College ---> Corporate World transition

got thrown in at the deep end to 17 hour days and weekends of work-filled fun so didn't have time to worry about anything other than getting enough hours of sleep a night. By the time I was able to get my head above water I was 6 months in and remembering uni through rose tinted glasses whilst sneaking out for a cheeky beer with my colleagues before hitting the grind again

Honestly it has been one of the hardest transitions, it is awful, I just get wasted Thursday - Sunday like the old college days. I am hoping to win the lottery so I can quit...

also list what kind of things you had to get used to.
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Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

and who to keep happy...

what kind of things?

living on MUCH less sleep
actually having to get up and go to work every day
being the flakey friend and generally feeling like you're letting down friends/ family all the time
having holidays cancelled
realising that the bank owns you
"taking ownership" for every bit of work you produce
understanding that you'll probably be made the fall guy for any fuck up
taking advantage of ANY spare time you have
....and other stuff that probably seems normal now...

as for politics? keep EVERYONE happy - from the assistants to the MDs!!

advice for kids in college:

work sucks, granted you learn and get experience..blah blah blah...but it still sucks having no breaks, not being able to skip work like you do class when something fun comes up, they pay you well because they own you. trust me the whole "i just want to learn and dont care about the hours" attitude dies very quickly. meeting chicks is damn near impossible except for maybe 1 or 2 nights a week. for all those still in school live it up while you can, stop being some douche that gives up their whole college experience to get a banking job; sit back relax have fun and if you really want/deserve it you will get it. this is not saying that i wouldn't take my job if i could do it again, because i think banking does provide valuable skills/opportunities, but nevertheless it ruins your social life. thus if you are in school just have a good time because if you don't you will definatly regret it. worst case senario you dont get a banking job, don't listen to people on this board you world will not end and your not a loser, there are plenty of other ways to become sucessful and/or enjoy your life, with out being in banking.

Drink as much as possible until you grauduate. Party as hard as you can with your friends. You will miss them terribly when it is all over. Also, be sure to just keep up with everyone through a quick email every week or so, it goes a long way. Hopefully all of your friends will just move to NYC so you'll be able to see them all whenever you get a few hours off. I find that all of my friends, guys and girls, all still hang out together almost every weekend. Cherish your time at school, it is the best.