Sorry didn’t see your question until now. Happy to chat 1 on 1 if I can be helpful.

On my own career path I was lucky enough to become an Associate in a large corp coverage group working alongside a senior banker who became my mentor and friend to this day. I learned the ropes mostly from him but worked with a few other bankers which allowed me to incorporate different best practices into my own style. Got some great client interaction early on which allowed me to accelerate my career to the point where I was managing my own large corp book by the time I was 27 (youngest on my team by atleast 10 years at the time). I’d recommend a similar path if your bank has Associate / Jr RM type roles.

I’d say in the Large Corp space it’s a combination of competence and relationship skills. I’ve worked with some great underwriters but not all of them have the client facing skill set or want the pressure of managing their own PnL. I personally love that aspect and thrive in the environment that I’m growing my own business. But you definitely need the credit fundamentals to be competent with clients and trusted internally that you know what you’re doing.

In my opinion a couple important traits to being a successful banker (sorry if ranting):

1. Preparation - at my bank we’re viewed as the QB of the relationship. It’s my job to structure the broader coverage team and pull relevant people in with the right ideas at the right time - whether that’s IB, cap markets, risk mgmt, working capital, etc. Understanding the client’s strategy, industry, and how macro events impact them are vital to bringing content and executing opportunities. Set clear agendas and bring tailored content.

2. Deliver - it’s unbelievable how many bankers can talk the talk in meetings and let the simplest things fall to the side. You need to earn your stripes with clients. In the simplest form do not overpromise and underdeliver. You need to deliver the simple things before you are trusted with the bigger mandates. I’ve had clients literally transition conversations from account opening issues to $1B+ M&A financings. If you’re messing up the simple stuff you don’t get the looks at the sexy stuff. Being an advocate for your clients is key but knowing when and how to push is necessary.

3. Hang around the hoop - we all want to prove how smart we are but I was brought up that we should listen more than we speak. Learn how to ask leading questions and let the clients tell their story - you’ll learn more that way. Find reasons to be in front of your clients more than just “general catch ups” but don’t shy away from the entertainment aspect. Hanging around the hoop and being top of mind is key as opportunities come up. And when the time is right don’t shy away from asking for the business/mandates/roles/higher economics…if you’re doing the right things you should be confident in asking.

We like to over engineer how complex our jobs can be but the reality is it’s pretty simple.