Transition to banking question advice

Have int coming up with boutique ib firm. Previous internships have been at a law firm, Big 3 News corporation, and wealth management. non-ivy but respectable undergrad business program. finance/int biz concentrations and hist minor. How would you recommend going about the question why interested in pursuing career in investment banking without having had ibanking internship etc sorta deal/ why you think ibankings the right profession for you. Thanks

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Best Response

This is really up to you - in other words, why are you interested in IB. But beyond that, go with the general answer - skill set, transaction experience, senior personnel exposure, professional opportunity, etc - craft the answer in your own way, but those are the points to touch on. Additionally, you will need to explain how the skill set of your previous internships are at least partially applicable to banking, as well as why you know those aren't the right career paths for you. When explaining why not career X (such as Law firm), keep it positive or neutral - don't start bad mouthing the company or the profession as this is a definite negative to your candidacy. If you have any other questions feel free to email me, and for more info on the banking interview, check this out:

http://www.bankonbanking.com/bankonbanking-survival-guides/

and

http://www.bankonbanking.com/2009/11/23/interview-202-the-art-of-articu…

 

If you want to get into I-Banking so you can pay cash for your first S-class by age 29 then you are in it for the wrong reasons and the interviewer will see right through you. There should be certain keywords that trigger in your mind: consulting, fast paced, works well under pressure, analytical skills, etc. For the first few years you are going to work your arsch off and probably average the same hourly rate as a Starbucks employee.

You'll see the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

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