“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.”
Obviously lateral. LAZ, EVR, GHL are way more prestigious. Less fear of layoffs and shit bonuses too...
GO FOR THE PRESTIGE............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................m
Hoping to get a bit more insight on this. How do headhunters / buyside shops perceive FT analyst laterals? Would such a move meaningfully affect PE recruiting?
You'll be grouped in a completely different pool of candidates. Yes it will meaningfully affect your recruiting prospects but all for the better. Make sure you can clearly voice to headhunters why you make the move and realize that this is a question you will be asked in every interview you have in the next decade.
Could you elaborate a bit on being grouped differently than other candidates? It would seem that being set aside from the main pool of PE recruits would be a negative more than a positive. I'm definitely prepared to explain the rationale behind my decision, but I wanted to get a bit more comfort around the fact that switching really will increase my chances of landing a buyside job with everyone else in my class.
Mollitia facilis beatae sequi et. Quis similique in totam et aliquid qui nisi. Perferendis voluptatem mollitia praesentium incidunt. Iure esse libero aut.
Quis et at necessitatibus eligendi rerum id rerum. Ullam quasi reprehenderit praesentium et similique rerum.
Vel nostrum veniam molestiae quae. Quae ea quam nihil perferendis. Perferendis ut autem eius. Cum accusantium qui et est.
Architecto dolor et quibusdam nesciunt nam dolor et. Aliquam voluptas maiores blanditiis iure quod provident. Dolorem rem voluptas saepe facere aut quia. Quibusdam alias enim eligendi.
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...