Q&A: I am an Investment Banking Analyst (lowest level) on Wall Street

I'm leaving investment banking in a few weeks to go to a hedge fund and thought I'd share my experiences and thoughts on the profession and industry in general for those that are interested.

My shit DOES stink, I'm not driven by money and, in general, I try to be a good human being.

My background is relatively typical for Wall Street: high GPA from a top school and internships every summer. Summer after junior year I interned at my current bank and received an offer to return full time. I've been here almost 2 years now as a Mergers & Acquisitions banker.

Really, ask me anything. I'll do my best to present a fair and balanced perspective (not in a Fox News sort of way).


 

Do you have any regrets about entering finance? If not, what do you like about the field?

 

How did u make the jump straight to HF? (Timeline and methods used for recruitment)

What tier of bank are you and how much did that help get a HF? —also curious what HF tier

What is HF comp and how long term are you looking to stay there?

Why HF?

 

Do you think working at a bank will actually help you at the fund, which I also assume in L/S equity? Or is it mostly a factor of it just being the expected stepping stone.

 

Congratulations. I wish you all the best in your new journey.

1) What were your biggest struggles and how you managed to overcome them?

2) What are the struggles of more senior seasoned dealmakers in your experience working with them?

3) If you could take one wish to change yourself for the better, what would you change?

Continue to be a good human being and share your light with others. Your message shows that you have a wonderful spirit.

—Angelos

 

Do you have any advice for trying to get into investment banking from a start in corporate FP&A? Background is nontarget but UG has a large alumni network and current company is very well-known. Appreciate any tips, thanks and congrats on your new role!

 

Is there a reason you went to HF over PE? Do you feel that your HF prospects would've been better had you done 2 in PE? Did you know before entering IB that you would go straight into HF? Thanks.

 

Advice for a current sophomore going to be going through recruiting? Have a good GPA from a semi-target and great experience.

 

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