Why [firm] question for spring weeks

What's good monkeys, I'm an incoming undergrad at a uk target school and now I have time to prepare for london spring weeks. Just curious what is the optimal way of answering "why Firm?" questions? Based on what I'm gathering it would be good to talk about groups that the bank excel at such as GS TMT, Citi O&G, MS M&A etc. What other stuff can I talk about, and what makes the other BBs (bofa, barclays,ubs) and EBs stand out in your opinion? I also understand it would be good to know about a company's recent deals, but how in depth would I have to know them because most of the information I can gather only includes transaction size and type without relevant multiples whatsoever. And would it matter if I bring up a US deal while interviewing at the london office? Thanks

Oh and would it be wise to talk about the CS acquisition for UBS interviews?

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Find their most recent sustainability report, if you’re Diversity mention some of their initiatives they have and ALWAYS mention numbers (percentages, people helped etc), If not diversity link it to some charitable initiatives they have done also mentioning numbers, say you heard person X from the firm speak and that that’s how you were introduced to the world of finance or something similar. This applies for the screening phase usually (hirevues).

They also like to ask about a recent news event featuring the company so keep that on hand. Most importantly of all, don’t come off as a hardo.

Good luck prospect

Source : I did multiple springs

 

First poster has some excellent suggestions. Remember banks get the joke that you're obviously applying everywhere, but still need to be able to sell yourself (in the same way that we sell thank bank's credentials when pitching for business, or we sell companies as a literal job).

I'd add that you can narrow the banks down by arguing between a fullservice investment bank (eg JPM) because you want product exposure, or a boutique because you want focus, etc. Obviously if you have a personal connection somehow mention that, but at the Spring Week stage I'd guess that's early for you.

Good luck

 

Not a recruiter, but did and converted multiple BB/EB springs this year.

I talked about areas the bank was strong at and why that interests me in addition to why I’m good in that area. As an easy example —> Roths great healthcare team —> Write about strength and deal $ etc —> I find healthcare interesting because I like xyz —> I’m good at healthcare because of my medical background (studying medicine).

 

Thanks for the tips, just wondering how you managed to search what each bank specialises in (for your case how did you know to focus on healthcare for roths)?

 

Fuga dolores et iure est incidunt quisquam deleniti corporis. Quam illum non voluptatem qui et. Et molestias dignissimos tempora sit alias. Qui eos est impedit facilis omnis amet recusandae placeat.

A et facere tenetur sit corrupti. Quos corporis mollitia saepe recusandae sunt aliquam esse.

Et assumenda nulla est qui sint. Labore deleniti omnis voluptas occaecati accusamus consequatur. Voluptatem ipsa esse repudiandae a aspernatur. Beatae sapiente hic in quidem ea eius. Mollitia voluptatem hic fugiat adipisci consectetur voluptatem.

Est architecto fugit itaque qui. Ullam aut laborum dolorem quia iure sed est. Vel non debitis facilis nesciunt est. Iste repudiandae doloribus rerum nihil ea provident nihil. Possimus eos consequatur culpa illo qui delectus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”