IB Interview help --How to convey an eagerness to learn and ability to work very hard?

I am a career changer with a strong non-finance resume from a target school. After months of networking I've gotten an interview with Jefferies to enter as an IB analyst. I don't have a strong finance background and don't think that I will be able to demonstrate a fluency of the basic finance concepts that are discussed in interview guides (not to say that I will come off as stupid, just not perfect like a BBA grad).

The angle I'm trying to take with the fit questions is to convey that I am ready to work incredibly hard to develop a mastery of the skills related to the work and that I have a great attitude. I know that actions speak louder that words and I'll be able to draw on past experiences, but does anyone have any other advice for conveying these attributes? I know that I will be dinged less for not being as strong in technicals if I can convey the ability to learn quickly and work hard.

4 Comments
 

Since you don't have much or any experience in finance you shouldn't expect any difficult technical questions. I still recommend reading the guides (this could convey your eagerness to develop the right skills). Also make sure to know the basics (current events, diff b/w stock and bond, etc). You can also show your commitment/determination or whatever by simply using an example from one of your non-finance related experiences.

 
Best Response

Take an on-line financial modeling class (BIWS, TTS, WSP). Watch the videos, practice the concepts and - most importantly - learn the material. Put the course under "training" on your resume and then leverage the fact that you proactively took the course during your interview during fit questions. Also, strut your stuff/knowledge you gained during technical questions.

 

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