If you’re reading this, your post-college career goal likely is to work in investment banking. You can also have a job offer or be a few months into your employment. I wish I had known the following things before beginning my program for investment banking analysts:
- You will get assessed starting today.
Starting now, how you perform matters. The most crucial time to establish your reputation inside your team/firm is within the first several months. You don’t want to be that person that is often late, departs early, makes mistakes, has a bad attitude, etc. For the first few months, buckle up. Come in a little early and ask around if you can offer any assistance before you depart to set yourself apart from the other analysts. Demonstrate your diligence and desire to learn by working hard, according to Joseph Stone Capital. Be aware that associates have a lot of influence over the analyst they choose to work with.
- Become a member and visit the gym when you can.
You can make it a habit to visit the gym as often as possible, according to Joseph Stone Capital. Not only are bankers advised to do this. Everyone in their 20s should make it a habit to visit the gym. You’ll notice that your body slows down as you get older and that your muscles and bones weaken once you’re in your late 20s or early 30s. Keeping your body in good form is the best strategy to delay aging.
- Always examine your work after printing it.
Being criticized for giving the client incorrect numbers is the worst thing that can happen. It never reaches this point because your associate or MD will catch almost all the errors. However, you never want to have a reputation for making mistakes since no one would work with you. As a result, always print off your work and double-check it before giving it to your colleague. If your associates don’t have to worry about constantly reviewing your work, you save them a lot of time.
- Consider the buy-side from day one onwards.
Of course, only individuals who desire to move to the buy side are affected by this. Recruiters get in touch with you quite early in your first year following graduation from college. They get in touch during the first month or two, according to what I hear presently. Stupid, I know! What, for instance, does a recent college graduate know about money matters like private equity and hedge funds? Buy-side firms seek out the best people, and as soon as one large firm begins hiring, all other firms follow suit. So be careful to start preparing for interviews as soon as possible; otherwise, it will be more difficult for you to obtain a position on the buy side.
- Never voice an issue.
Nobody wants to collaborate with a whiner. No question that working during banking hours can be challenging. However, everyone in banking understands that the work can be frustrating, so the more you whine, the more difficult it will be for you and those around you.
