One interview question

Hey guys,

I noticed that this interview question comes up a lot: what's your five-year plan?

I did pretty bad with a question during a F500 interview so I wouldn't want to be screwed again during those ibd interviews, especially for the analyst position. I know that a lot of folks will jump to PE/HF after probably three years or get MBAs. I was even told not to put gmat score in case the banks think that you will leave after three years.

So my question is that should we be honest to tell them about that? Does this also hold true for banks in Asian and Europe?

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

 
Best Response

Considering most places sign you p for a 2 year program, I've always thought giving a legit answer (or at least semi legit) was a good idea because it shows you're not just dicking around and you actually have an idea where you want to see yourself. That being said, I've always tried not to see too certain since my interviewers were for 1st year analyst positions, so it would seem a little naive if I had my whole career mapped out. But I usually said I would either like an MBA to learn more about the fundamentals of business blah blah blah, or to stay with one company.

I've been been on the interviewer side of this so I don't know whether or not my answer is good, but I've never gotten bad feedback so it's probably at least a decent answer.

Remember, once you're inside you're on your own. Oh, you mean I can't count on you? No. Good!
 

ye I also got this one. I think it is a silly question - to ask a junior 5- or 10-year plan? Maybe I could be fired within 3 months due to the economy. While I keep BSing that I would work hard, learn more and take greater responsibilities, I also want to know what kind of answers are expected?

 

Accusamus non et dolor aut eaque quasi nisi dolorum. Illo hic qui tempore saepe repellat repellendus. Cum qui officiis sapiente rerum repellendus. Ipsum autem placeat recusandae officia necessitatibus iure est sed.

Nihil hic ullam ut laborum omnis non. Velit quia ea quis iusto autem itaque nihil fugit. Ut modi sunt porro sed in sit quam.

Est ab eum aut dignissimos quaerat iste soluta architecto. Tempora quae perferendis voluptas et. Et pariatur aut repellendus. Omnis quia id numquam dolor et harum deleniti. Consequatur pariatur consequatur aut doloremque.

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...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”