“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.”
I don't understand the question, please provide more information
Can I be your first client? I have about 40,000 cubic feet of airspace I gotta move fast.
I assume you're working for a small business broker so you'll only be doing local deals. If you want to do out-of-state deals while working for your current company, just don't include the real estate in the deal or find a real estate agent in that state to consult/cosign. I believe this concerns your OP, if not, you've confused me.
Volstreeter, that is exactly what I am talking about. I am new to this world and I am just trying to figure out why MM and Boutique advisors aren't RE licensed, but I guess you are saying that they consult for the RE portion of the Business. I definitely want to start out doing the small deals to gain exposure to the industry and try to branch out and more bigger/cross state transaction in the future.
No. They aren't RE licensed because they aren't selling real estate. They are selling companies. Sometimes the RE is included in the sale, sometimes it is not. But, there is minimal marketing of RE in M&A transactions. People are interested in the company and its operations.
I'm confused as to what YOU will be doing. Are you simply selling real estate as a broker? M&A firms are licensed by FINRA.
I think OP is acting as a broker for small businesses. E.g. a guy owns 3 carwashes and wants to retire. He goes to a business broker who then finds a buyer. Basically super small M&A, which apparently can be done in state with a RE license. I believe OP could still do M&A advisory without getting licenses as long as he isn't affiliated with a B-D and isn't marketing securities, but do not hold me to this.
peinvestor2012, as duffmt6 said.. I would essentially be doing "Main Street" M&A advisory-- for local businesses (Carwashes,Restraunts,Medical Practice,Convenient Stores/Gas Stations, etc.). I am trying to see what all I would needed to do to eventually "move up" to the bigger deal one day and enter the MM M&A industry. What specific licenses would I need to possess to work on the bigger deas?? I've been reading up and I noticed that there are many MM firms that are not registered under FINRA and that is what was causing confusion for me as to how they are able to operate with no FINRA Licenses..
What MM IB firms are not registered? I don't know of any that don't have a B/D behind them. Look at Blair, Lincoln, Baird, Piper, Lazard MM, Harris Williams, GH&F, etc. they all have licensing in place. It makes no sense not to. If we knew that we were pitching against an unregistered firm, we would have a field day.
You cannot move from a business broker to MM IB firms. Business brokers don't provide any advice, have no financial skills and work with simple transactions.
If MM IB is what you want to do, you would be much better off at a boutique to start.
I don't think he necessarily specified working at a large MM firm like you suggested. Simply, he wants to do more traditional M&A work in his current capacity. There are hundreds of small M&A advisory boutiques out there (anywhere from 1-5 people) and I'm pretty sure the majority of them aren't registered. They all still classify themselves as "middle market" and are generally industry or region specific. They don't participate in bake offs - their clients are all based on relationships and industry contacts. It's a completely different world from what you are thinking of.
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