“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Well, is this for SA or full time? That changes the situation significantly. If the former, a lot more forgiving (which is why their intern pay is nothing amazing); you get grilled over the internship, and A&M doesn't give returns unless they think you've proven yourself over the internship program. Focus on being a likeable & coachable person I'd say. If the latter, most likely cooked, just give it your best shot.
A little anecdote, I applied to their ft RX positions a couple years or so ago, didn't make it, but one thing I was told was that the hiring process is wildly inconsistent, which is to say in some offices interviews are extremely easy, and in others much harder. Likely a product of the field not being as well known / popular back then which equaled less applicants so less of a need to have super stringent filtering. Those who applied typically tended to know people in the industry or be extremely interested in the industry. The situation's massively changed now, but I'm not sure if it's been enough time for the above advice to be outdated. They need some time to best learn how to handle a much larger applicant pool, so you might still benefit.
All this to say you have a 50/50 of BSing it through the process as a summer analyst, and they judge you over your 10 weeks or so as an intern; but as a full time applicant it's brutally difficult so best of luck.
Thanks for the advice - this is for the SA position. What do you recommend prep-wise? I've been reading all the rx guides I can find but I'm not sure how much it'll apply to what they ask in consulting rx
Assuming this is for SA bc that’s all they’re hiring for right now.
With that being said, based on what I’ve heard from friends at the firm:
Unrelated, but what does Gof or Spark mean? Or is it Go for Spark? Or maybe Gofors Park? I think I've thought about this too long.
For an SA role at A&M, technicals are just the baseline. They aren’t looking for a calculator; they want a problem solver who survives the 'Partner Test'.
Focus on this:
Operative over Financial: Skip the standard market sizing. Focus on 13-Week Cash Flow (13WCF) and working capital levers.
Mindset: In RX, you deal with chaos. Show Implicit Competence by staying calm when you don't have all the data.
The Goal: Be the solution to the Partner's stress, not another task on their list.
Check my recent post on the Partner Test for the mindset shift you need to stand out from the other grinders."
r1s out already? app hasn't even closed yet
Did you end up hearing back from your first round? Also what office did you interview for?
Decisions out apparently
Like offers were alr given out? Haven’t seen any posts
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