What are IB interviews like?

Hi I am currently a student in uni and wanted to know what interview processes are like for ib
 

To what extent do interviewers care about your freshman year internship experience? Do you need to do ib or something similar to have a chance? 
 


Thank you

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, Investment Banking (IB) interviews can be quite rigorous and are designed to assess a range of skills and qualities that are crucial for success in the field. Here's what you need to know about the interview process and the importance of freshman year internship experience:

  1. Interview Structure: IB interviews typically consist of two main components - technical questions and behavioral/fit questions. Technical questions test your knowledge of finance, accounting, valuation methods, and sometimes, financial modeling. Behavioral questions aim to understand your personality, work ethic, and how you handle various situations.

  2. Importance of Freshman Year Internship: While having an internship in IB or a related field during your freshman year can certainly be advantageous, it's not an absolute necessity for breaking into investment banking. Interviewers are looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in finance, have a good attitude, and show a willingness to learn. Freshman year internships, regardless of the field, can help you stand out by demonstrating your eagerness to gain professional experience early on.

  3. Leveraging Non-IB Internships: If your freshman year internship was not in IB, it's important to highlight the transferable skills you gained from that experience. Skills such as teamwork, analytical thinking, and effective communication are highly valued in investment banking. Be prepared to discuss how your internship experience has prepared you for a career in IB.

  4. Continuous Learning and Networking: Beyond internships, interviewers also value candidates who take the initiative to learn about the industry through coursework, extracurricular activities, and networking. Engaging with professionals in the field, attending finance-related events, and staying informed about market trends can also enhance your candidacy.

In summary, while freshman year internships in IB or related fields can give you an edge, they are not the sole determinant of your chances. Focus on building a strong foundation in finance, developing relevant skills, and networking effectively to improve your prospects in IB interviews.

Sources: Tips for Getting an internship in Investment Banking as a freshman, How to Get an Internship After Freshman or Sophomore Year, 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), Struggling to Find Internship (Freshman), Pre-Investment Banking Internship: Calling all freshmen and sophomores

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Iste possimus occaecati et qui totam expedita architecto. Illum cumque placeat excepturi voluptatum. Sit velit veritatis ducimus perferendis.

Iure provident sit et. Ad ut qui aperiam blanditiis optio ad amet. Iste dolor earum quaerat nostrum ratione quo iure.

Vel unde optio vel eaque hic sunt reprehenderit. Minus modi quos doloribus quos laudantium. Earum qui vel eaque possimus soluta aliquam. Cumque ut sit numquam occaecati cumque sit.

A id voluptatem doloremque sit quibusdam beatae. Quasi saepe laborum ut accusamus. Recusandae eos veritatis fugiat nihil quibusdam sequi voluptatem. Et reprehenderit enim rerum dolor similique ea.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”