When should technicals be mastered by?

I’m a rising sophomore looking to get into investment banking. I’m a decent way into the guides but by no means have I considerably mastered them (for what will be expected in interviews). What would the “deadline” for studying technicals be considered? Is it just as long as you have them down by interview season (by mid December I think?). Furthermore, do analysts ever bother asking technicals/testing you in networking calls?

10 Comments
 

You should shoot to have them “down” a month before interviews start, but be comfortable with talking through them like a week before your interviews. There is a point where you studying technicals is a negative; don’t forget these interviewers want to see your personality as well as technical proficiency! Best of luck to you 🤝🏼

 

Honestly, depends on the role - classic IB or RX. 

For RX, now is the time. They tend to go early and they tend to be more technically driven interviews. F

For classic IB, I would read the 400 and conceptually understand every question, not mechanically. Hardest part for me was accretion dilution, but if you could get that done earlier and know the mechanics, refresh yourself for an interview, I think you are in a very good place. 

 

Any analyst asking technicals in a networking call is a huge asshole. You initiated the call, you should be leading the conversation with questions.

I think November/December is fine, especially if you are already starting prep you should be okay. 90% of the techs will be the same 5-10 questions, but you gotta be ready for some ridiculous VP waking up in a bad mood and grilling you on something super niche.

 

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