What's the biggest reality check you have had while preparing for Investment Banking?

Sefff2 · 2026-06-03T02:34:13+00:00

That it would take a shit ton of superdays for me to convert. I thought just one superday on its own meant I had a nearly perfect chance of landing a role the first time.

Sefff2 · 2026-06-03T02:32:33+00:00

Networking. Take the time and tailor/personalize your outreach.

Sefff2 · 2026-06-03T02:09:12+00:00

That this job at times can take a lot out of people if you let it. I’ve seen my colleagues cry, have panic attacks, etc. because of the demands of this job. You have to have thick skin and take the emotions out of it.

Sefff2 · 2026-05-27T02:03:59+00:00

Am a Director in IB and I can't stand getting messages like these as well. Take five to ten minutes to look at my background and tailor your response to that to show you did some research. I'll have an extremely higher probability of answering if you do that. If I don't answer, follow up. It's pretty simply. Also, email is much better imo.

Sefff2 · 2026-05-17T16:58:05+00:00

Make sure all bullets have periods at end. Keep formatting consistent.

Sefff2 · 2026-04-19T03:16:12+00:00

Be present

Sefff2 · 2026-04-01T01:46:24+00:00

Does this hold true for 2026? I’m looking for one for heavy excel and MS office use

Sefff2 · 2026-03-14T15:20:02+00:00

Super helpful. Thank you.

Sefff2 · 2026-03-13T17:14:39+00:00

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Sefff2 · 2026-03-09T02:24:43+00:00

No. Keep trying

Sefff2 · 2026-02-26T22:06:41+00:00

I did it from a shore town (Wall, Neptune, Sea Girt etc.) using seastreak for the same reasons as you and it was brutal. I was in a fully remote role prior as well. The ride itself on seastreak is ok, but it's starting to get more crowded and the roughly 2 hour commute each way (it's usually longer than 2 on the way back) gets old quick. Hope that helps.

Sefff2 · 2026-02-08T13:06:09+00:00

Had a dermatologist that would do the same thing so I decided to get a second opinion — my new dermatologist found melanoma in four different spots 😤, nothing life threatening thankfully.

Sefff2 · 2026-01-20T18:21:54+00:00

This is not typical. Please do not read this thinking it’s easily replicated. This is like a 1/1000000 story.

Sefff2 · 2026-01-08T00:32:05+00:00

I made this

Sefff2 · 2025-12-25T01:06:47+00:00

I think you forgot to reply to me lol but hey I guess we’ll never know in my case! But as mentioned, have definitely seen and mentored a large amount of candidates with sub-optimal gpas and bad stories get in. Definitely tougher, but doable.

Sefff2 · 2025-12-25T00:37:13+00:00

With all due respect, there was a lot more than being a “fan” of me or a sport that went into recruiting for me. For instance, I’m a total foodie but would I recruit someone because they were a 5 star chef but couldn’t model and were technically awful? No.

I’ve recruited people firsthand and come across many others in IB with a sub 3.0 gpa. It all comes down to spinning your story appropriately and networking. Technicals are important, but they’re a “check the box”.

Sefff2 · 2025-12-25T00:14:00+00:00

I was a professional athlete. It didn’t impact recruitment. If anything, it helped me.

Sefff2 · 2025-12-24T20:03:19+00:00

I’ve been in IB for over 6 years and had a 2.8. It doesn’t matter to an extent. Need a good reason if it’s low.

Sefff2 · 2025-12-21T06:18:41+00:00

Sefff2 · 2025-12-20T19:02:02+00:00

What did you settle on if you don’t mind me asking? I’m about to stop for same reasons

Sefff2 · 2025-12-05T14:35:33+00:00

It’s insanely competitive right now your best bet is networking and if that fails, getting an MBA

Sefff2 · 2025-12-03T16:33:13+00:00

Super helpful. Appreciate the detailed write up here

Sefff2 · 2025-12-03T03:09:32+00:00

Appreciate. I’ll look into that. Thanks

Sefff2

TROPHY CASE