I can’t remember my IB technicals
I can’t remember IB technicals only the easy ones the hard ones I’m having trouble with Everytime I go to reinterview I have forgotten all my basic technicals and have to re prep them all I also am finding it hard to prep for PE when I have no time outside of the long hours
It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed, but don't worry—this is a common challenge for many professionals in your position. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can tackle this:
Revisit IB Technicals Efficiently: Use resources like the WSO Prep Pack, which includes updated models and guides for technicals. Focus on the most commonly asked questions first (valuation methods, accounting basics, and LBO modeling). Repetition is key—set aside even 15-30 minutes daily to review these concepts.
Stay Updated on Markets/News: Subscribe to concise daily market summaries like Morning Brew or WSJ’s 10-Point. These are quick reads that can help you stay informed without consuming too much time. Over time, this will help you connect the dots between market movements and your work.
PE Prep with Limited Time: Leverage targeted resources like the WSO Private Equity Interview Prep. Focus on the essentials: LBO modeling, deal experience, and behavioral questions. If time is tight, consider WSO’s 1-day or 4-hour bootcamps—they’re designed for people in your exact situation.
Long Hours and Burnout: It’s not uncommon to feel like this in high finance. Reflect on whether the long hours and constant prep are sustainable for you. If you’re passionate about the field, it’s worth pushing through this phase. If not, it’s okay to explore other areas in finance or adjacent industries that might align better with your lifestyle and interests.
Action Plan:
Remember, struggling doesn’t mean finance isn’t for you—it just means you’re human. If you stay consistent and use the right tools, you’ll get back on track.
Sources: Private Equity Recruiting Process (From Banking), Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/breaking-into-private-equity-from-banking?customgpt=1, Q&A: Associate at MM Private Equity fund, Investment Banking Analyst: 15 Things I Wish I Knew
Bump - in a similar situation where it feels like things just don’t click
What is your plan for the next move ? That’s what I’m worried about I’m not passing first rounds
Im the same way. I feel like just an output monkey where I don't even think about any of the work I am doing. Ill finish a deck and blast it off and just onto the next deck no time to take a step back think of the bigger picture, etc.
Same ! Long term what are you thinking of doing ? I’m pretty lost
I did 1.5 years of banking (hated it so much) then left for corporate development. I think the corporate development world is such a massive umbrella, you need to do dilligence and cast a large net and pick your best offer.
Some processes I was in was paying like $95-$110k all in which I thought was crazy low. I ended up accepting an offer where I made $230k my first year all in, hours being ~35 a week. I got crazy crazy lucky and have been extremely happy with the role.
I got lucky and found this job through linkedin. Interview was basic model tests (lbo + 3 statement). Happy to answer any follow ups!
Commented this on your other post, but, you need to understand the underlying concept. You shouldn’t rely on memorization. This goes for a lot of things in life.
could I pm you for site
I’m in a similar boat. After two years at this niche strategy I only know how to do the modeling specific to this industry / strategy. We don’t do LBOs at all so if I wanted to leave I’d need to do a course over the weekend or something. Literally haven’t done any super technical modeling since senior year of college. There was a point early on where I could just take the template from the last model I worked on and drop in new info and I’d have it set up in 2 hours max.
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