Biggest Misunderstandings going into IB

For all the people in IB, were there any things you may have thought you needed to do get the job but didn’t

5,943 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Class of '25 Sep 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Why [Industry] Review

“Jonathan was super helpful in helping me see what I should be focusing on in my why investment banking questions. He seemed to be very knowledgeable of what investment banking hiring managers are looking for. He was also very kind an was looking for more ways that he could help me than just practicing for my question. Overall great experience.”

Class of '29 Oct 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Short Resume Review / Recap

“It was great meeting John today and just chatting about the recruiting process in general. John seems very easygoing and is very willing to answer any questions about my resume and networking. He suggested that I send him my resume for review and he will provide feedback asynchronous and I appreciate that. I also like the fact that John had experience working in a bulge bracket, an elite boutique, and a private equity firm. These experiences really relate to what I am envisioning for myself now.”

See All 11,063 WSO Academy Reviews

2 Comments

IB

Associate 2 in IB-M&A

5y

Ivy League degree and a silver spoon up my a$$.

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - 2nd Year AssociateCertified Investment Banking Pro

IB

Intern in IB - Gen

5y

Fuga molestias ea sed facere quo. Voluptatem nulla quas mollitia quia impedit. Et deserunt veniam est quos. Qui itaque exercitationem et velit fuga qui possimus.

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Investment Banking Professional - 1st Year AnalystCertified Investment Banking Pro

Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum

+131	UBS Catastrophic Q1-Q3 26, M&A -17%, Outside Top 10 in Americas, EMEA & APAC	33	9h
+76	You should probably leave IB	29	1d
+46	Banking (Un)fortunately Still Needs You: My Case for Bankers in the AI Era	15	1d
+31	New analyst: how are you thinking about learning to model when AI is getting this good?	6	4d
+29	UBS IB #24 in US M&A in 2026	10	3d
+27	Lateraling as Analyst	25	3d
+24	How much should you ask questions / seek feedback as an intern?	9	3d
+22	Houston banking Gods ?	15	16h
+18	How to Exit a Sweatshop	4	3d
+18	Normal for lateral process to go +2 months?	2	13h

Career Resources

1	redever	99.2
2	Secyh62	99.0
3	BankonBanking	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	dosk17	98.9
6	CompBanker	98.9
7	DrApeman	98.9
8	GameTheory	98.9
9	Betsy Massar	98.9
10	Kenny_Powers_CFA	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Biggest Misunderstandings going into IB

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Biggest Misunderstandings going into IB

See All Comments - 100% Free

Trending Content - Investment Banking Forum