In the past weeks, I've read posts from persons with ops, ER, MO, legal, Corp dev, risk, etc., backgrounds. I'm not looking down on anyone with this post; I started in credit risk, would have been perfectly happy making a career of it if my firm didn't effectively fold, and do not view either a banking or PE long-term career as the holy grail. I understand why students post, and I come here for the professional development, career shift advice, and to try to give back/pay forward.
My question: why do so many others come to this board? I'm glad the population is rich and diverse, I just don't know why.
I joined this board to help out others (won't be staying here much longer). Look, I think investment banking is a great career but I think wall street isn't JUST that. That's why it's nice to see some HF, S&T, PE, etc. stuff on here and honestly I wish that there were more posts on that because hearing "18 and can't get an ib internship" threads get's annoying fast.
That's exactly my point. I read your AMA and found it fascinating, but I'm not sure what someone like you or many other accomplished persons of other professions get out of these discussions. I'm just curious about the motivations.
Thanks. Yeah I think there really needs to be some form of segregation of undergrad users and working professionals. I don't think anyone here likes to get PM'ed 20 times in 3 days asking for their resume to be pushed, banal questions, resume review, etc. Like wtf? I'm trying to go on WSO in peace with a Michelob in hand and I get spammed with shit like "3.8 gpa and Indian, do you think I have a chance?''
I don't have children. This board is an alternate source of a captive audience who attribute more value to what I say than it's worth.
The hell else am I going to do when I'm bored during the day? Read Buzzfeed?
when I began my career in PWM, there was a shortage of good info, and I had a wonderful networking experience when in UG and in my early career, so I figured if I can help some younger kids who didn't have the directional help I did. also, a good amount of my friends in the fraternity (bear in mind, non target) went into finance careers, I saw a lot succeed and a lot fall flat on their face, so it gave me some wisdom as to what to/not to do, and if that helps just one person, then I'm glad to have been on WSO.
that, and PWM has various times of the year which are slow for new business, so I need something to kill time.
I'm a 14 year old girl looking for an IB analyst sugar daddy.
People come here for the same reason as you.
I think most of the guys that do either have been in IB or want to be. There are a few good authors that have never been nor intend to be, but I think they provide a valuable service. I would say around 90% of the finance undergrads I have met say "I want to be an investment banker," but when you ask them what that means and what type of work they would be doing they look at you with this blank deer in the headlights look. I think the diverse crowd provides a valuable reference to kids who really don't have a fucking clue what they want to do inside finance and come here for the "preftige" and money. I think that may be the reason some of them come here. To provide alternate viewpoints and engage in discussion regarding IB.
Agreed. Ops for life!
I like the "not to be condescending" preface. I think the answer is that the investment banking board is one of the most popular on this site and has become a misc board in some ways. That's really the long and short of it imo.
Yeah there really should be more people in other fields though. The vast majority on this board won't be at a BB for IBD.
Maybe split this board into separate general finance, IBD recruiting, and IBD professional boards? Again, I enjoy the diverse input, but it does lead to a few off-topic posts.
probably not a bad idea but people will abuse the professional board. "Tear apart my resume!!!!!!"
For people in the industry:
a) Killing time at work.
b) A lot of people have roommates or friends who aren't in the industry and therefore can't really talk to you about your work. "Birds of a feather flock together." It can be helpful sometimes to shoot the shit with people who know what your day-to-day is like.
c) Advice. If your request is more obscure, good luck, but if it's a mainline question about the IBD, PE, or MBA application process or how to perform once in the door, you'll find great content.
d) Finding new bullshit to forward around the bullpen and laugh about.
e) Compensation info. Dick-measuring is always a thing. You want to know where your bonus ranks you among the analyst pecking order.
f) Giving back. Some people (IlliniProgrammer, @Dingdong08", Mr. Pink Money, thebrofessor, etc.) have gone out of their way for years to answer questions thoroughly and candidly.
For hopefuls:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/134460c92b32bfd892c3c321d7018555/tumblr_mpca…
The zips at Analystforum banned me.
knowledge is power
Yourself have answered your own question. Its simple. You have posted a question as don't know the answer and you want to know the views from a bunch of intellectuals who are freely available on this platform.
Same logic applies to all. Please stop worrying about trivial things
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