Do most banks automatically hire new analysts to start in August, and only start early those who request it? I will be graduating this December, and I’m not sure what to say in an interview if asked why I want to start in summer rather than right after graduation.

Any advice?

Glad that you have had a positive experience so far. Certainly exceptions always apply and it seems like you have gotten a lot out of it. I based most of this on friends who had started early and seemed to regret it later on, but to each their own.

I just started in Feb. at a prestigious advisory firm (very similar to Evercore or Allen and Co.) and while I agree with most of your analysis, I do have an advantage compared to the analysts starting in July.

I make pitch books quite frequently and occasionally sit an read dealbreaker for hours but I have also been given reals models to complete as well as executive summaries, which are not really grunt work.

I was hesitant about starting early as well but in my case it seemed to have worked out in my favor. I may only end up getting a stub bonus as you suggested but it would be better then nothing.

Barry,

I would recommend you do the Deal Maven cert. as that is part of most banking training. Having just completed it myself, I find it quite useful. I would suggest getting Bloomberg certified as well (I actually was beat out by another candidate for not having it). And finally, certainly put all of this on your resume. Its shows you are ambitious as well as competent in financial analysis.

Good luck

I am personally not a big fan of any of those 3rd party certifications other than maybe the CFA, which is definitely legitimate.

I don’t think it’s super-valuable to learn all the obscure Excel tricks at this stage, but learning the basics of modeling would be helpful in interviews.

If you are trying to work in M&A and have studied econ and history, I would try to get some activities or other hobbies that show an interest in finance/business. Even part-time work experience could work for this.

Hope this helps!

Anything to say for a European studying economics and history and hoping to work in London in M&A, preferably Rothschild?