“I recently had a LinkedIn audit call with Arnau as part of my WSO Academy program, and it was one of the most practical and useful sessions I've had so far. I came in thinking my profile was in decent shape. I left with a clear picture of how recruiters and bankers actually see it, and a concrete list of changes that will make it work much harder for me.
Some background: I'm moving from corporate finance into investment banking, corporate banking, and private equity. I have an MBA in Corporate Finance, a PMP, and several years of finance and project management experience. Making that kind of move depends heavily on how you present your story, and LinkedIn is often the first place a recruiter or analyst sees it. That's why this session mattered so much to me.
From the first few minutes, Arnau was well prepared, direct, and focused on what actually moves the needle. He didn't just give generic tips like "add a professional photo." He went through my profile section by section and explained why each piece matters to someone in finance who's quickly scanning candidates. His feedback was honest without being discouraging, which I really appreciated. He pointed out where my profile was underselling my experience and where it wasn't clearly showing that I'm aiming for banking and PE.
What stood out most was how he helped me think about positioning. My background covers corporate finance, project management, hospitality, and real estate, and it can be hard to make that read as one clear story. Arnau helped me connect those experiences to the skills banks look for: financial analysis, modeling, managing budgets and capital, and working with senior stakeholders. He showed me how small changes to my headline, About section, and experience bullets can make that story obvious within seconds.
The session was also very actionable. I didn't leave with vague ideas. I left with a short list of specific edits I can make right away. That matters a lot when you're job hunting and every week counts. He also shared advice on using LinkedIn more actively, such as engaging with the right people and content, so the profile supports my networking instead of just sitting there.
I also want to recognize the overall WSO Academy experience. Between the modeling bootcamp, the company research work, the mentorship, and sessions like this one, the program has given me structure and support during a career transition that can otherwise feel isolating. This call was a good example of what makes WSO different: the people coaching you understand the industry you're trying to break into and give feedback that reflects how hiring really works.
If you're a WSO member and haven't booked a LinkedIn audit yet, I'd strongly recommend it. It's a short time commitment, and the return is significant. Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression, and having an experienced set of eyes on it is worth it.
Thank you, Arnau, for your time, honesty, and practical guidance. I'm excited to put the changes in place and keep building toward my goal of breaking into investment banking.”
Barlcays, Goldman, BAML, Jefferies, Citi (But their office is really large, so not sure if cutbacks are coming), JPM and Wells are the BBs that do well. Tudor Pickering is great boutique in Houston where the junior guys make some serious cash.
on the e/p side?
Barclays, Goldman, BAML, Jefferies, Citi.... -One of these does not belong.
JPM WF & BAML do great in DCM on the E&P side. Can't comment on much else.
Barclays, CS and Citi dominate in E&P. I'd say TPH is the best boutique in the space. GS and MS are strong in OFS and midstream respectively, but I haven't seen either do too much E&P. Jefferies was very strong, but I have heard bad things recently.
I am not an energy banker but I have heard from my former colleagues that JPM does particularly well in O & G in Houston. Not far behind Barclays & CS which are by far and away the top two BB for Energy IB.
Barclays and Jefferies have killed the upstream space in recent years. Citi, EVR and to some extent BAML have been really strong in midstream lately (C & EVR get more M&A, but BAML both has done well on the IPO front). Also seen Jefferies on midstream deals lately but that vertical is still fairly new for them.
CS had a good run, and still gets on some big deals, but they have lost so many senior people they have resorted to lifestyle incentives (no saturdays, etc). Would not be my first choice for the long haul but still provide good exits for the analysts.
JPM is centered around upstream but I wouldn't say they do "particularly well". Not bad at all, but not the best. Probably like BAML in a lot of capital markets with an M&A deal here and there. Obviously the broader franchise is strong (JPM).
TPH best known for upstream but see them on some midstream things as well - usually asset sales etc. On big things you usually see them as issuer of fairness opinion.
Simmons obviously best known for their OFS practice.
On the comp front, very well known that TPH pays its people well. Have also heard some insane numbers from Jefferies. The American BB's have paid better lately relative to their european counterparts, but you aren't likely to hit a homerun on bonus day at any of the large banks in Houston. Upside is you aren't likely to strike out either like you might if a boutique has a rough year.
does anyone know about the canadian banks? I've heard rbc, bmo, scotia all do decently well in Houston. Also any other boutiques beyond Simmons and TPH?
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