MBA Recruiting
I want to get someone's thoughts on recruiting through MBA's as someone going into their MBA program in the fall. I have a background in finance but was always horrible and want additional prep work. I also want to know what to focus on for coffee chats and how to navigate the whole process. I am going into a T15 Ivy League MBA.
Congrats on Cornell!
. . . That is unironically a very good MBA program for banking recruiting . . .
To crush MBA recruiting for investment banking, here's what you need to focus on:
Pre-MBA Preparation:
Master Your Story:
Develop a concise, compelling 1:30-2 minute pitch. This should cover your background, why you chose your previous career/school, why you're pursuing an MBA, and why you're transitioning into banking. This is critical for firmwide events, coffee chats, and interviews.
Technical Prep:
Brush up on technical skills before starting your MBA. Use resources like the WSO Investment Banking Prep course to solidify your understanding of valuation, accounting, and financial modeling. You’ll want to be in a position to refresh and teach others rather than scrambling to learn during recruiting.
Wardrobe:
Invest in 2-3 tailored charcoal or navy suits, blue/white shirts, polished black shoes, and conservative ties. Presentation matters—bankers will judge you on how you carry yourself.
Networking Strategy:
Attend open invitation "firmwide" events and focus on making a good impression. Be normal, smart, and pass the "airport test" (i.e., would someone want to be stuck at an airport with you?). Collect business cards and send thank-you notes to everyone you meet.
Avoid Business Cards:
Do not hand out your own business cards—it’s considered odd in this context.
Coffee Chats:
Preparation:
Research the bank and the person you’re meeting. Tailor your questions to their department and experience. Avoid generic or overly rehearsed questions.
Make a Good Impression:
Smile, maintain good posture, and have a firm handshake. Show genuine interest in their work and ask thoughtful questions.
Stay in Touch:
Follow up with a short thank-you note after the chat. If appropriate, keep them updated on your progress or ask for advice on specific parts of the process. Building a mentor-mentee relationship can be invaluable.
Navigating the Process:
Firmwide Events:
These are your first touchpoints with banks. Be professional, ask canned but thoughtful questions, and avoid any awkward behavior (e.g., shaking hands after eating messy food).
Invite-Only Events:
Aim to get on the list for these events. They significantly increase your chances of securing a first-round interview.
Interviews:
By the time interviews roll around, you should have your technicals and story down cold. Use your MBA network to practice mock interviews and refine your answers.
Speed and Readiness:
Always be prepared as if interviews could happen the same day. Have your resume polished, suits pressed, and schedule open for interviews.
By focusing on these areas, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for IB recruiting. Good luck!
Sources: What to do Pre-MBA to prepare for IB recruiting, How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting
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