Preparation 

Essentials

• A targeted resume, cover letter, and networking strategy: Your research will allow you to present your relevant skills and experience in the language of the industry, which is especially important if you are a career switcher. The more feedback you receive on your resume and cover letter from coaches, peers, alums, and contacts with industry experience, the stronger it will be. 

• Look at examples of job descriptions that interest you and familiarize yourself with the specific skillsets, strengths, and competencies that are in demand for the roles you seek. 

• Networking to deepen knowledge of a target firm, build relationships and demonstrate your strengths as a candidate is required to attain an internship or full-time position.  Many firms know who they want to interview before the resume drop even occurs. For Investment banking especially, networking is a required part of the process.  Start early. 

• There is a clear protocol to follow when approaching banks for informational interviews (also known as coffee chats). It is critical to reach out to more junior employees first. You will gradually build firm and industry knowledge and will be positioned to make the strongest impression on senior decision makers at the firm. 

• Firms that hire associate classes commonly track you from your first interactions with the firm.  Firm representatives and alumni visit campus and meet with students to identify top talent long before the formal resume submission.  Every informational counts!   

• Be prepared for technical questions as early as in informational interviews.   

• Some firms hold first and second rounds on the same day that they come to campus and make decisions immediately.  

• Especially in investment banking, financial modeling skills are a tremendous advantage. If you have not done any financial modeling prior to business school, you will be required to demonstrate an aptitude – high GPA/test scores, coursework, Training the Street/Wall Street Prep. 

• For MBA's: Certain GPA & GMAT levels are required (i.e., 3.5/700), but for most, they are two of many factors considered. If you have a weak GPA, for example, be prepared to point to other areas of intellectual achievement and/or extraordinary extracurricular activities.