How does MBA IB Associate Recruiting work for those with pre-MBA IB experience?

Hey everyone,

I noticed MBA summer associate recruiting/networking has recently kicked off and wanted to ask those in charge of MBA Aso recruiting or others with MBA IB recruiting experience what the process is like for candidates with a few years of pre-MBA IB experience? The only other threads I've seen regarding MBA recruiting are for career switchers, like engineers, corp dev, veterans, Big 4, middle/back office roles (risk, compliance, corporate banking, loan origination, etc.) but not for those with IB/advisory backgrounds. To be more specific, let's say I worked 3-5 years at a solid MM shop (50'ish people, founded by ex-BB/EB SMD's/Partners), staffed on all the typical IB assignments/deal types (M&A's, cap raises, RX, fairness opinions, etc.), average deal size $500MM - $1B with the occasional multi-billion dollar deal or co-advisement on a large deal alongside a BB.

I assume what's asked/expected of us will be similar to a lateral process (talking through past deal experiences, etc.) except more structured and expedited since I'm recruiting via the MBA pipeline? How are those with IB experience viewed by recruiters/interviewers (favourably or with confusion)? Looking for some clarification here, thanks.

2 Comments
 

You'll have to go through the same networking rigamarole as everyone else. Story will really matter -- people will want to know why you want to go back into banking after your MBA when you could have just lateralled anywhere. Make sure it's tight and makes sense. You'll probably get the same technical questions as everyone else which should be a breeze but definitely brush up because you don't want that to be the thing that sinks you. 

 

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