“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.”
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's generally a good idea to start networking early, but with a strategic approach. While RBC's formal group placement process begins in March/April, many candidates start reaching out to analysts and associates in their preferred groups beforehand to build rapport and gain insights. Here's how you can approach it:
Start Networking Early but Subtly: Reaching out now can help you stand out when the formal process begins. Focus on building genuine connections rather than explicitly discussing group placement. Ask about their experiences, the group's culture, and any advice they might have for a successful internship.
Leverage Alumni and Mutual Connections: If you have alumni or mutual connections in your target groups, prioritize reaching out to them. They are more likely to respond and provide valuable insights.
Avoid Overstepping: While early networking is beneficial, avoid coming across as overly aggressive or desperate. Keep your conversations professional and focused on learning rather than directly asking for placement favors.
Be Prepared: Before reaching out, ensure you are polished and have a clear understanding of your goals. Know your behaviorals and have thoughtful questions ready to make a strong impression.
Timing Matters: If you're unsure about starting now, you can wait until closer to the formal process (e.g., January/February). This ensures your outreach aligns more closely with the timeline and doesn't seem premature.
Networking early can give you an edge, but the key is to approach it tactfully and professionally. Good luck!
Sources: Q&A: Recent graduate starting at MBB soon, When to start networking for FT ‘25, Advice for Networking Calls for SA Recruiting, Non-target/diversity > MM SA > BB FT > MF PE, Group Placement for SA 2022
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