What do you think of my answer to “why investment banking?” Am looking for feedback.
This is my answer, please let me know if you think I should change something. Thank you:).
After speaking to some people I knew who worked in investment banking, I learned over time that investment banking is an area that gives you a broader understanding of the core decision-making company executives do for their company, and when seeking some of the services an investment bank provides. I knew from my experience not knowing the next step to take as an executive of my first start-up, decision making from a financial perspective is really important to understand for the future of your company. I then found investment banking as a career choice I wanted to enter as it is the best way to learn the importance of understanding the quantitative decisions an executive must make when either seeking an investment bank’s services or when making decisions to run their business. I really got hooked on the idea of being part of the advisory side of a company so I can better understand why companies and executives make certain decisions.
I am also attracted to the fact that investment banking is a relationship-building industry, and business often relies upon networks. You see this often where managing directors will help bring the firm more business through diving into their personal network. Being a team player who is highly social, and values networking and maintaining relationships I really see myself taking advantage of this skill when it comes time to enter a leadership role as an investment banker.
I have also demonstrated my interest in investment banking through working at a private equity firm in my junior year where I could gain similar exposure to investment banking but from the perspective of a buyer within the buyout team. Within that role, I had the chance to work closely with senior analysts when providing due diligence for a buyout. I really enjoyed my experience and I want to now transition to the sell-side where I work on advising these transactions.
Damn is it supposed to be this long? My answer is like 6 sentences.
Do you have this memorized? Seems extremely long - I would make the answer to "why IB" no more than 1 minute, ideally 45 seconds. 4 sentences.
It's a check the box question to see if you have some understanding of what IB is, don't overthink it. This type of answer would come off as rambling to me.
Thanks for the feedback. So would you say that for an IB it’s best to just answer short and sweet?
Yes definitely. If you can compress the highlights here (that you like the team environment and insight into strategic decision making) into an under 1 minute answer you're golden
You seem like you have a lot of knowledge and interest in the space - use that to ask great questions
Way too long. I slept, woke up, and still couldn't finish reading your post. Imagine listening to it in an interview setting? 🤡
Sorry if I sound like an ass, my MD's been riding me like a rodeo show lately. At this point, my answer to Why Investment Banking is, "geez mom... I don't know. Can I get some quick sleep before I get staffed on yet another bake off?"
Mentioning PE and startups is always kind of risky. I’d make it 1) shorter and 2) more specific about “executive decision making at companies”
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