What is the Most Overrated Skill in IB?

Just wanted to see what everyone thinks is the most overrated skill in IB.

-Financial Modeling

-Creating a deck in Powerpoint?

-Email etiquette? 

-Understanding the market? 

Seems like everything is fairly important to know, curious to see what are some things people think are way too overhyped/not really important. Obviously the above list doesn't fully capture the skills needed for the job.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I think understanding the market separates a great analyst from a good analyst. Staying up to date with companies in your coverage, equity research and industry reports makes you more well rounded. At this point you can start thinking about positioning within a given competitive landscape and it also helps with drafting.

Financials modeling and PowerPoint skills are a given and much easier to learn.

A good analyst will be able to model and execute with guidance. A great analyst will also be able to model and execute with guidance, but will need less hand holding and will oftentimes come up with ideas on how to better frame an idea based on market knowledge (e.g. investment highlights, supporting market pages etc)

 

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