The Office Politics Game: How to Climb the Ladder Without Being Assassinated On Your Way to the Top

You’ve seen it all before: the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Soon-To-Be “The Star” joins the office with every intention of making you look bad – while being obscenely chipper.

But then a senior banker piles the workload onto our brave young Analyst and he withdraws from everyone one else and pretty soon, he’s just a pitted useless rock that everyone avoids.

So how can you avoid these same pitfalls when you join a new office?

“Don’t get involved in office politics” is common advice, but there’s one glaring flaw with that: office politics can still get involved with you.

Even attempting to stay “neutral” is reason enough for some to make you an enemy.

Being able to read and react to the dynamics around you is vital for anyone looking to get ahead (or even remain) in their corporate environment, and rarely is it truer than in the finance world (OK, an exception may apply if you’re trying to win the Iron Throne).

So how, specifically, do you keep advancing on your way to the top without falling off the ladder as your rivals swat it away from you?

The Following Are Lethal and Should Be Avoided:

Trust No One, and Keep Your Dragon Close: The Game of Thrones Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder

About a year ago, I had just finished a long stretch of 80-90 hour workweeks.

No, I hadn’t lost my wits and found myself back in investment banking.

I had just finished up creating and releasing a new modeling course…

…and I was ready to celebrate.

A friend was having a birthday event at the best club in town, and everything you’d want was included: multiple tables, bottle service, and more models than even AJ could conjure up.

As the date approached it started sounding better and better… and I even invited a few other friends along.

But when the day arrived, I had to suddenly cancel my plans and back out at the last minute.

I had something more important to do.

From Analyst Monkey to King of the Jungle MD: The Investment Banking Hierarchy

“This is not a fraternity house,” my staffer explained as he hauled me into a small conference room.

“Some of the MDs have complained about how messy your desk is, so clean it up.”

Genuinely curious, I replied, “Were you referring to the empty Red Bull cans or to all the papers too?”

Not a good start to your 3rd week on the job.

I told this story to a few co-workers afterward and they all laughed and responded the same way:

“He’s lying, a bank is exactly like a frat house.”

They were right – just like a fraternity, there’s hazing, a hierarchy, and certain rituals you must go through to advance.

While this site has been analyst-focused in the past, today you’re going to learn all about this hierarchy, how much you get paid at each level, how the work differs, the average age range, and the possible exit opportunities.

And if you’re curious about hours please stop reading this site right now.