Final Count Down until My IB Start Date - What should I be mastering?

Hi All,

So I was lucky enough to receive an analyst spot at a small middle-market IB shop (big ups to WSO for shining the light) and I start in the coming weeks. My question for all of you seasoned vets is what should I focus on to prepare during my final days.

Now I like to think I am somewhat knowledgeable/proficient at accounting, finance, modeling, powerpoint, calling in takeout, etc. But if there was one or two things I should master before stepping foot in the office, what should they be? Feel free to give a top 3 and be as specific as you can (ie Modeling - DCF vs Comps vs LBO).

Thanks for the insight and I look forward to everyone's thoughts!

 
Best Response
OTPDG:

I'd love to relax, but I am pretty sure there is no formal training. It is looking like baptism by fire. Just trying to minimize the burden on others as much as possible.

Then Benny's advice is spot on. If you haven't picked up Rosenbaum and Pearl's "Investment Banking," I recommend you take a read through it. The DCF section is very detailed and will give you a great foundation for it. Don't kill yourself trying to wrap your head around the LBO stuff right away.

Brush up on your Excel shortcuts. Make sure you understand lookups and pivot tables.

If you really want to go for the gold, also get familiar with 10-Ks and 10-Qs.

 

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