For a career switcher at a networking event, what are the indicators that someone is ready to make the switch to banking?
If you were to point out three key traits / knowledge suits. what would it be?
| +413 | Evercore Intern Seizure | 63 | 3h |
| +128 | UBS IB Americas has failed, now behind Santander and Stiffel | 34 | 9h |
| +96 | Sent my Claude prompt to 200+ Teams chat. MD wants to see me Monday. | 34 | 52m |
| +79 | deleted deleted deleted deleted deleted | 44 | 13h |
| +60 | How do I understand vs. just memorizing? | 11 | 22h |
| +56 | Some banks are overrated as fuck | 17 | 13m |
| +48 | Associate & Above IB exits | 18 | 1d |
| +47 | The good and bad with Wells Fargo | 16 | 3h |
| +41 | Tech to IB Pivot | 22 | 3h |
| +36 | Incoming IB Analyst: Best Ways to Prepare? | 13 | 20h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
I would say the key thing is the ability to subtly address the matters below in front of the potential recruiter:
The functions of each role in banking (at least front office "banking roles" - IPO, M&A, DCM, ECM, etc.) I wont be too worry if you are a regular visitor of WSO, but trust me, there are a lot of kids out there behaving just like this (bear?). ">
Why banking? Let's be honest, it is almost all about the thick comps. And these money hungry kids all BS about how much they like Finance. To stand out, I think you may take a more genuine approach on the personality fit (e.g. You are a workaholic and you like to have your schedule stuffed for the whole day. You crave for steep learning curve and is also curious on knowing more about how exactly is this fund raising works. Banking could feed you in both ways.)
Be able to deal/work with almost every type of people
Myth buster: I dont think there's solid finance knowledge required to breaking into banking. As long as you know most of the technical knowledge in the WSO interview prep (You may take a look at the content page, for free), I do not think there is a need to drill further downwards.
Staying tuned to the market news is a plus but it is very difficult for people whos not in the industry
Just my two cents, and hope that helps.
Thank you, I can definitely see the value of doing all these three things.
You might also want to consider playing bold by telling them you are very interested in [industry that you really like, e.g. gaming, TMT, hospitality, real estate, etc.] and you want to get into that particular team in IBD, and might consider the possibility of getting to a PE of that industry in certain years.
Someone here may think I am insane to advise candidates telling recruiters they may leave the bank soon if got hired. But to me it is a more realistic and honest answer for people who demonstrates genuine interest, rather than telling the typical "I like finance" story.
That said, it is very subjective and you should choose either way you feel most comfortable.
Aperiam aliquam omnis sed enim nobis ut consectetur. Quam laboriosam in dolor ex dolor atque.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...