“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
Difficult/very difficult
If US is difficult, why not try some other country. For example, continental Europe's application deadlines (especially for smaller places) are much later. Otherwise, networking, networking, networking.
I was actually thinking about that.. I am working on some last minute stuff to boost resume and will be sending out christmas break. Any firms you recommend in europe?
This is the London list (deadlines for many have passed already) http://www.askivy.net/articles/investment-banking/interview-preparation…
Continental Europe's list is something I don't have but searching "Investment banks in Austria, Netherlands, etc" will give you an overview. If you only speak English there are still a few places, like the Netherlands that have non-dutch speaking places in the bigger firms at least and also (this might be a surprise) Austria where many banks focus on the CEE region and as there are so many different languages there they end up working in English and conducting business in English with clients as well. Switzerland is another possibility, there is a website that has all investment banks & PE shops there, a simple search would locate it.
Agree with above posters that it is difficult to very difficult at this point for BBs. But in non NYC locations and with MM's/Boutiques/Regionals you could still have a lot of luck.
There will also be a few available spots in the spring as firms realize they need a few more or people cannot take the job anymore for some reason. Keep in contact with people and something will come up/
guys thanks so much for all the help.. this is my first post and I am more than appreciative to have gotten such helpful responses. Great community on WSO
Yeah, pay it forward and let us know what happens in the end. Might be helpful :) Good luck
Are you a graduating senior? Better start emailing.
Would banks located in Europe hire a summer analyst from the U.S though?
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