Hello WSO community,
At the end of the week I have my first “introductory call” with a MM IB for a part-time internship during the academic year. The associate who will be in the call wants to learn more about my background, interests, etc. Should I expect any technicals during this “quick” call (as he put it)? He works in M&A, and my objective for the academic year if I get in is to pinpoint what I want to do for the summer and after. The firm is *******, and specializes in investment banking and asset management. I currently study Finance, will be entering my junior year. I worked with an insurance firm for 3 years part and full time, and am currently interning with a finance department of a mid-size manufacturing firm (if any of this info is pertinent).
Appreciate any advice on discussion, mannerisms, culture, etc.
Cheers!
HB
Be sure to open with a joke. The one I always go with:
Interviewer: Hey physicalsFTW, hows it going
You: Pretty good - just eating some Pizza with jalapenos.. Hey, what do you call two jalapenos getting it on?
Interviewer: what?
You: Fucking HOT!
You/Interviewer Simultaneously: HAhahahaha
Interviewer: Wow, I can tell this is going to be a great interview! lets get started... "
From then on, you're pretty much set. You've lightened the mood, made the dude laugh. Smooth sailing brother
God damn, didn't know it was that easy. Counting down to Thursday now
just be prepared for technicals, but most importantly why you want to work at that bank and why you want to be in banking. Always over prepare
Gotcha, thanks. I believe the associate represented the firm, and not just M&A. But can study technicals for both. His VP was CC'ed in the emails so he may make an appearance. The VP was from M&A so that may be an indicator.
also speak to your experience well, show that you've approached the past intelligently
Hi, axecapital said it spot on. When it comes to technicals, I can't imagine him asking anything more than basic valuation and/or financial accounting questions. Best of luck and IMO I wouldn't specifically name firms in future posts :)
Thanks very much, I'm refreshed on DCF modelling and that valuation method vs. comparable analysis (multiples of other firms), as well as WACC, CAPM, and other accounting things. My main motivation for this is to learn and see if this the best path for me. I'm quite excited for the call.
I updated the thread to take out the firm name, thanks. Was debating it when I wrote it.
I was reaching out to a bunch of people my sophomore year trying to get an IB internship. I reached out to someone who wanted to have "just a quick call" that turned out to be a 40 minute long interview (and fortunately got it). So you definitely need to be careful and treat it as an interview - know your story, know some techs, and be able to succinctly answer why M&A, why MM, and why that firm.
Good to know. Luckily I will have some notes on my desk at home for good talking points.
Always be prepared for technicals. Literally everytime someone from a bank has called me for an "Introductory call" they always fire off technicals, so just a heads up.
Bring it on!
@Underdog1995" @axecapital4307" H-Money Howard Hughes
Wanted to let you all know that the phone screen with the associate went great. Only 20 minutes because a surprise engagement came up on his end. Discussed "why this firm," "why MM," "what in IB interests you and why," and asked me if I knew any valuation methods. I said I know DCF, multiples, etc and ask if he wanted me to go deeper and he said it was fine. apparently a kid from my school just did an academic year internship with them so my school has a good rep. said at the end that he'll be in touch, wants to talk again later this week, and is "excited to hear more" about what I have to say.
Asked if I had any questions, I asked what the best skillset was that he got from M&A, and said seeing a project through from beginning to end, which ties to my experience. Said he wants to teach someone the ropes. Overall, a pretty good success.
Thanks all for the help.
HB
wondering how did everything go and whether you win the offer?
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