AUSTRALIAN UNI STUDENT

Current student at UNSW Commerce (Finance & Accounting)

HD WAM, exchange to ivy league, intern at a global private capital fund, financial controller intern at a semi-reputable law firm (not big 6 but high t2), subcom role at a finance related society.

Definitely want to be in investment banking or an adjacent field at a big 4.

Please give me tips on what I should be doing to secure this kind of role. I would love to hear insights - been preparing technicals and behavioural consistently, excel and powerpoint proficient of course, modelling etc.

I don't know what else I should be doing.... I've exhausted all of the AUS related threads on WSO and they've honestly been so helpful, just looking for guidance based on my current situation. If anyone can DM me, that would also be incredible.

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips to help you secure a role in investment banking or an adjacent field at a Big 4:

  1. Networking:

    • LinkedIn Group: Join the LinkedIn group for WSO and connect with other professionals. Networking is crucial, and the more connections you have, the higher your chances of breaking in.
    • Alumni Network: Leverage your university's alumni network, especially those who are in the finance industry. Reach out for informational interviews and advice.
  2. Internships and Work Experience:

    • Relevant Internships: Continue to seek out internships that are directly related to investment banking or finance. Even unpaid internships at small boutiques can be valuable.
    • Off-Cycle Internships: Apply for off-cycle internships to gain more experience and make your resume stand out.
  3. Technical Skills:

    • Financial Modeling: Ensure you are proficient in financial modeling, including DCF, M&A, LBO, and Comps. Consider taking additional courses if needed.
    • Excel and PowerPoint: Continue to hone your skills in Excel and PowerPoint, as these are essential tools in investment banking.
  4. Behavioral Preparation:

    • Mock Interviews: Practice mock interviews focusing on both technical and behavioral questions. This will help you become more comfortable and confident during actual interviews.
    • Storytelling: Develop a compelling personal story that highlights your passion for finance, your relevant experiences, and your career goals.
  5. Reading and Staying Informed:

    • Financial News: Regularly read financial news sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, the FT, and the WSJ to stay updated on market trends and developments.
    • Books: Consider reading books recommended by WSO members, such as "Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers and Acquisitions" by Rosenbaum and Pearl.
  6. Extracurricular Activities:

    • Finance Societies: Continue your involvement in finance-related societies and seek leadership roles if possible. This demonstrates your commitment and leadership skills.
  7. Applications and Timing:

    • Early Applications: Start applying for internships and graduate roles as early as possible. The recruitment process can be highly competitive, and early applications can give you an edge.
    • Spring Weeks: If applicable, apply for spring weeks or similar programs that can provide early exposure to the industry.

By following these tips and continuing to build on your current experiences and skills, you will be well-positioned to secure a role in investment banking or an adjacent field at a Big 4 firm. Good luck!

Sources: Tips for Getting an internship in Investment Banking as a freshman, In Search of Wisdom, Tips for incoming summer analyst in Corporate Banking?, Advice On a Career, Advice From an Advisor to Senior Wall Streeters

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

would be helpful if you mentioned what year of your degree you were in and what advice you were actually looking for (internships or grad roles, for example)? this post is too vague for anyone to give you good advice

However, to answer your question more directly - if this relates to summer internships and you're in your 2nd year (of 3) for one, you've missed the boat, but also there's nothing more you really need to be doing - you seem to be on the right track. That said, don't be a wanker - nobody is going to care about exchange to an ivy league (also just say cornell/penn, jesus), because you didn't matriculate to that university and you won't be graduating from there, nor is anyone going to care about the tier of the law firm that you were not a lawyer or paralegal at (tiering matters for lawyers but not for people working in back office support functions). Just relax, hardo. The worst thing that you can do now is obsess as it's going to make you unlikeable. Likeability is key to being able to secure a role in IB - it's not just the technicals, all that shit is generally not that difficult - it's being a likeable person. 

 
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