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?

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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

 
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