It's Friday folks, I'm a little bit burned out, and I didn't have any specific topic planned for this afternoon. So this post will be a little meta: a post praising WSO...on WSO!!!
Seriously, at some point this month -- I think in two weeks, but don't quote me on that -- I will reach my one year anniversary with WallStreetOasis. It's been a great run, and I owe the vast majority of my success -- small as it has been so far -- in the financial services industry to this site and its "regulars".
Throughout the past year, I've written over 70 articles, maintained a 5.4x SB/MS multiple (someone can spread the comps on every other author's ratios; I'm not that ambitious), and read some of the most hilarious things on the internet from posters and authors alike. In my professional life, I received a very solid investment banking offer -- again, due largely to WSO helping me get a foot in the door -- networked with a ton of people from the site, reviewed a bunch of resumes for other authors and interns, and learned a boatload throughout the entire process.
So what's the point of this thread? Two-fold: to thank the WSO community, and to recommend the internship programs that Patrick and Andy have carefully designed to people out there who are looking to get their foot in the door but haven't quite figured out a game plan yet. This should, irrevocably, be part of your game plan. No other way to say it: you'll learn about finance, you'll improve your networking skills dramatically, and you'll have access to a vast -- and quickly-growing -- database of resources to help you in the often-long quest to getting to where you want to be.
So, thanks WSO. Eddie, CompBanker, SirTrades, CaptK, TechBanker, TNA/ANT, and UFOInsider come to mind immediately as folks who dished out great advice, both through PMs and open threads.
But most importantly, potential future-interns you better be listening, working with Patrick and Andy has been awesome. Supervisors don't get better, because these guys always have your best interest in mind. Whenever you have a question about your work or are looking for advice about the industry, they don't just shoot back a quick e-mail...they really take time to figure out the best way to help you out, and that's truly exemplary.
If anyone out there has questions about the internship program, specifically with respect to writing, definitely get more info about it because writing skills are important in investment banking. I was asked more about my writing work during interviews than I was about modeling, truth be told. Glad to answer any questions about my experience writing for WSO through PM also.
Thanks guys. Have a great weekend.
I appreciate WSO because of the way it provides motivation. I know motivation is supposed to come from within, and it's a bit shallow to base your goals around what other people think, but personally I find it very inspiring to participate in some of the threads here, see what everyone else is doing with their career, be envious of some, be thankful I'm not in the same situation as others, and just constantly keeping your eyes on the prize, as you're forced to do by participating in a community like this.
I lurked on this site for 4 years of school, but didn't join until 15 weeks ago. It is an absolutely great resource. My main reason for joining was that I noticed a lack of private banking representation on the site, and I know it would have helped me when I was going through recruiting, so I thought I would joing and help to pass along advice I learned through my SA/FT search.
But I never thought I would enjoy the site this much. I learn new things every day on here, and being able to read about other people's situations and get their opinions is great. And like MFFL said above, this site definitely provides motivation. Another reason I'm on here so much everyday
The people I hang out with aren't exactly the poster children of motivation (lol) so it's good to hear about people doing well to remind me why I'm even doing this shit anymore in the first place. Keeps the proverbial carrot firmly in place for at least a while longer. Also, as anyone who has "non-finance" friends probably knows, you can get away with talking about certain stuff here that they would have absolutely ZERO interest in.
Thank you. I've enjoyed your articles.
DonVon, just curious. Did you ever find a banking job?
Unde quidem velit vero et eligendi. Et maxime est unde omnis odit facere error.
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