“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.”
Start looking for another role. He isn’t gonna consider anything sooner than his original timeline of 2024 unless you have something else on the table. And if you do have options and end up accepting a promotion from him before 2024, who knows when you’ll make VP or if he penalizes you later for looking elsewhere? He already still sees you as an An1, so its worth looking at other options that might have better upward mobility, and frankly, a manager that appreciates you and wants you to move up too.
This makes a lot of sense honestly. Thanks for the advice
Better to switch jobs as an An1 after 1 year in IB than as an An3 after 5 years on the desk
He clearly has his own timeline and you accommodating to it (in an industry where promotions up until VP are a clear path) will reinforce his agenda. Leave asap and best of luck
Thanks dawg
do you have any closed deals at the BB? have anecdotally heard it's hard to lateral into an associate role unless you've already got the associate title.
Might have to trade down to MM.
Agree with this. Even have seen people who go from IB -> different IB role spending 3-3.5 years at analyst. Don't really have incremental advice but OP you're not alone in this
I think the bigger problem is if OP gets to the end of A3 and the MD doesn't want to promote him, but HR or the Staffer goes - there is no where else for him to go so they let him go.
That would be my concern if I was in your role.
Totally normal if you’re at GS
Haven’t really heard that at the An level, Aso to VP promote can definitely take some years
I'd keep working but actively interview with anywhere else, pref BB, that would take you in as an associate. If they can't see you as an associate right now, there's another firm out there that can.
It's usually difficult to move from an to aso by lateraling
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