Last week, Goldman Sachs internally informed this year's crop of young chosen ones, that is, this year's crop of Managing Directors.

In the midst of some tough times and eye-catching job cuts, this group is becoming more exclusive. The firm minted only 261 new MDs, which is nearly 20 percent fewer than last year. This year's class is apparently the smallest since 2008, when 259 MDs were anointed, according to Deal Journal. These folks are in line to ascend to Partner Managing Director someday, the next step on the career rung for them.

Obviously, they deserve congratulations for making it this far. But you have to wonder if the position is as coveted as it once was. The prestige is still there. They will enjoy an enviable cachet as a partner. But everyone knows the sad fate of most partners: They are culled if they do not perform.

"Ex-Goldman Sachs" partner in fact still carries some cachet--with a wink. And the fact is that partners may be making less in the near future, as Goldman Sachs could be set for a secular in decline in profits. It may also be a while before its stock offers any real riches. Some executives are no doubt underwater on their options as of this moment.

So what does this mean for the new MDs? Some might be wise to start thinking about a transition now. Greener pastures await for most of them. They should make sure they leverage their status for maximum effect. 

For more:
- here's an article from Deal Journal

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