Where can I find some of the best discussions on investment banking?

Click here for our Investment Banking forums. It is where we discuss the industry as well as different firms and groups.

These are a collection of some of the best discussions created for and replied to by members of the WSO community on the topic of Investment Banking. Keep in mind this is by no means a comprehensive list and reading old and current posts will help you learn more about the industry. If you think we missed one that should be included here, please e-mail [email protected] the request.

Q&A & Interview posts with IB professionals:

• 2nd year IB Analyst Taking Questions

Top-bucket analyst in a top coverage group of a BB investment bank discusses breaking into banking with a sub-3.5 GPA, comparisons to consulting experience.

• Q&A with WSO Founder Patrick, Part 1 (background in IB and PE, the idea for WSO, Wharton MBA), Part 2 (the past, present, and future of WSO)

The "overlord of WSO" shares his experiences in investment banking and private equity, how WSO started, and his advice to aspiring bankers.

• HappyPantsMcgee the Interview.

Words of wisdom for undergrads and newly minted workers from a strategist at a top 5 bank.

• Ask CompBanker

Veteran WSO member CompBanker, who has worked exclusively on M&A and leveraged buyouts his whole career, answers questions.

• I'm f***ing in, you're f***ing out

Kenny_Powers_CFA, with 3 years of credit analysis experience, opens himself up to questions.

• The rufiolove Interview - Part One (WSO, daily life, experiences in the industry, and advice for new hires), Part Two (entering finance, advice for prospective monkeys, and target vs. non-target)

"Power-user" rufiolove speaks on a wide range of topics and imparts some advice for aspiring financiers.

• Recruiting and Resume Advice from the Rockies

A senior account executive for investment banking recruitment gives specifics on what a recruiter is looking for, and why they don't care about your cover letter.

• Former MS M&A / KKR here to field questions

Insightful question and answer thread with 10xleverage focused on private equity.

• Former BB VP giving advice to all you wannabe bankers

VP left banking to work in natural gas sourcing, explains why, and answers questions.

• Ask a 2nd Year IB Analyst

Analyst gives back to the WSO community that helped him break into investment banking with advice for summer analyst applicants.

• Interview With ThePillowPocket Founder Chad Riddersen, Part 1 (Big 4, banking, why entrepreneurship?), Part 2 (his ventures and lessons learned as an entrepreneur)

Riddersen runs through his experiences as a Big 4 audit associate and an IB analyst, and how he transitioned from IB.

• The Forgotten IBD: Big 4 Corporate Finance

Associate at Big 4 corporate finance group answers questions about the non-accountants under the accounting roof.

• 2nd Year Analyst Answering Questions

2nd year analyst at a top bank headed to buyside answers any and all questions.

• Ask a 2nd Year IB Analyst

Another 2nd year analyst answers all your questions providing feedback.

• duffmt6 2nd Year Analyst Unconventional Route Part 1, Part Two

duffmt6, a second year IB analyst, describes his unconventional route to breaking in

• Answering Australian iBanking Questions - Ever wondered what the industry is like in Australia? This is the thread for you.
• SA Recruiting Megathread - Compilation of the best SA recruiting content on WSO.
• FT Recruiting Megathread - Compilation of the best FT recruiting content on WSO.

See the full list of Q&A's & Interviews here: here.

Is Banking Right for Me?

-Banking vs. Consulting: A discussion on the differences between consulting and banking, focusing mainly on Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company

-Why Banking: A discussion on the pros and cons of Wall Street in a down economy

Getting a Job

-Breaking In: Certified User CompBanker explains his method for obtaining a full time analyst offer at a top-tier, middle market investment bank. A number of WSO users chime in with helpful advice and encouragement

-Human Resources: This thread was started to vent the frustrations of dealing with various HR departments as a prospective IB analyst

-Offer Rescinded: This thread discusses what you can do if your offer was rescinded or you did not get a full time investment banking analyst offer

-Resume Mistakes: LB Banker created this thread to point out a number of mistakes that have been found in investment banking resumes

-Summer Analyst Tips: This is a fantastic thread for all future investment banking summer analysts. The discussion focuses on what to do and what not to do during your summer analyst experience

-IB Background Check FAQ:Wondered what an IB background check entailed? Read this FAQ for all you need to know.

Life in Finance

-Compensation: This discussion started by Monkeygames123 gives an inside view on first year analyst's bonuses in 2009

-Fashion: Targetboy started this discussion about what may or may not be appropriate for a male investment banking analyst in terms of piercing, which turned into a general discussion on presentation on Wall Street

-Health and Lifestyle: WSO users discuss how to try and stay healthy as a first year investment banking analyst on Wall Street.

-Hours and Lifestyle: A candid discussion on the reality of a career in banking, from hours to home life

-Leaving Investment Banking: Certified user Edmundo Braverman discusses leaving investment banking for greener pastures

Investment Banks

-List of Investment Banks: Make sure to check out Wall Street Mentors' "Searching for a Summer Internship" thread, which includes a list of 200 bulge bracket, middle market, and boutique banks as well as an interview with Scott Morris (former CEO of Boston Stock Exchange and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs)

-Elite Boutiques (exit ops): WSO users discuss the exit opportunities for analysts at elite boutiques, touching on the day-to-day and lifestyle as well

-Middle Market Banks: A great discussion on what differentiates middle market from bulge bracket investment banks

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