Critique my why IB Answer?

Feel free to rip it to shreds have my top choice superday next week, so need this answer to be top:

My eagerness two join IB stems from to underlying reasons:

Dynamism and Continuous Learning

What drives my passion for any project or role I undertake is the opportunity for consistent learning. That's what first drew me to politics—comparing why Chile’s political system might outperform Peru’s requires navigating constantly changing information, from global macroeconomic conditions to internal social disputes and political shifts. There’s rarely one simple answer, but the pursuit of clarity amidst this complexity excites me.

Investment banking provides a similarly dynamic environment, where I am constantly challenged to adapt. Whether it’s pitching a new merger to a client or adjusting models due to evolving market conditions, the landscape is always shifting. Likewise, in ECM, for isntance, valuations must be adjusted, and coordination with a syndicate of banks during deal execution requires constant flexibility.

I understand that investment banking demands long hours—12, 14, even 16-hour days. But it’s precisely the fast-paced learning, constant change, and dynamism that will keep me energized about coming into the office every day.

Tangible Client Relationships

Secondly, through conversations with current bankers, I’ve come to appreciate that, while financial analysis is a cornerstone of investment banking, a significant part of the role is relationship-driven. This human aspect of the industry also excites me. During my time working with clients at [FAANG Company] and [Consumer company], I discovered that delivering excellent results for clients is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. Seeing clients achieve their goals as a result of my efforts motivates me to provide high-quality, tailored advice.

This bank has built long-term relationships with major global corporations because of its strong focus on these relationships. Although I understand that early in my career, I won’t be directly dealing with clients, I’m eager to learn and grow. As an intern, I know I’ll be the person with the most to learn in the room, but the prospect of one day sitting where you are—liaising directly with corporates to help transform industries—genuinely excites me about a career in investment banking.

14 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Maybe its because I am just reading it as opposed to a human saying it to me, but it sounds incredibly pretentious. Watch Jim Donovan's videos. I believe one of his videos actually lays out like 10 different reasons to join IB so just copy that.

 

Maybe its because I am just reading it as opposed to a human saying it to me, but it sounds incredibly pretentious. Watch Jim Donovan's videos. I believe one of his videos actually lays out like 10 different reasons to join IB so just copy that.

Fair enough, wasn't sure how to approach it. I'll have a look at Donovan's videos. Thanks!!!

 

Your answer could apply to any number of public practice/professional services fields.

I think you need to pin down why you want to do investment banking specifically. 

 

Your answer could apply to any number of public practice/professional services fields.

I think you need to pin down why you want to do investment banking specifically. 

ooh, i totally see what you're saying. I'm gonna work on that. Thank you so much for the help. 

 

I still can't tell why you want to join IB as opposed to any other industry – your answer should implicitly answer 'why IB and not AM' or 'why IB and not PE' or 'why IB and not that FAANG company you worked at'

 

sounds like some chat GPT generated answer without much fine tuning. I believe simplicity is the best. I used the AI answers in the past and didn't go through the interview stage. Reflecting back, they were too overcomplicated and didn't sound very genuine. List the reasons why you wanna get in and draft some simple story about that, without being too sophisticated 

 

Kindly, you make generalized assumptions that waste your opportunity to say something interesting about yourself instead of whatever you want to call this.
Maybe you are a smart person, try another angle that has brevity and relevance instead.

Imo, best answers will explain why IB, [and why this firm], [and why this group] in one shot.

Ex: I'm studying [xyz major] and [xyz topics in finance]. From [networking/campus recruiting/personal connections]...I've met [xyz bankers] and attended [xyz corporate events]. I recently worked on [xyz personal interests], [xyz coursework], and [xyz internships]. I think I will be a good fit for [xyz group of xyz bank] because of [xyz reasons related to the previous lines]. Make it short and emphasize whatever your closest connection to IB, [and why this firm], [and why this group].
 

 

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