See lots of posts on WSO about learning technicals in order to get into finance clubs eg BVI at UCLA or MII at UVA. What exactly should I learn before freshman year and where can I find it?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some steps and resources to prepare for getting into Investment Banking (IB) clubs as a freshman:
Technical Knowledge:
Excel Skills:
Reading and Curiosity:
Extracurricular Involvement:
Networking:
Additional Skills:
By focusing on these areas, you'll be well-prepared to join IB clubs and set yourself up for success in the finance industry. Good luck!
Sources: 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), To All Freshman and Sophomores, To All Freshman and Sophomores, As A Soon-To-Be College Freshman, What Should I Do This Fall?, Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer
Was in your position a year ago.
Start by actually looking at the club's application (go to their site/Instagram, find old links, look at the form questions if they're still up - applications are usually nearly identical every year).
If it's an IB focused club it might be analyzing an M&A deal, investment management clubs always have pitches, etc. Clubs won't grind you on techs as a freshman but I guess it doesn't hurt to know stuff earlier on. In terms of what you can do rn: 1) Start reading the news (execsum is great), 2) If you're interested in any coverage groups specifically you can read more about them (mergers & inquisitions great starting point), 3) If you can find application questions from prev recruiting you can look up what skills you need for those (like how you analyze a deal/what goes into a pitch/how to research specific things), 4) Reach out to rising juniors (not rising seniors! they'll be doing their SA IBD gigs rn and are super busy + rising juniors will be exec) and just talk to them about this, almost always extremely willing to help.
Overall though, don't sweat it. Clubs don't expect freshmen to know much, they just want to see you're motivated (which you clearly are and can demonstrate by talking to them about stuff you've read/people you've talked to in the club) and are willing to put the hours in. Just be yourself in the interviews, nobody likes a hardo
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