding - and just as rewarding.