What should I try to learn?

Hi all,

I'm a sophomore trying to eventually break into ibanking. Aside from the conventional things like securing a job, networking and personally investing, I've been looking for ways to "get ahead" and ultimately learn more.

I currently have a working knowledge of comps and some models like the DCF, DDM and the NAV model. I have a basic understanding of most industries, but only really closely follow a couple.

Currently, I have an abundance of free time. I want to try to learn as much as possible, but I don't know what the best use of my time is.

What things should I try to learn next? What things would be the most beneficial to know down the road or expand my knowledge base? Also, where would be good resources to learn those topics? Should I be trying to learn options/derivatives or how to do an LBO? HELP ME OUT GUYZ

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Class of '28 Jul 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Mock Interview

“The questions were amazing and genuinely challenging, which made the session extremely valuable for me. Going into the mock interview, I felt that I had memorized and understood most of the critical technical concepts, but Julius pushed me beyond the surface-level knowledge and went much deeper into the accounting side. That was especially helpful because it showed me the difference between simply knowing the main concepts and being able to confidently explain the details, connections, and reasoning behind them under pressure. The behavioral portion was just as useful. Julius gave me very detailed feedback on how I should prepare for questions related specifically to my background, experiences, and story. Rather than only practicing the standard behavioral questions, we discussed how interviewers could dig deeper into different parts of my resume and ask follow-up questions about my academic path, previous experiences, motivations for finance, and the decisions I have made along the way. This helped me understand that I need to be prepared not only with strong initial answers, but also with clear and thoughtful explanations for almost every important part of my background. One of the biggest takeaways from the session was identifying the areas where I should spend more time developing a deeper level of understanding instead of relying on memorization. Julius was very good at asking follow-up questions that tested whether I actually understood the underlying concepts, which gave me a much clearer picture of what a real interview could feel like. We also created a longer-term preparation plan together. Our goal is to work together approximately once every two to three weeks and use each session to focus deeply on a particular topic. Instead of trying to cover everything at once, we will gradually specialize in different areas and build my knowledge step by step, while continuing to work on behavioral questions and my overall interview story. I think this structure will be extremely helpful because it gives me enough time between sessions to study independently, address the weaknesses we identify, and come back better prepared for the next topic. Overall, the session gave me a much better understanding of where I currently stand, what interviewers may expect from me, and what I need to improve before recruiting begins. I left the session with very clear action items and a much more structured approach to my preparation.”

Class of '29 Oct 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Mock Coffee Chat

“Kevin was incredibly helpful. He took the time to do a coffee chat with me and was candid about where I could improve. His main point was that I should build more knowledge of the industry before these conversations, so I can ask sharper questions and show I've done my homework. He also gave me a clear framework for the conversation itself. Start by asking about their background and how they got into their role. Then ask for advice for my field, including what they would do in my shoes. He also explained when it is and isn't appropriate to ask for a referral, which is something I hadn't thought through before. ”

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3 Comments

Winning Squared

IB

13y

Things you learn in school will matter little in the real world. Find what truly interests you and immerse yourself in that. Learning a little about options or a little about LBOs isn't all that worthwhile in terms of "getting ahead". There is no surefire way to get into banking and you should spend your college years doing what you find interesting. Spending the whole time doing what you think will "get you ahead" will make you miserable in the end.

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https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/resources/skills/finance/stock-option

Sandhurst

IB

13y

Best Response

I echo Winning Squared, with a caveat. If this stuff legitimately gets you going, then by all means, eat it all up.

That said, you're asking what you "should" do next; I think it's fair to say that there are other considerations in play.

As for suggestions? I suggest you read about whatever interests you most. But maybe don't focus on mastering methodologies - these "tools" are pretty easily picked up as necessary.

Ex 1 - Instead of learning LBO modeling, learn about buyouts. Read Barbarians (if you haven't, yet). Watch this video, it's awesome [See Note 1].

Ex 2 - Instead of studying options pricing, learn from the top options traders. I've even got another video for you [See Note 2].

Point is, you want to be curious, not just industrious, about learning.

Note 1: Anatomy of a Corporate Takeover -

Note 2: Trader - The Trader (Paul Tudor Jones) - hard to find, pm me and I'll point you in the right direction

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"There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat."

fishoil

?

13y

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What should I try to learn?

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