Workplace efficiencies

New analyst here. Only have been working full-time for about 3 months. Since I started, I've already learned a lot of little things to save time or stay organized that I wish I had known since day one. For instance, I didn't separate emails for deals I was working on. I now have separate folders for every deal and I only mark as read when the request is complete (setting in Outlook to manually mark as read/unread).

I'd be interested to hear from everyone who's been working in finance for years. What are things that save time or keep you organized that you've learned over the years?

10 Comments
 
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For every deal: Use the same folder structure

For every file: Use the same naming convention

...Undoubtedly, you will be expected to know the location of every file and whether such information has been received.

Uniform formatting / naming keeps everything organized. You shouldn't have to spend time trying to find some obscure file or information.

 

Luckily, my firm had policies on this already when I joined. My internship however, did not, and i'm ashamed to say I spent a significant amount of time looking for files that should have been saved in a format. Great tip.

Don't @ me
 

I had a colostomy bag fitted. Now, rather than having to walk across the floor to spray a brown, foamy mess all over one of the stalls, I can just unload at my desk. The smell - which is eye-watering - also works as a rather potent colleague-deterrent. I see this as a win-win. No more distractions for this guy.

Thank you for your interest in the 2020 Investment Banking Full-time Analyst Programme (London) at JPMorgan Chase. After a thorough review of your application, we regret to inform you that we are unable to move forward with your candidacy at this time.
 

Not a bad idea. I drink enough coffee every day that the stalls are starting to permanently tint with darker shades every day. It's like Niagara Falls twice a day: 9 am and 4 pm. This would save me approx 25 minutes per day. Given the standard 270 workdays every year, that's 112.5 hours a year. With this suggestion, I should make VP 6 months earlier than previously projected.

Don't @ me
 

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