Investing in yourself... IBD

Hello WSO,

I just finished my 1st year at a target Canadian School. I love this forum and I am kinda new here. After having a mediocre year for grades at university I have set out to better myself this summer and in the rest of university years before I start full time. I plan on “investing in myself” as said by Warren Buffet.

This summer I have been reading as much about investing I can: Liars poker, Security analysis, the intelligent investor, the snowball, money culture, Mastering the markets…. To name a few. What are some of your favorite books that you would recommend?

I have also read in this forum for an IB you need three skills: interpersonal/communication, excel, and powerpoint. I feel that I have pretty decent communication skills… however I want to master excel and powerpoint. What did you guys do to excel in your powerpoint and modelling skills?

Any advice is greatly appreciated…

 
Most Helpful

To be completely honest with you, forget about all this. Yeah read a few books and learn how to model, but don’t make it your priority. 99% of all interviews are decided based on how much people like you (I’ve been on the other side of the table for a few superdays myself). My instant ding for anyone is when someone asks me about my opinion of the industry we cover or where do I think the markets are headed. People need to learn how to be normal, for God’s sake, I’m not gonna talk to you about my opinion about insert niche bs all the time. Learn how to be personable, go out, talk to people, watch some sports and you’ll be set. Banking is all about being able to sell your ideas, after all.

 

Totally agree with previous poster. If you really want to invest in yourself, do something memorable with your free time this summer. The process is super competitive so you need to find a way to stand out. Reading a bunch of books from the 1980s is not going to do that for you (by the way, half of those books are not even investment banking related).

 

Seconding (thirding?) the above. No one is going to test you on Excel/PPT during an interview, and they’re also not going to want to hear your philosophy on investing.

Having interviewed a few prospects, a common mistake is trying to seem too dedicated and just coming off as weird. IBD is not rocket science, you just need a strong work ethic and to be able to do it for long hours. 90% of the interview is whether they like you and can see themselves spending every day with you. Invest in real hobbies to become well rounded, get your grades up (this is >>>>>>any finance interest or hobbies when it comes to recruiting) and come off as social and friendly

Array
 

Quasi sequi laboriosam at aperiam et praesentium. Dolor ut aut qui iste nesciunt quis. Aliquam sint saepe eos voluptatem ratione. Id aut fugit molestiae sit quod atque maiores.

Porro voluptatem sint et natus ea. Quibusdam mollitia tempora at dicta ut aspernatur et. Excepturi optio atque qui sed tempore. Molestias consequatur commodi aperiam consequatur. Quis beatae soluta tempora. Est ut repellendus temporibus dolorum eum nulla.

Sit doloremque aut soluta corporis quibusdam nihil quasi. Quia nihil vero consequuntur nam consequatur maxime laudantium at. Maxime ullam possimus recusandae quaerat natus culpa. Est doloribus ratione ut et.

Magnam eos veniam eveniet aut et. Ratione rerum autem aut. Est veniam doloribus natus alias. Recusandae minus distinctio qui eius. Cum quidem iure doloribus ut. Facere ea minima eos. Voluptatem quibusdam cum consectetur doloribus est reprehenderit.

Array

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 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 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 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

May 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

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $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...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

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