WSO Weekly Wrap-Up (1/17-1/23)

In case you missed them, here's some of last week's most popular topics:

My guide on how to get a hedge fund job out of undergrad
Post By @DaveMCR

The first step is gathering a list of funds that you personally feel can fit into. To do this, ask yourself, what is my personal investment strategy? Value? Growth? Macro?

Please come to me with any questions.

Off The Beaten Path: Commercial Banking to Private Equity (The Non-Traditional Route)
Post By @LeveragedTiger

If you're coming from a non-traditional background, you're going to have to do something exceptional to get noticed. The truth of the matter is that for every great opportunity, there are a ton of good applicants vying for it along with you who probably fit the traditional requirements better than you do. You can either use this as an excuse and give up, or you can sack up and do something that shows an employer that you're willing to go above and beyond for you and the company you work for.

100 Lessons Learned
Post By @BradleyBo

Someone sent me this a list of 100 lessons learned by a former GS Analyst.

52. Make an extra effort to build relationships with those whom you find difficult
86. Nothing substitutes for a good night’s rest

Demystifying the CPA Exam and Designation
Post By @crackjack

There’s a lot of public perception about CPAs. CPA = accountants, CPAs are (generally) trustworthy, CPAs are good at math/accounting, the list goes on. Former CPA/Big 4 accountants also like to hire CPAs/Big 4 accountants because of the standard they represent. That why a lot of accounting-related roles in private companies are littered with CPAs and former Big 4 accountants.

If you’re thinking you want to be a CFO down the line, I personally think it’s more important to have relevant experience in the industry/role than it is to be a CPA. Not being a CPA is not going to stop you from being a CFO.

Comp Season... things to remember
Post By @mfassociate2


Am I learning new things?
Am I developing knowledge of a specific industry/group that will build and be useful?
Am I developing contacts throughout the industry?
Am I able to build a thesis from start to finish?
Would I feel comfortable pitching a max position to our investment committee?
Am I getting access to senior analysts and portfolio managers?
Am I being given real assignments that actually matter?
Do I still need to be given assignments or can I work independently?

CFA Level 1: How Spaced Repetition Improves Memory
Post By @Learn Signal


The CFA Level 1 requires the memorization of an enormous amount of material, so figuring out the best method for learning and remembering that information is crucial to getting a passing grade on the exam. Spaced repetition is a proven and effective method for remembering the types of material you need for CFA Level 1, so start implementing this practice now and see what kind of results you can enjoy yourself.

AMA: Top 15 Life Co CML Origination Analyst
Post By @maserati123

I'm an Analyst at a large life insurance company doing commercial mortgage origination. We're typically top 15/ top 20 as far as volume is concerned. We write loans on all the typical property types with various structures. I've been personally involved in roughly $1 billion in origination so far. I've originated a few of my own deals so far, and continue to take the reins more myself. If this can be of help to anyone, ask away!

How you work
Post By @SSits


The process of putting together notes itself is more about making me understand the business and deal I’m looking at. This has been my learning style since university, where I’d type up kick arse notes, then never refer to them because it was the process of writing the notes themselves that made stuff stick in my head

I also block out gym sessions plus 30 minutes before and after in my diary as busy to avoid people booking conflicting meetings. I usually get 4 sessions done during the working week

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

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From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”