“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
Not unless you have an American visa/passport and are at a top tier target or you get lucky.
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I looked into this when I was at uni and was basically told it's not possible (assuming you are British). The best chance you have is doing 1-2 years in London and then transferring internally to the US. I know multiple people who have gone this route so it's not uncommon, although you will need to be a good performer.
Alternatively if you're not set on the US and just want to go abroad, you could look at Singapore / Hong Kong.
This, our team has had several UK bankers from our sector team there transfer over as A2As. They have always been very good. They get ridden hard as its harder for them to leave since they would need another firm to sponsor them if they want to stay in US. That said, they seem to enjoy the working on US team vs the EMEA team. Better culture in US for our team at least.
I know an American who had 0 UK connections who made London BB. They networked like crazy and met an alum from our school like that.
if you go to a top target in the UK, you probably have some senior alumni in New York, but even then it’s hard. I would stick to trying to get something in London. You can always ask to transfer after a few years. My New York bank has plenty of transfers from our Europe offices.
Why would an American with 0 UK connections want to try so hard to work at a London BB??
All of the top BBs are american-based, and it's hard for me to see the advantage of picking london over america for finance
Don't know, but she made it.
probably a very liberal girl who wants to live in a more democratic place
Who knows. Some people just like London as a city.
If you have US work authorizations, you will need to proactively manage your recruiting process but it’s entirely doable - can be as easy as being a summer analyst in London and transferring to NY for full time
if you don’t have work authorization, it’s very difficult and you need to spend a couple years in the seat and be well regarded for a lateral transfer which is doable
vice versa also generally applies, although it’s easier for US citizens to get work authorization in the UK post Brexit than the other way around
have seen many europeans who go to US for undergrad do IB in London, but the other way is rare
interesting
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