Military to UG to MM SA to BB FT

Hello, Monkeys

After hundreds of emails, countless phone calls, dozens of networking trips, and a handful of interview rejections, I finally have my Full-Time Analyst offer at a bulge bracket investment bank. Since WSO was monumental in helping me realize and obtain my goals, I figured I would try and repay the favor by touching upon some things that helped a non-target, veteran reach his goals. Also, shout out to Whiskey5 who got me in touch for the interviews.
A while ago, I posted tips and areas that I felt were important to receiving my SA stint at a middle market investment bank. That can be found here:

//www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/from-front-line-to-front-office

Now, onward with the tips that I felt helped me and what you need to know:

Deadlines – This is basic. I even touched upon this in my previous thread. If you’re trying to get a Summer Analyst position or Full-Time offer, know when banks are interviewing. You can be the most qualified applicant in the world, but if you’re not there to let them know then nothing will happen. Even if for some reason you missed the interview process or were simply dinged from the bank, keep in touch with people in charge of recruiting. With help from certain people, I was able to receive interviews from two BB banks in late April, because people reneged on offers or they didn't hand out enough. Keeping in touch just may lead to something after the standard interviewing time frame. Know the dates!

Knowledge – So now you’re dead set on becoming an investment banker. You’ve read about the salary, lifestyle, modeling, and looked at when they hire for SA and FT. Now it’s time to familiarize yourself with technical questions and what the job entails. Marcus_Halberstram mentioned it in his ‘UG: Recruiting Part II: The first round interview’ that his first question is “What is an investment bank?” Questions like this will arise when it comes time for SA recruiting and you should know how to answer them. Technical questions are a little bit tricky. Getting your hands on BIWS, Vault Guides, or technical guides from WSO can be very helpful. The financial dictionary on this site should be a good friend of yours. Watch the videos from WallStreetMentors by typing in the search bar “Walk me through a DCF” or “What drives companies to pursue M&A” or simply “WallStreetMentors”. From there you can find a wealth of knowledge and mock interviews that it wouldn’t hurt to look at.

Be Persistent – Telling people that getting into investment banking is a numbers game, is an extreme understatement. You must acquire an indomitable spirit. Realize that investment banking is your goal and don’t stop until you achieve it. When you’re rejected from one bank, find a way to deal with it and move on.

Be Qualified – Once you’re at the interview, be the applicant that they want to hire. All the banks are different in their own aspects, but there are certain skills that every bank wants. Demonstrate that you’re not going to do the bare minimum, give examples of how you’re willing to take charge of a task and complete it without making errors or mistakes, and show that you’re determined and hardworking.

Be Personable – I mentioned in my previous thread that having a good attitude can go far. I have been told by numerous people that anyone can do the technical aspect of investment banking. What it comes down to is who bankers want to surround themselves around. I know it sounds obvious to smile while meeting someone for an interview, but I was surprised when talking to my friends that interview people and say that they have ‘No energy’. Keep smiling throughout an interview. Talk with enthusiasm about things you have done in your past or why you want to work with XX Bank. Show that you have a genuine interest in finance and it isn’t a stepping stone for B School or PE.

Those are really the only tips I have for you aspiring monkeys. I said it before, I am by no means an expert. These were just some things that I realized helped me out through the process. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.

 
dutchmiracle:

I think this hype will be temporary. A lot of military guys suffer from PTS (post traumatic stress syndrom). It will be a matter of time for companies to find out that if you hire in big numbers you expose yourself to such risks as well.

Hey, why don't you keep your opinions to yourself, jerk.

You are probably European or a left-wing radical who hates America.

 

I don't know about me, but you don't sound very American as you can't handle freedom of speech without getting rude. Just to clarify, I am not left-wing, I don't hate America, and I think the U.S. army plays an important role in the world, one I appreciate. Also I think the skills mentioned earlier which can be brought in from the army, such as working under pressure, working hard, and leadership are valuable once transfered to a lot of fields in finance.

However, saying such things would not add much to the discussion as it is already said before. Therefore I add this. I make a point, and one I sincerely believe is valid. I do this for two reasons. There is reasons stating that PTS is a problem which is not recognized enough, especially in the U.S. Please don't forget that this is also a bad thing for the people suffering, who do not always get adequate help they so much deserve. Secondly I know personal friends who have fought in Afghanistan and do suffer, and tell me it is a very big problem. And the research stating 20-30 % of people in combat situation is more of a low estimate than anything else. Sad enough people can not predict exactly when they get problems whith this, but it may occur years later, and hit them severely. I am just making a valid point, one I hope hope you get. Especially as you hate radicals, I hope you don't want to be one yourself, right, left or whatever.

mongoose:
dutchmiracle:

I think this hype will be temporary. A lot of military guys suffer from PTS (post traumatic stress syndrom). It will be a matter of time for companies to find out that if you hire in big numbers you expose yourself to such risks as well.

Hey, why don't you keep your opinions to yourself, jerk.

You are probably European or a left-wing radical who hates America.

 
Best Response
dutchmiracle:

I think this hype will be temporary. A lot of military guys suffer from PTS (post traumatic stress syndrom). It will be a matter of time for companies to find out that if you hire in big numbers you expose yourself to such risks as well.

Do you typically make things up like this?? Most military guys do not have PTSD. Not sure of the exact percentage but I guarantee you it is small, certainly not "most". Nonetheless, what does that have to do with anything? Being in the military is just an indicator right off the bat that you aren't a pussy, you can work in austere environments, and you won't cry working late hours. I mean congrats on being the Social Chair in your frat and all but don't get butt hurt because guys who lead X amount of Soldiers/ Marines in combat operations might display a little more leadership experience.

I got my first crack into a BB because the MD who gave me a shot was a Veteran as well, so be careful when you go military bashing...you might be very surprised to learn who in the ranks are actually Veterans themselves. However, Vet or not, if you walk into an interview and don't know jack about finance or don't impress..well then you're getting dinged of course.

 

Yeah, I think I made my point just as an addition, I just replied another guy who did not agree with me. As you can read there I do agree military guys do have value, and I definitely don't want to bash or anything like that. All the best to you of course!

miz03:
dutchmiracle:

I think this hype will be temporary. A lot of military guys suffer from PTS (post traumatic stress syndrom). It will be a matter of time for companies to find out that if you hire in big numbers you expose yourself to such risks as well.

Do you typically make things up like this?? Most military guys do not have PTSD. Not sure of the exact percentage but I guarantee you it is small, certainly not "most". Nonetheless, what does that have to do with anything? Being in the military is just an indicator right off the bat that you aren't a pussy, you can work in austere environments, and you won't cry working late hours. I mean congrats on being the Social Chair in your frat and all but don't get butt hurt because guys who lead X amount of Soldiers/ Marines in combat operations might display a little more leadership experience.

I got my first crack into a BB because the MD who gave me a shot was a Veteran as well, so be careful when you go military bashing...you might be very surprised to learn who in the ranks are actually Veterans themselves. However, Vet or not, if you walk into an interview and don't know jack about finance or don't impress..well then you're getting dinged of course.

 

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