How to come across eager for IB with no direct experience
So I have secured a few full time interviews through networking at MM shops as someone from a non target but still recognizable southern school. My grades, test scores, etc are all top tier and I consider myself a decently smart person (National merit scholar, all that mess, etc.)
My problem is that as someone with no direct IB experience I feel like I can have a hard time telling my story and showing how eager I am to break into the industry. I have a commercial banking internship and an accounting internship at a very small law firm on my resume. How do I make my story come across to show the people interviewing me that I really do want to do IB and just got into the recruiting process late/ found my interest in the job late in my college career. Thanks
Finance clubs, case competitions, crushing it in relevant courses. Network and demonstrate an understanding of (a) what investment banks do, (b) what analysts do and tie that into why that appeals to you.
You're at a disadvantage naturally not having a banking SA but it's not the end of the world.
Be able to talk about why you want to do IB. Sounds silly, but a third of people I interview struggle to answer "what does an investment bank do" "what does an analyst do". If you understand what coverage groups do (M&A, debt and equity issuances, strategic advisory) as well as what the analyst's role does, you're on the right path. For IB my answer was always that I liked working and learning from with smart/driven people, but anything that shows you know what you're getting into will suffice.
If you're interviewing for specific groups, definitely be able to talk about the industry/recent deal the group has done to show some interest. Technicals have to be nailed too of course
Tbh commercial banking isn't ideal but it's not as far away as you think.
hey not op but Idon't have direct Ib experience either, i interned in sales and trading (equity sales) so far, but in regards to IB i have done case competition and modeling courses, and have interviews coming up have no idea how to spin the answers to IB besides the your common answers
I'd talk about the finance exposure you got in S&T but you want to work on more macro aspects - long-term strategic projects and M&A to drive change in a company or industry, rather than focusing on short-term trading strategies (or whatever you did), develop a technical skillset, and learn how to model (mention that you've started to teach yourself to model here). Tbh why IB is a complete check the box question to make sure you've thought about it, your answer doesn't need to be unique.
Also totally random but leave out the consulting-style case competitions, definitely from interviews, and potentially even from your resume if you have enough other finance stuff to fill it up. Cases are irrelevant for IB / a big red flag that you're potentially interested in consulting
Aut et aut et maxime. Accusantium autem voluptas quas neque qui. Accusantium et amet eius in.
Laboriosam asperiores expedita nisi omnis doloribus cum. Libero doloremque ut in ut earum. Modi in eum harum cumque. Veniam minus praesentium tenetur minima ut eaque.
Ut aliquid aut qui aut eos aut debitis. Natus facilis saepe ut eius omnis placeat. Occaecati error facere cum velit.
Est commodi sed earum. Repudiandae ut asperiores fugiat quidem quis facilis qui.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...