It is said that it's easier to find a job of risk management in a bear market. I am wondering what's the typical career path of it? Will it be less promising than IBD or trading?

Many thanks!

Depends. The work pace is much slower and it is much less stressful than FO. Pay and promotion are slower as well. However, job security is much higher (on a downturn you will likely be still in demand).

Compwise, some risk managers do better than many traders. But they have to be *very good*, and make sound decisions that would gain the respect form the FO.

In many banks, the structure is such that risk managers have much easier assess to senior management than FO. That makes the job quite an important and high profile one, especially in a crisis.     

How often if ever do you see people go from trading to risk management? Also, do employers or future employment frown it upon?

some of the very best risk managers are former traders. 

What are the typical responsibilities a graduate student starting as a junior risk management analyst would get?
I've read the risk management department usually takes care of consolidating, optimizing pricing models. Who's usually doing this within the department?

Many thanks,

Clovis