financial analyst

analyst

associate

investment banking analyst

vice president

Houlihan Lokey

Compared to all my friends' experiences in IB, the work life balance at HL was way worse. Of course this depends on the group you are in, location, etc. I worked in the Portfolio Valuation practice in particular. Senior management has been struggling to fix its deeply rooted issues (i.e. vicious turnover cycle, over staffing, and below market compensation package), so hopefully it gets fixed for the sake of its junior employees. Like most banks, expect too much work and not enough time to do it, but unfortunately you should also expect < market compensation. You can, however, expect to learn a ton and enjoy the established brand / resources the company has to offer. There are great perks, and the company offers a fantastic benefits package. You'll work alongside several quality, intellectual individuals which offers great networking. In my experience, I was working under management who never held a job as a financial analyst at HL, so there was lack of sympathy for the amount of pressure put on junior staff. I was the last financial analyst in my class to leave the firm, and I did so after 1 year.

Working at this company, especially in non-revenue-generating groups, has been an extremely disappointing experience due to the toxic office politics and lack of recognition for hard work. Employees can consistently meet or even exceed their goals, yet promotions and career growth opportunities remain limited or completely absent. The environment feels more driven by favoritism and internal politics than by merit or performance. Since the new management took over, the situation has become even worse, with a heavy focus on aggressive cost-cutting measures rather than supporting, motivating, or investing in employees. Instead of creating a positive workplace culture that encourages people to perform better and grow professionally, management often makes employees feel undervalued, overworked, and insecure about their future within the company.


Workplace culture is one with no work life balance...working all day and late nights and staying for dinner is expected.  Emails sent at late night hours after 10pm.  Employees expected to get the job done without overtime when the task are very manual and team is expected to handhold the company.  Lot of turn over because of poor communication, employees are burned out and unrealistic expectations.   

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good benefits and good location

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Engaging with leadership that allows harassment and disrespectful behavior.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Unfortunately it encourages behavior from especially long standing employees that will wipe out any confidence and enjoyment from what you do.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Lots of meetings that have lots of people and which may not apply to you

Houlihan Lokey is a great place to come to work in the morning. Knowing what needed of you on a daily basis should be credited to management. Working on projects with co-workers, contributing and meeting deadlines has proven to be a great experience for me in which I've appreciated. Houlihan also have a few company activities that happen throughout the year which keeps thing exciting and enjoyable.

Analysts and bankers roll into the office around 9 (or later). Most people are laid back, but the younger financial staff are competing for jobs and can be on edge at times. Most of the VP's get it and are there to get the work done without drama. Directors and MD's are relaxed but still demand quality; their admins will be the ones applying pressure if something goes awry.

Long hours and demanding work. Very cliquey culture, so you are either in or out. Hours are long, as you would expect in banking. Management tries to make itself accessible but will make you feel stupid if you ask a simple question. Best part of the job is the experience, the compensation, and the exit opportunities. The worst part about the job is having to work till late at night and have co-workers distract you with different taunts and names.

Don't let the benefits and nice buildings fool you. What goes in here would make for a TV show.  They "promise" job security and growth but that's bait and switch to get you to work here. They purposely discourage departments mingling and talking and are very clear on isolating everyone. Some of the worst internal management I have ever seen. Again dont let the "nice buildings" fool you. I would not recommend working here. 

Very collaborative feel to the bank. Small, boutique bank feel with the resources and support of a large, global financial institution. Live deal experience at a junior level and lots of client interaction as well. Good pay structure and benefits. Work/life balance is always a compromise in the industry but, depending on your group at HL, the company does a nice job of allowing you to have your life outside of the job.

Typical day:  Non stop running.  Dealing with complaints and issues.
What I learned:  Not to take things personally
Management:  NA
Co-workers:  for the most part, my co-workers are amazing.  Like most places, you have the good and the bad.
Hardest part of the job:  Not taking this stuff home.
The most enjoyable part of the job:  I've made a couple of friendships that will follow me when I leave.

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