“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.”
If it's a work event, don't do it. There will be people that do who are in the same position, but don't let it be you. It can only lead to trouble.
If it's just with other SAs, it's not at all a problem. If it's with other co-workers after work, drinking should be fine (depending on your group, personally wouldn't risk it but it's up to you). Using a fake ID in front of senior people is NOT ok however.
no
Just tell ur md you are under 21 and ask him to grab a beer for you. I heard commiting a crime together is great for networking.
If with higher ups, do not drink unless you are given a drink.
Move to London and be forced into the pub by your entire team at 5:30 on a Friday.
This actually doesn't matter at all unless (a) you get really drunk or (b) you somehow become a liability, like if you get cited for a fake ID. For the most part, senior people enjoy hanging out with interns and drinking with them.
You are retarded.
No. Period. Even if given a drink, take it and set it down somewhere. No gain from knowingly drinking underage around people you want to hire you.
Yes, you should drink.
Drink water.
If I bought you a drink while you were working for me as an SA and you refused I would be offended and would probably think you were socially inept as a college age student (unless you had religious, medical, or personal reasons for not drinking). You guys really need to loosen the fuck up. Relationships are forged during late hours of collective group work but also just as importantly during social events (which almost always include booze). I suppose you would also turn down free lap dances when your MD takes your clients out for a night on the town?
+1
Loosen the fuck up (and behave)
As a general rule for business, don't knowingly violate the law whether you agree with it or not. There are all kinds of legitimately moronic pieces of financial regulation I deal with on a daily basis and I just grin and bear it. Do the same thing with alcohol. There's no gain and possible loss to drinking underage in front of those who you may seek employment from.
Really terrible idea, for legal reasons: the firm can be sued for shitloads of money if word gets out that they're giving their underage interns free booze. They take it really, really really seriously.
Dont do it at a work event unless one of the ft analysts says its cool and/or that you should. If its just you and some SA guys or ft analysts you are probably good to go. Just analyze the situation, play it on the safer side and just own whatever you decide. Be confident, not a highschooler.
You can always rock the cocacola in the well-drink glass if nervous about not holding a drink.
I wouldn't at a work event but I felt fine when they took me out and bought it. Guess I felt too strange to turn it down and realized I was in work clothes, they weren't carding, etc.
Wow. I've gotten advice on all sides of the spectrum. It makes sense that I should be wary of breaking the law in front of my superiors, but if offered a drink from a higher up, I don't want to seem socially inept by passing on it.
I guess what I've learned is that it varies by the situation? Can anyone give an example of an SA who got in trouble for drinking underage during the internship?
Yep. An analyst in my group drunk underage. 10 months later, they got hit by a bus.
2/10
And the Greenhill clowns have showed up, I see
When I was interning at a hedge fund out east, one of the other interns tried to go shot for shot with the head of equities (a stout russian alcoholic), the kid woke up, in his underwear, to HR prodding him on a conference room table the next morning.. The party was at a yacht club a mile away. He was the only intern to ever get fired there.
Moral of the story, you should do the socially appropriate thing, whether its one drink, no drink, or a line of tequila shots, but don't ever be THAT guy.. Know your limit.
/cliches
When I interned they marked our IDs with dots if we were underage. Made things a lot easier.
If it's a firmwide event (sponsored by HR etc) then no. If out with just your group, they know you're under 21, but they're cool with it, then yes. Feel out the situation and if there's any doubt at all don't do it.
If its a big networking event then probably not. If its with analysts, interns or your group then definitely. It's awkward when you don't have a drink in your hand. This job is stressful and if you can't lighten up and relax, why would I want to work with you?
If offered a drink, mention your age and say thanks. If the person doesn't go back on the offer, you can drink. Larger events with HR will have some sort of system in place if they care.
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