Summer Analyst

I applied to a Nomura diversity program, the Explore Nomura Diversity Program, and after which I was selected to interview. The interview consisted of one fairly straightforward phone screen. This consisted of basic behavioral, why Nomura/Greentech, why banking, etc. At this point, you specify your preference for Nomura or Greentech, though the placement is not guaranteed at your department of preference. This was more conversational than most first-round interviews I have had. This obviously varies on a case-to-case basis, I had friends who interviewed and got slammed with techs. Just bad luck I guess. Following passing the phone screen, you schedule a superday, which consisted of 3, 30-minute interviews with people across IBD, HR and S&T.

Most of the first interview consisted of markets-based questions, with a fair amount of technicals, especially considering that this was an interview during freshman year. I was interviewed by an AN2 in a coverage group and someone in FICC trading. I mentioned I was in a student investment club following the energy sector, and I was asked about the nuances of modeling in the energy sector. Threw me off, but I think I answered well. Also had to field questions about the sell-side M&A process in this interview.

The second interview was with a VP in LevFin who asked me about LevFin, specifically regarding conceptual stuff about what makes an attractive LBO target, what a GP or LP is, what the LBO process looks like, and questions of that ilk. I didn't spend much time looking at LBO stuff and the guy didn't seem too impressed with my answers, but the conversation otherwise was fine.

The last interview was with an HR person who asked mostly behaviorals and asked what I thought about Nomura and Greentech's platform. Overall the first two rounds were tougher than I expected and did not feel great after the interview process, but got a call a few weeks later with an offer from an alum. Ended up turning down for a top MM which I also got through a diversity program.