Worse memory over time in banking?

Hey all, Wanted to see if anyone else has been having a similar issue as I have. I feel as if over the past 3 years since I joined IB, I’ve had more issues retaining information compared to in school, for example. It’s not like I’m having full blown amnesia, but I feel like I sometimes forget what number a client mentioned to me a few days back or what a business I’ve met (within my coverage area) does, despite meeting them a few months back. Sounds small but I feel like these minor incidents happens more frequently now than before. I should add that I feel this issue was not a problem in the beginning and has only gotten worse over time. Wondering if it’s a mental issue that’s happening or moreso just an issue with the job / hours. Has anyone else had similar problems?

11 Comments
 

It's natural. Combination of juggling a lot of things and being in a state of sleep deprivation and under stress. Far moreso than school or university.

Honestly the best advice I can give is Microsoft one note. I use it for everything. It syncs across devices and I have my folders structured to quickly reference the right notes etc. 

Write everything down. Will help.

Sponsors M&A (London)
 
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I do. Use it on my corporate laptop, ipad and iPhone. Syncs across all of these. 

You should have it as part of your firms MS enterprise subscription. Just many don't use it. 

I split mine into company coverage folders / sponsor specific folders/ project folders.

Allows me to quickly write notes, that are date and time stamped. I can then hit "share" and choose from my colleagues to send round my note after I've met the deal partner or MP etc. 

Having it on my phones also means I can reference it while I'm doing a breakfast / lunch/ dinner

After each project closes I make a project note for future reference. This may include: 

- Valuation

- Sponsor Deal Teams

- Which bidders were in the process

- issues / key important value items etc 

I also use a personal excel tracker to keep a list of follow ups so I dont lose track. I've done this since being an associate. 

Sponsors M&A (London)
 

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