How to be the Best Analyst

WSO, I have two questions: 1. If you were starting a full time position in 2 months, what would you be doing to improve your chances of impressing from day 1? 2. What skills do you think the best analysts possess? For reference, I have done multiple internships, can build 3-way and merger models quickly, have read more advanced valuation books (Mckinsey, Damodaran etc.) and have an accounting degree. I also know that I don't know sh*t in the scheme of things so I am looking for unique answers that will help separate me from the rest of the pack. TIA (Also looking for answers from people in the industry, not college students or an 8-week intern who spent his time doing research and reading monkey business)

9 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Here are a few I don’t see mentioned too often on here, in no particular order:

  • Practice Outlook shortcuts/functionality including scheduling meetings, creating/forwarding/replying (all) to messages, setting inbox rules, sorting emails, checking names, flagging, drive hyperlinks, attaching files, creating tasks/reminders, etc.

  • Spend time learning what CIQ/FactSet customizable shortcuts exist, through a school-subsidized account if possible

  • Learn file explorer shortcuts, including entering/returning to folders, searching folders, creating/naming folders, cutting files to move to archive folders, how to copy the drive location, etc. (these need to be second nature)

  • General, but slightly less-used shortcuts across windows/Microsoft/search engines/pdf/Skype such as F12/Ctrl+shift+s for save as, alt+fepa to save as pdf, f6 to cycle through page sections (sort of like tab), win+e to open the file explorer, win+1-9 to open a new/existing application, Ctrl+e to enter address bar in a browser, ctrl+shift+t to revive a recently closed browser tab, win+shift+o to open an incoming Skype message, etc.

  • Practice applying logical progression in everyday life, e.g. if your message says “Attached please find files 1, 2, & 3” then attach your files in that order with PDFs first and backups second, list email recipients by seniority or subdivided by group & seniority

  • Develop an affinity for healthier, lighter meals that will keep you sharp throughout the day, and reduce your use of all caffeine/stimulants a month prior to starting to give yourself optionality when you need a boost

  • Practice deciphering hieroglyphics/your grandma’s cursive for the inevitably illegible markups on your decks

 

Sequi quia corrupti doloribus et ex. Explicabo recusandae dolorem quia aliquid atque. Est sunt voluptatem iusto molestiae quae culpa tenetur. Vero autem aliquam facere blanditiis esse harum alias ipsam.

Quia quasi facere accusamus aut deserunt voluptates amet cupiditate. Natus voluptatum praesentium est omnis autem corrupti.

Ea iure distinctio et est et. Velit facilis pariatur nesciunt dolorem nulla. Quia fugit nisi quis fugit dolorum deserunt. Porro minima vero animi est ipsa ea. Animi quia voluptates ut voluptas rerum. Quae ipsa explicabo quisquam quia. Ex autem dolorem corporis nulla.

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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”