Summer Associate

I interviewed first on-campus with an MD. He was very direct and asked me my grades, who else I was interviewing with any why BMO. I was also asked what group I was interested in and why. It was a bit strange because interviewer kept checking his phone, so I wasn't sure I was capturing his attention.

Technicals in first round related to valuation models and we went through a DCF model in-depth.

I was surprised to get a 2nd round, but I did. Second round consisted of four back-to-back interviews with 1 VP, 1 Direction and two MDs. All were pleasant enough and asked typical behavioral questions about teamwork and what I would contribute to BMO. In addition, I got some questions about whether I was sure I knew what I was getting into with investment banking and the lifestyle, hours, etc.

Technical questions were all standard, but during 2nd round, seemed to focus more on accounting. Also, I was asked about the "Rule of 72" and pleasantly surprised my interviewer when I explained it correctly.

In terms of culture, it's like any other I-Bank. People work hard and some people are pleasant; some not so much. One issue though that I did notice is that because BMO is growing rapidly and growing mostly through lateral hires at senior levels, there can be a clash of cultures from all the different ex-patriates from Citi, Baird, DB, etc. At the same time, BMO is trying to create the "BMO way" of doing things. But you'll get MDs who want to do things the way they used to do at their old employer.