Recruitment Tips For Investment Banking.

Break Into Investment Banking,  No-Fluff Tips for Freshman & Sophomore Students.

Thinking about a career in Investment Banking? You’re not alone and you’re definitely not too early. But before you dive in, let’s cut through the noise and talk real strategies from insiders who’ve actually done it.

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Here’s your no-fluff guide to breaking into IB, designed for Freshman and Sophomore students.

1. Networking: The Game You Have to Play (Well).

Want interviews? You need referrals. Period. Whether you’re at a target school or not, networking is non-negotiable.

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But here’s the deal: If you’ve done 100 calls and gotten nowhere, you’re probably doing it wrong. Be personable, not robotic. Don’t recite your resume. Don’t ask boring or overused questions. Bankers are busy so don’t waste their time.

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Pro Tips

✅ Keep it short and real: “Hey, I’m learning about IB—can I ask you 2 quick questions?”

✅ Ask for advice, not a job.

✅ Be memorable, not perfect.

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2. School: GPA Is a Checkbox, Not the Whole Picture.

A solid GPA (aim for 3.5+) helps but what do recruiters really look for?

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• Membership in elite finance clubs

• Leadership roles in student orgs (not just finance-related)

• People skills (you’ll be working in teams under pressure)

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Balance your hustle with some actual fun. If you’ve been “locked in” on banking since 17, take a step back. Explore. Try new clubs. Recruiting is easier when you’re not burned out.

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3. Interview Prep: Know Your Stuff (Not Just the Answers).

Breaking Into Wall Street (BIWS) and Wall Street Oasis (WSO) guides are your best friends. But don’t just memorize them—understand them.

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You’ll be tested. Slight tweaks in questions are designed to expose people who fake it.

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What to prep:

✅ Paper DCF in under 90 seconds

✅ A recent M&A deal the firm worked on

✅ Your personal “Why Banking” (make it real—no cookie-cutter answers)

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💡 Example: One candidate landed an offer after debating F1 vs Endurance Racing with a Managing Director. Why? They were authentic.

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4. Be Yourself—Seriously.

Everyone looks good on paper. What makes you stand out? Your story. Your vibe. Your interests. Let your personality into the room.

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Avoid sounding like a finance bot. Be the person they remember after a long day of interviews with nervous 19-year-olds.

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5. Stop Comparing Yourself.

There’s always someone with better grades, connections, or charisma. It doesn’t matter.

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You’re on your own path. Focus on consistent improvement, not self-doubt. Comparison kills confidence—and in banking, confidence matters.

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6. Land an Internship? Here’s How Not to Blow It.

Congrats! But remember: The internship is your interview for a full-time offer.

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Do:

✅ Show up early, leave late

✅ Take ownership of your work

✅ Learn fast, fix mistakes, ask smart questions

✅ Work like your job depends on it (because it does)

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Don’t:

❌ Drink too much at happy hour

❌ Gossip or flirt with coworkers

❌ Assume these people are your friends—they’re your evaluators

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7. Dress the Part (Without Making It Weird).

Banking is conservative. Your suit isn’t the time for self-expression.

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For guys:

• Navy or charcoal suit (not black)

• White or light blue shirt (no patterns)

• Always wear a tie on Day 1

• Leave your prom vibes at home

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For girls:

• Play it safe and professional

• Avoid anything that could be perceived as too casual or revealing—unfair double standards exist, but they’re real

• Keep a backup outfit in the office

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TL;DR: Your Investment Banking Checklist

✅ Network smart, not hard

✅ Join top clubs + take on leadership

✅ Learn financial concepts deeply, not just memorized

✅ Stay human in interviews

✅ Stop comparing—run your race

✅ Treat your internship like an extended interview

✅ Look professional, act even more so

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Want a place to practice all of this—with mentorship, live feedback, and real-world case studies? That’s exactly what our iXperience Investment Banking course is built for.

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👉 [Explore the Course →]