Should I get a Windows computer for an IB Summer Analyst position?

Hi,

I currently have a Mac, so it is often difficult to use Excel functions on it. I was wondering if Summer Analysts usually need a laptop to do work on or if it is all in the office, so I shouldn't bother getting a Windows computer? I am hoping to use my Mac until I graduate, but if it would be beneficial to get it for the summer, I will likely just switch to a Windows laptop beginning this summer.

Thanks!

10 Comments
 

Doesn't matter, you won't be working on your personal machine. If they allow you to work at home, it's almost always going to be a remote connection to your office PC through a VM that will likely be compatible with Windows or Macs.

 

Not sure where the info is coming from here, but depending on your firm, you may not be getting a computer at all. Bulges vary between laptop + dock @ work and remote key and desktop + remote desktop. I'm at a bulge and we do desktop + remote; based on friends at other bulges, it's rare that summer analysts get remote privileges, so if I were you I'd expect to do all of your work in the office.

Also expect to essentially live there.

 

At my boutique we had laptop + dock, so you could bring the laptop home at night, and then also you could remote access from any computer. The remote access works on Macs but it may be a bit difficult to use excel shortcuts given the difference in the physical keyboard design. Also remote access slows things down a decent amount which can get annoying. Great to quickly make a text edit on a powerpoint or something, not great to do hardcore excel modelling.

But anyway, while the details depend on your firm I don't see any scenario where having your own Windows laptop is going to be worth it.

 
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