First time investing

I am a current college student and with the massive fall in the market over the last few months I feel this is a really good opportunity to invest in the stock market for the first time. I have read multiple articles online about what to look for in a company before investing; balance sheets, income and cash flow statements as well as reading other analysts reports on each company. I am just wondering if you have any advice on other things to look out for before investing/ Any help is appreciated, Thank you

2 Comments
 

Just invest in VOO and let it sit. Unless you’re planning to put a large amount of time in analyzing company return data and balance sheet strength I would just take a passive approach.

Im currently 45% VOO 25% DIA 35% NDAQ

When I back tested this with monthly balancing it outperformed the market on a risk adjusted basis. Also look into leveraged ETFs like SPXL or TQQQ if you are confident in the direction of the market.

 
Most Helpful

Neque consequatur voluptates molestiae porro et odio. Aliquam labore quia qui doloremque officiis qui. Nesciunt rerum adipisci sed asperiores in corrupti officia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”