Analyst

Stephens recruits on my campus, so I got the interview through campus recruiting. The on-campus interview was a 3 on 1 that was heavily technical. I think at this point the firm is trying to weed out the people who are just good on paper from the people who actually know their stuff. Stephens is also very interested in fit. You have to be a guy that they could see hanging out with for 16 hours a day. This means that if you can't talk to people or carry a conversation, don't bother applying. The superday invite came a couple of weeks after the on-campus interview. They fly you up to Little Rock, and if you're lucky you might get to go on one of their corporate jets. The first day of the superday consists of a dinner and a night out with some of the junior bankers. You want to leave this event early because you have a busy day early the next morning. The actual Super Saturday consists of 6-8 interviews that are 30 minutes each. The interviews at this point become a little less technical and much more about fit. That isn't to say that you won't get asked technicals though. It goes without saying, but at this point you should know your stuff or you wouldn't be there. Like I said earlier, Stephens is all about fit. They are a family owned, private investment bank that has a definite southern culture. They are a bunch of good ole' boys doing great work that put their principles and reputation first and foremost. They are looking for guys that don't just want to be there for 2 years and then leave. They want guys who are committed to the firm, as most of their senior bankers started as analysts themselves. If I had one piece of advice it would be this: research the firm heavily beforehand and get a feel for what their principles are. They have a video on their website that does a good job of giving you a sense for it also.