Incoming IB Analyst who is having major anxiety about training

Hello, I am an incoming analyst who is returning to my BB bank after interning last summer. I did a decent last year, but now I am extremely worried about training. I am a non-finance major and have very limited knowledge of finance. I feel like I am behind the curve. Also, I am worried about the series exams. I've been studying for the SIE, but it never feels like I'm doing enough. I'm so worried I am going to fail either the finance exams and/or the series exams and get fired before I even start. Am I stressing out too much? Idk what to expect and all I have to go off of are a bunch of WSO threads that are scaring me. Any advice?

4 Comments
 

Take a look at WSO's SIE course! We've designed it specifically for people with no financial background, with easy-to-understand language and plenty of real-world examples.

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/courses/exam-prep/finra/sie-license

The SIE is "a mile wide and an inch deep." It is definitely the easiest of the Series exams, but there is still a ton of ground to cover, as it tries to expose you to pretty much everything. Take plenty of practice exams, starting with the ones in the course, and then using the official FINRA practice test (https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/securities-industry-essentials-exam/practice-test) as a final benchmark.

If you're consistently scoring low 80s or above on your practice exams, you should be in good shape!

Founder of https://achievable.me - modern test prep for the FINRA SIE, S7, and GRE.
 
Most Helpful

I think you just need to try and relax. If you did a good enough job to be given a return offer, you’ll do just fine. Given you’re a non-finance major, I would make sure you actually pay attention during training and not fuck around like some other kids will. Take notes, ask questions and take the time to learn the concepts. If your bank gave you access to Wall Street Prep or similar, take some time to learn those as well.

On the Series exams, the SIE is the easiest of them, so try not to stress about that one too much. Just read the textbook, class notes, etc and do a bunch of practice questions. Practice questions will help you the most as the concepts will start becoming more and more apparent. Just take the exams one at a time and you will be fine. Everyone needs to take them and you will be ok if you put in the time.

Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great!

 

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