“I recently had a LinkedIn audit call with Arnau as part of my WSO Academy program, and it was one of the most practical and useful sessions I've had so far. I came in thinking my profile was in decent shape. I left with a clear picture of how recruiters and bankers actually see it, and a concrete list of changes that will make it work much harder for me.
Some background: I'm moving from corporate finance into investment banking, corporate banking, and private equity. I have an MBA in Corporate Finance, a PMP, and several years of finance and project management experience. Making that kind of move depends heavily on how you present your story, and LinkedIn is often the first place a recruiter or analyst sees it. That's why this session mattered so much to me.
From the first few minutes, Arnau was well prepared, direct, and focused on what actually moves the needle. He didn't just give generic tips like "add a professional photo." He went through my profile section by section and explained why each piece matters to someone in finance who's quickly scanning candidates. His feedback was honest without being discouraging, which I really appreciated. He pointed out where my profile was underselling my experience and where it wasn't clearly showing that I'm aiming for banking and PE.
What stood out most was how he helped me think about positioning. My background covers corporate finance, project management, hospitality, and real estate, and it can be hard to make that read as one clear story. Arnau helped me connect those experiences to the skills banks look for: financial analysis, modeling, managing budgets and capital, and working with senior stakeholders. He showed me how small changes to my headline, About section, and experience bullets can make that story obvious within seconds.
The session was also very actionable. I didn't leave with vague ideas. I left with a short list of specific edits I can make right away. That matters a lot when you're job hunting and every week counts. He also shared advice on using LinkedIn more actively, such as engaging with the right people and content, so the profile supports my networking instead of just sitting there.
I also want to recognize the overall WSO Academy experience. Between the modeling bootcamp, the company research work, the mentorship, and sessions like this one, the program has given me structure and support during a career transition that can otherwise feel isolating. This call was a good example of what makes WSO different: the people coaching you understand the industry you're trying to break into and give feedback that reflects how hiring really works.
If you're a WSO member and haven't booked a LinkedIn audit yet, I'd strongly recommend it. It's a short time commitment, and the return is significant. Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression, and having an experienced set of eyes on it is worth it.
Thank you, Arnau, for your time, honesty, and practical guidance. I'm excited to put the changes in place and keep building toward my goal of breaking into investment banking.”
I would intern, even after graduating and ditching that full-time role. Working in operations is a nightmare.
Gotta be the internship dude. No Ops Ever.
Take the boutique, no question. I'm doing a post-grad internship on a REPE acquisitions team and it's been one of the better decisions I've made. In hindsight, I would've probably taken it over a lot of the FT positions I interviewed for in the fall.
I was expecting a no-name boutique, and still would've gone with the boutique. What the other 3 posters said above me...
Agreed, boutique
Elite boutique too...wow. Good job, I would take the boutique.
Would you guys take an unpaid internship at a boutique (either no-name or elite), even after graduating?
Risk it rather than take the safe route?
If it's in reference to the OP, then yes, since he never said it was unpaid. Regardless, if there's a chance to convert to FT, the opportunities are definitely higher than the Ops. You're not going to internally transfer into IBD from Ops.
If your target is IBD, do IBD. It's like asking if you want to be an engineer, should you study architecture.
My above question is assuming a very low chance of a return FT offer from said unpaid IB internship.
Is working in operations safer? This is a sure ding dong for any potential IBD lateral attempts.
Thank for the advice...my gut feeling is also telling me go for the internship. Regardless of prestige or exit ops, I also just think I will learn more at boutique.
Let us know which you take.
I took the boutique offer. The group I'm working with does restructuring and risk advisory. Positions in Ops will always be around, however an opportunity like this seemed too good pass up.
Congrats, man. Keep us posted.
Well this isn't an "ops FT or IB internship at a no name shop" thread...he said the IB internship is at an elite boutique. Makes the choice even easier.
Nesciunt minus veniam nostrum animi ullam ducimus. Necessitatibus repudiandae aut distinctio enim.
Laboriosam ut eveniet distinctio. Est reprehenderit voluptates hic ea. Nihil in dolor occaecati labore rerum officiis alias.
Est error eum autem dolores aut et voluptate ut. Dolores qui voluptas suscipit non esse. Qui quia aut eaque tempore doloribus fugiat. Laboriosam vel commodi labore id fuga.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...