Hey guys, has anyone been to an interview for a SA-finance position with an IB? I got an interview, and was wondering how technical it could be. I am an economics major and don't know anything about DCF, WACC, or any of that good stuff you guys always talk about.
If someone could speak from previous experience it would be appreciated.
Thanks!
get the vault guide, the wso guide, or the M&I guide to learn some stuff.
i would look at investopedia to become acquainted with the terms you listed above before using any guide.
SA interviews are mostly behavioral if you don't a background.
sick a fork in ya, because your done.
Well, I actually have been looking at the vault finance interview guide.. and could probably answer very BASIC technicals (like walk me through a DCF), but there's a very good chance I'll sound like I memorized this stuff last week (because I did), and if they asked me to elaborate on anything, I won't be able to.
Do you think I would be better off just telling them due to my background, I'm unfamiliar? Or should I try my best to answer what I can (at the risk of sounding like an idiot).. ?
Also, the interview is on Monday, so I don't think I'd be able to learn everything I need to by then..
Thanks
I was an Economics major, too.
I never interviewed for SA positions, but for a first round FT IBD position, the technical wasn't too bad. As long as you know the basics (three financial statements, how line item changes effect them, what the valuation methodologies are, etc.), I think you'll be fine.
However, it doesn't hurt to know a little more than just the definition of something like DCF, and understand the inputs of the calculation. While you said that you'll sound like you just memorized the stuff, it is basic stuff they'll be asking you about so try and keep it simple and sound confident. I don't know how much they will ask you to elaborate, but if the interview is tomorrow, there isn't much you can do at this point, and so I wouldn't stress it (I doubt they will ask you too much in-depth regardless).
Best of luck.
(btw, if you haven't checked out this site already, it's pretty good for the basics - http://www.ibankingfaq.com/category/interviewing-technical-questions/ )
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