skills needed to prepare for SA BB vs. SA EB

I have some questions about the general expectations after receiving a SA offer: * What should you be studying/doing before you enter a SA? * How prepared should you go into your internship? -----for example: what skills are actually worth learning beforehand so you are less annoying SA? -----for example: does it differ for eb/bb and coverage groups? * Should you be keeping connected with the team during the year?

6 Comments
 

Currently going thru the recruiting process so take my perspective with a grain of salt.

Through conversations, what I've gathered is that EB's and Boutiques seem to care a bit more about personality/fit than BB's (my viewpoint, certainly not an objective fact). That's not to say you don't need that for BBs, you obviously do, but a lot of EBs have generalist SA's, meaning they likely find more value in someone who can perform AND work well across a multitude of teams, rather than a specific set of skills. I'd say this is also reflected in a lot of BBs (i.e. GS, JPM) moving away from OCR and allowing the most qualified candidates to distinguish themselves on a more level playing field.

Also, showing interest in a certain vertical can't hurt; i.e. I've been able to meet/speak with guys in the industry coverage group I'm most interested in (who i dont have any other connection to, i.e. not an alumni or personal contact) because I expressed and demonstrated that interest in their specific work. I've heard this will help with placement into that group if you get an FT offer, or are recruiting directly with them for SA.

Anyways, that's just how I see it. Would love to hear about other people's experiences or perspectives. Best of luck

 
Most Helpful

Aut quibusdam excepturi est non. Id nihil tempora blanditiis repudiandae nihil numquam repellendus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”