Supposed to know which group for first-round interviews?

I've interviewed with quite a few places (BBs/first-round OCR), and toward the end of each interview (every single one), they ask me:

" So which group are you thinking of joining"

Every time, I've said: "I really don't know at this point. I'm just looking to get as much experience as possible and expose myself to as much as possible. I'd like to start in a coverage group, then possibly move to something more specific down the line"

Does this reflect badly on me (didn't do my research?)? Does having a particular group in mind show dedication/more interest? How is a junior in college supposed to know whether to do Industrials vs. Energy vs. Healthcare vs. TMT etc.. ?

Isn't the purpose of a superday to cycle through these different groups?

Current Bankers--What's your take on this?

Thanks monkeys.

 

It's just a question to get some insight into what you're thinking and to learn more about your interests. Not having a predetermined industry of interest isn't going to hurt you.

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 
Best Response

I think the best way to answer this question is to have a few industries you are interested but show flexibility. Something like: "I'm very interested in TMT, and have been following a lot of the telecomm developments lately. I'm also interested in Energy as I know that is a very active sector with a lot of interesting things going on. At the end of the day though, I'm mostly concerned with getting into this industry and working at a bank where I can get great experience and fit in well, [insert plug for Bank XYZ here]"

The purpose of this question is for them go see that you are thinking about groups and that you follow the industry. It will hurt you to have absolutely no answer, and it will hurt you to have an extremely specific answer and not appear flexible.

 

I think it's good to know your general direction. It's good to know what jobs in Sales, Trading, Research, and IBD look like/entail.

It's good to know which job you want, and then what industry (if IBD or Research) you want.

I think you should have a sense of 1-2 areas of the bank you're interested in, and more importantly, why they need someone like you.

 

Mollitia beatae sed non exercitationem. Cupiditate et est qui consequatur. Doloribus nihil quis quidem sunt eos non. Harum eum a accusamus voluptas quaerat sit.

Sit suscipit est dolores ut aut repellendus. Qui deserunt aut omnis nostrum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”