Q&A: Incoming PWM Graduate

General

Hi potential graduates/interns, I figured after spending the most of 2019 preparing and interviewing with various banks (across bulge/mid market/local, and to various levels of success) for PWM/PB roles and finally being able to secure an amazing opportunity as a PWM graduate in a global fund manager to start this summer, I should give back to the community that has helped me in one way or another. I feel that there has been a lack of information/recruiting tips/application process guide available especially when recruiting for PWM/PB, and most of my knowledge was actually secured from schoolmates, alumni, former colleagues, and peers, or from personal experience during application processes. I fully understand the anxiety, stress and feeling of loss during recruiting season/application process and hope my insights can help alleviate some of that. Candidates deserve to know more and this in general would help both candidates get a better idea of how they can approach PB/PWM recruiting from a more strategic standpoint, and also to help recruiters to access a larger quality pool of candidates who are more prepared and know what to expect.

Important facts:

  • this Q&A is purely focused on offering information and helping future candidates like you guys in improving your chances during recruiting season specific to PB, I have not started work so i cannot offer you great/deep insights into job scope, responsibilities and demands of PWM/PB - As i applied only for APAC positions, my insights are most relevant to this region. I do not know if they are applicable or even relevant to recruiting for PWM/PB in other regions, so if you are not from APAC do not take it too seriously. - My insights may not be the best, may not be the most accurate, and may not even help you in one way or another, but I hope that at least someone will benefit from it because I did from my seniors. Ill try my best to offer information that can really add value to your recruiting capabilities. ( it would help if you could focus/explain your enquiries in detail and not be too general!)

Education:

Bach in Science, Hons, Major Econs (2:1), reputable Asian University internship: Did 1 Asset management stint Did 1 wealth management (products) stint Did 1 corporate banking (FIG) stint Did 1 IB stint (debt capital markets) Currently in a fintech/alternative lending stint

Topics I can offer insight on:

Application timelines for different banks/firms Application processs and what to expect specific insights into each stage in the process (CV submission, online tests, video interview, group interviews, f2f interviews, AC, final rounds) Type of interview questions and style of interviews Type of AC structure What they look out for/what they focus on/key elements Company specific process (CS, UBS, Citi, HSBC, Stan Chart, OCBC, DBS) (depending on how far i reached in each) how I approached the group interview/f2f interview how I prepared for the interviews how I felt about the process, my thoughts about it etc Cheers!

 
Funniest

Lol dude an AMA isn’t necessary for getting into PWM.

Step 1: have a heart beat Step 2: get hired

 

what was it about managing wealthy people's privates that sold you on the sector?

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.
 
Most Helpful

Sophmore at a non-target here. I applied to a top WM summer internship last February/March (as a freshmen) and received a first round video interview. Unfortunately, didnt get no offer nor did I move on to any other interviews.

My goal this year around is to land that internship as Im confident I can. I want to add that I run a small business where I work with RE agents helping them with their marketing and I mention on my CV that I would like to transition these clientele skills in a WM setting. (Idk if this is even useful at all, but maybe it could help my chances).

The applications for this position still hasen't come out yet, I'm anticipating a few more weeks possibly.

  1. What do you think I can do to secure this internship (WM in particular) and even an AM internship?

  2. Should I cold email workers/recruiters, and if so, what should I say? Should I mention I had a video interview/work with clients already?

  3. How did you manage to secure these positions in your undergrad?

  4. As you mentioned, what are some key elements they focus on during these interviews?

Thanks for this post!

 

Well I’m not sure PWM is ‘so different’ than banking as many make out (as in network and know some technicals, might be easier for people to prepare since most relevant experience in clubs is with investing). One thing I’m super curious about is where do you think the money is? I’ve some exposure to the field through friends dads who are not hotshots by any means (they run FoF or some other stuff that in my opinion is half a scam but who cares). I see people all the time doing so well in regions like mine where I grew up, making several hundred k without being that smart. They definitely have some hustle to get clients but I’m super interested in the breakdown of effort / outcome for building clients of your own, etc. There are definitely parallels between PWM and starting any financial firm (gotta get clients somehow). Cool to hear your perspective, but then again you might be too junior to really know would be interested in your outlook anyway though. Thanks!

 

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