“I recently had a LinkedIn audit call with Arnau as part of my WSO Academy program, and it was one of the most practical and useful sessions I've had so far. I came in thinking my profile was in decent shape. I left with a clear picture of how recruiters and bankers actually see it, and a concrete list of changes that will make it work much harder for me.
Some background: I'm moving from corporate finance into investment banking, corporate banking, and private equity. I have an MBA in Corporate Finance, a PMP, and several years of finance and project management experience. Making that kind of move depends heavily on how you present your story, and LinkedIn is often the first place a recruiter or analyst sees it. That's why this session mattered so much to me.
From the first few minutes, Arnau was well prepared, direct, and focused on what actually moves the needle. He didn't just give generic tips like "add a professional photo." He went through my profile section by section and explained why each piece matters to someone in finance who's quickly scanning candidates. His feedback was honest without being discouraging, which I really appreciated. He pointed out where my profile was underselling my experience and where it wasn't clearly showing that I'm aiming for banking and PE.
What stood out most was how he helped me think about positioning. My background covers corporate finance, project management, hospitality, and real estate, and it can be hard to make that read as one clear story. Arnau helped me connect those experiences to the skills banks look for: financial analysis, modeling, managing budgets and capital, and working with senior stakeholders. He showed me how small changes to my headline, About section, and experience bullets can make that story obvious within seconds.
The session was also very actionable. I didn't leave with vague ideas. I left with a short list of specific edits I can make right away. That matters a lot when you're job hunting and every week counts. He also shared advice on using LinkedIn more actively, such as engaging with the right people and content, so the profile supports my networking instead of just sitting there.
I also want to recognize the overall WSO Academy experience. Between the modeling bootcamp, the company research work, the mentorship, and sessions like this one, the program has given me structure and support during a career transition that can otherwise feel isolating. This call was a good example of what makes WSO different: the people coaching you understand the industry you're trying to break into and give feedback that reflects how hiring really works.
If you're a WSO member and haven't booked a LinkedIn audit yet, I'd strongly recommend it. It's a short time commitment, and the return is significant. Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression, and having an experienced set of eyes on it is worth it.
Thank you, Arnau, for your time, honesty, and practical guidance. I'm excited to put the changes in place and keep building toward my goal of breaking into investment banking.”
If you're not having luck with direct IB internship applications with your current school (and I really wouldn't have a view on the success chances of a political science school), then you could consider applying more broadly, perhaps into Big 4 Audit and getting your accountig qualification, then pivoting from there.
Big 4 have much broader intakes (and will be more immune to the current downturn), and is a place where you'll be earning more rather than spending it on a master's.
Even with a MiM at LSE, you'll stand a much, much better chance at getting into IB with internship experience behind you, so do keep this in mind. It'll be tough to get directly into IB without internship experience behind you, with or without that MiM.
Thank you for your reply! I will be applying to all the major BB's and some EB's for SA positions for next year summer along with as many online workshop/information sessions with those banks as possible before I graduate so I can do a bit of networking. If I can get internship experience (it's a very big if, and something I'm not confident about), do you think the LSE MiM would be more valuable than doing IR/Politics at Oxford? If so then I will think about and plan the Big 4 route.
If you put a gun to my head and ask me to choose, then yes, go with LSE.
Both are top tier target schools for IB, which is the most important thing. Degree choice is usually secondary. That said, LSE MiM will give you a much better "Why IB?" story in interviews, and should place you well for networking events and societies, which LSE does well. In addition, you'll be in London for easy access to coffee chats or other networking events. But a name like Oxbridge will still be highly regarded.
If you can somehow get that LSE name on your CV (even as "Incoming student") ASAP that'll help a lot optically at the top of the resume. Banks are recruiting for SA 2024 right now, and I know that's not ideal timing-wise.
Thank you so much! I understand and like the idea of having a story, which I know I'll need to convince the interviewer. I will definitely take that into consideration.
UK masters are not really quant heavy (excluding Oxford MFE). You could target LBS/LSE/Imperial which would give your a great shot at most BB/EB.
The problem is, while I think I could manage a quant masters, the universities physically won't let me enrol as they all require a quant bachelor's to even have a chance. Otherwise I would shoot an application towards LSE's economics and finance masters and try my luck.
Not sure what non finance/consulting roles are open to you with your current trajectory but an alternative route would be to start your career in policy/government, absolutely kill it in your role/maintain ECs and then apply to LBS MBA after 3 years of experience.
MBB would be very doable, I know IB has less associate recruiting than US MBA but still very possible.
Alternatively, a MSF would be a good idea but makes no sense to join something like B4 audit with your profile. It's a long grind and no guarantee of a lateral down the track and the work is awful
Inventore quis autem animi laborum dicta quas dolores. Illo quia consequuntur debitis qui velit.
In nulla reiciendis minus voluptatem. Non sit labore deleniti et delectus. Omnis ut enim ea vel provident.
Quas explicabo porro neque aliquid est. Reiciendis voluptas blanditiis dolores nisi magnam. Blanditiis ex repellendus velit. Quia porro reprehenderit eligendi illo.
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...