Deal Maven questions for those who have completed KB I

Keyser Sose — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:34:31 -0400

I have to complete KB I with cert prior to my start date. I'm about half-way through the material and so far so good, nothing seems too hard. So my questions are:

1) Do you get to retake the case study quizzes as many times as you'd like (similar to the chapter quizzes) till you get a 100? Or is it a one and done, submit, final score type of deal?

2) How difficult is the model to build in comparison to the chapters (keep in mind I've only finished the first half - start DCF tomorrow), i.e. how hard is it to get certified? Have you ever heard of someone actually putting a legit effort into it and not getting certified?

3) Lastly, how long do you think the model would take for someone with no previous modeling experience to build it?

Non-targets: FT recruiting game plan if you didn't land a SA spot?

Keyser Sose — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:56:53 -0400

I was fortunate enough to land a SA offer in this market despite coming from a definite non-target, however, my roommate was not so fortunate (he did land an internship at the biggest asset management firm in our state though - which isn't saying much - but he will have some W/E). Therefore, we're trying to game plan the best way for him to land FT interviews and eventually an offer come fall.

Pre-summer coursework

Keyser Sose — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:18:48 -0400

Does/did anyone else's bank require them to complete coursework/training material prior to their start date? If so, how seriously are your grades looked at or how important is it that you do well on the exams? This is for a summer analyst position.

Best groups on the street - culture specific

Keyser Sose — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:00:11 -0400

Everyone is always asking/debating the best groups on the street, but these debates are usually geared toward dealflow and prestige.

Vodka cranberry - inappropriate for a guy?

Keyser Sose — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:34:00 -0400

I've been trying to cut back on unhealthy mixed drinks (whiskey and coke, rum and coke, etc.) and as a result have started drinking vodka cranberry. Is this inappropriate for a social business setting (since it's usually considered a "girl" drink)? If so, does anyone have any suggestions for some healthier mixed drinks? Thanks.

End of Summer Bonus for SA?

Keyser Sose — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:07:38 -0400

I have a buddy who is going to be a SA in ER at a top BB and he told me that he was recently informed that there will be an opportunity for an end of the summer bonus. I'm not as familiar with the ER SA structure as I am with the SA IBD structure, but I've never heard of this at banks (but I have heard of HF's doing this). Has anyone else heard of SA's getting end of summer bonuses?

Best earphones for running with iPod?

Keyser Sose — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:41:08 -0400

I ditched the standard issue iPod earbuds right from the start because they hurt my ears and instead purchased the Apple in-ear phones. The in-ear phones are incredibly comfortable, but they still fall out every 100 yards when I'm running if I don't constantly adjust them (i.e. push them back in).

Stock pitches

Keyser Sose — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:38:44 -0400

Wondering if anyone had any stocks they really liked and if so, what's your 2-3 line pitch on the stock?

Also, I think it would be more interesting if people could avoid discussing the usual hot stocks that are discussed ad nauseam (e.g. Google, Apple, etc.).

How many people do you know that couldn't get a ~700 GMAT?

Keyser Sose — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:23:11 -0400

I have a banker-to-be friend that is currently practicing for the GMAT since it is his senior year. He did well on his SAT (1490), but can't seem to break above a 650 on the gmat practice exams.

Your NYU Summer Housing Status

Keyser Sose — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:20:30 -0400

I misplaced my NYU ID number and am now waiting on an admin to email me back with the number so I can check my status.

Therefore, I was just wondering what everyone else's status is so I can possibly gauge what mine might be and where I might have ended up? Has your app been processed yet? When did you apply? Did you get your top choice?