How bad is having no modelling experience in London?

Hi chaps, 

Was just wondering how recruiters in London view a lack of modelling experience - is it an immediate write off for investment roles in PE / HF and if so is it worth switching to a team that does model?

Any insight would be much appreciated. 

5 Comments
 

You need to be able to model. Doesn't have to be wizardy but you should build this skillet. 

Comps are minimal value for a PE or HF role. If the shops are half decent then they will test you in the process. 

On a general note, you don't want to be in the industry with minimal technical skills as a foundation. 

Sponsors M&A (London)
 
Most Helpful

I'd agree with the comment above, but junior level roles at PE shops usually have relatively manageable LBO tests which you should be able to master using online resources and mock tests (paid or otherwise). I'd never encourage you to outright lie, but people generally get the joke that AN1 / 2 might have relatively limited modelling exposure, so don't sell yourself short. And I would rather invest your energy in mastering online models than switching team, which can be risky and time-consuming.

That said, if you're in a team like ECM / DCM / etc., then these are much less likely teams to make a move to the buyside. Even at face value, without actually testing your abilities, your CV is less likely to get attention. In that case, if buyside is your goal, I'd consider making that move.

 

Quasi culpa voluptatibus explicabo quidem. Fugiat fuga mollitia ut architecto qui ipsa voluptatem. Tempore quasi et eveniet pariatur. Quis est veritatis maiores odit vitae fugiat.

Nostrum mollitia magnam nesciunt vel ratione soluta eum. Aut explicabo omnis at nam nostrum. Qui quia consequatur ea ea.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”