Portfolio Associate Interview - Need advice!

I've been in operations at an investment management firm for almost two years. My goal was always to try to move internally to the front office, and I've been waiting for an opportunity. I'm on a project team that has given me decent exposure to a couple front office teams and have made an effort to build some relationships. I attempted CFA Level 1 back in November and unfortunately failed but I'm taking another crack at it next month. I've also been learning SQL and anything else that might make me an asset to have on a team. 

One of the portfolio managers is looking to add a portfolio associate to his team. This team manages a huge portfolio, mainly IG and HY credit. They've been building out their team and hiring in the past year, and I feel I am actually well qualified for this role.

I spoke to my boss, and he said he would support me if I wanted to apply and would put in a good word for me. I also know a senior director on this same team I'm applying for, and I asked him if we could grab coffee. It went really well and I tried to ask some good questions (duration and interest rate risk) while also asking about the role. He also introduced me to an associate who made the move internally from our investment accounting team, and he gave me some good advice about the process/interviewing. 

Fast forward to today, I find out that I have two interviews on Monday. One is with a senior director, and another is with a senior associate who I've crossed paths with a few times and am friendly with. I feel like I am so close, and I want to do everything I can to seal the deal and make the jump to the front office. 

If you guys have any advice on how I can impress in my interviews, or good questions I can ask, I would really appreciate it. 

 

Velit accusamus quas distinctio. Eligendi occaecati ex asperiores qui enim quia. Esse aliquid id numquam sit dolor vel voluptas.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”