I recently got a offer for a MM firm in a pretty good group. However, I feel like I am so far back compared to my peers who have so much more modeling skills. I tend to be a person that stresses alot over these things, but I dont know...at times I just feel like I just got lucky and I don't deserve this role.
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Go jerk off and relax bro. You are worrying about too much bs
Chill man life is good you got an offer and went through a very difficult process, so think that you do deserve it
Valid concern man for sure. I had similar worries for my SA internship (Liberal arts background, little-to-no modelling skills...) and still got the FT offer. Here's what I found helpful.
1. Take comfort in that you've landed the job in the first place - means they see in you not the finished article by any means, but someone who is willing and capable to learn.
2. ... So be willing to learn! It's amazing how much you pick up simply by doing things. Don't be afraid of asking for help when you hit a wall and find the workarounds. There are plenty of model templates out there (WSO has some good ones for example) - go through them in your spare time and just trace the precedents etc... to see how they've been constructed. Similarly, ask your analyst/associate for past models they've done and do the same with those.
3. Heard it from many an MD that, despite analysts coming in at various levels, one year in and they're mostly very similar in capabilities and output (hence middle bucket making up 60-70% of any class...) - that's to indicate that you'll be up to speed as you get more and more reps.
Basically, be willing to learn and learn smart - you clearly deserve the role as these guys saw some semblance of intelligence in you - show them that their trust was not misplaced.
Thats great advice man thank you!
Any time man - best of luck!
Do you have any advice on what I should be doing right now... preparing, chilling. I have some free time now but I don't know what to do with it. For context I am an incoming SA in Lev Fin
If it’s technicals you’re worried about I’d make a bit of a head start on those.
Udemy have some very good (and much cheaper) financial analyst courses. Start with those - simple three statement model building up to DCF/LBO. My firm were very big on making sure we understood all the ins and outs of accounting too so perhaps find a course specifically targeted at that.
From my experience Udemy ones are great to do 2-3hrs/day. Wake up, have your breakfast and coffee and then sit down and fire through those before lunch and then give yourself the rest of the day off. Most of their courses are 10-20 hours so you’re looking at 3-6 days to complete if you stick to that regimen.
Otherwise I’d just chill and enjoy your free time before life gets serious! As said above, you’re gonna learn a bunch on the job too and if you’re an SA/have been hired FT in the knowledge that you’re not the perfect article, they should recognise that you will learn a lot your first couple of weeks too.
Welcome to investment banking. Literally everyone in this job worries about whether they're good enough. The career trajectory is so fast that you will always have that feeling.
Sometimes I walk into my office calm headed. I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days
I can relate to the stress that you are facing being in a similar position myself when I started my role.
The best thing I can recommend is to set out a plan for when you get to the role. If there are things you are struggling with identify these key areas and look into how you can improve your development.
Regarding the lack of confidence, you got to keep remembering that they offered you this role. If it was just luck or that you didn't deserve it they wouldn't of been interested in taking you on and they will be able to help you and improve your development alongside the work as long as you keep a proactive mindset.
Hope this helps and all the best!
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