I have no finance background whatsoever (except econ) - how to prepare for interviews?

I bought the "Heard on the Street" guide, but it seems like they already assume you have a decent finance background. I don't know shit - is there a better way to prepare? WSO's technical interview guide?

Will I even be able to get an interview? All I have is research experiences (in the sciences) and my 3.8+ GPA from HYPS.

 
Best Response

I think the fact that the guy's life above revolves around P90x and WSJ speaks volumes regarding his advice. Who the fck needs to know modeling to get and succeed in an IB interview. A high GPA from a top program combined with a genuine interest in the field is more than enough to make you competitive in the recruiting process. Major is irrelevant and liberal arts kids get hired all the time.

I would recommend the following: 1) Buy Scoop Books Guide to Investment Banking and Corporate Finance - its straight forward and easy to understand for non-finance majors 2) Buy WSO Technical Guide - covers almost everything you would need to know in an interview 3) Read WSJ, Financial Times, Dealbreaker, WSO, etc. 4) Contact your school's recruiting office, get involved in a school finance club if possible (not necessary) to show that you have an interest 5) Fit, attitude and critical thinking skills are the most important aspects of your candidacy...you dont have to be an excel ninja or finance PHD to get an IB analyst interview/job 6) Party, hang with your friends, follow sports, get laid, etc. Be well-rounded. People hire people who they want to have a beer with (everything else being equal)

good luck

 
junkbondswap:
I think the fact that the guy's life above revolves around P90x and WSJ speaks volumes regarding his advice. Who the fck needs to know modeling to get and succeed in an IB interview. A high GPA from a top program combined with a genuine interest in the field is more than enough to make you competitive in the recruiting process. Major is irrelevant and liberal arts kids get hired all the time.

I would recommend the following: 1) Buy Scoop Books Guide to Investment Banking and Corporate Finance - its straight forward and easy to understand for non-finance majors 2) Buy WSO Technical Guide - covers almost everything you would need to know in an interview 3) Read WSJ, Financial Times, Dealbreaker, WSO, etc. 4) Contact your school's recruiting office, get involved in a school finance club if possible (not necessary) to show that you have an interest 5) Fit, attitude and critical thinking skills are the most important aspects of your candidacy...you dont have to be an excel ninja or finance PHD to get an IB analyst interview/job 6) Party, hang with your friends, follow sports, get laid, etc. Be well-rounded. People hire people who they want to have a beer with (everything else being equal)

good luck

Thanks for the great advice! I'll be sure to buy those two guides. I've been reading WSJ regularly for a while now.

 
junkbondswap:
I think the fact that the guy's life above revolves around P90x and WSJ speaks volumes regarding his advice. Who the fck needs to know modeling to get and succeed in an IB interview. A high GPA from a top program combined with a genuine interest in the field is more than enough to make you competitive in the recruiting process. Major is irrelevant and liberal arts kids get hired all the time.

I would recommend the following: 1) Buy Scoop Books Guide to Investment Banking and Corporate Finance - its straight forward and easy to understand for non-finance majors 2) Buy WSO Technical Guide - covers almost everything you would need to know in an interview 3) Read WSJ, Financial Times, Dealbreaker, WSO, etc. 4) Contact your school's recruiting office, get involved in a school finance club if possible (not necessary) to show that you have an interest 5) Fit, attitude and critical thinking skills are the most important aspects of your candidacy...you dont have to be an excel ninja or finance PHD to get an IB analyst interview/job 6) Party, hang with your friends, follow sports, get laid, etc. Be well-rounded. People hire people who they want to have a beer with (everything else being equal)

good luck

Great/best advice i've heard in a while

 

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