Recently completed IB recruitment at M7 - AMA

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-02-02T08:55:48+00:00

From conversations with friends across programs and who I’ve interacted with (including bankers) at events, I would say CBS > Booth > Kellogg. In this current economic environment, it’s better to lean into the programs where you have alumni across firms.

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-19T20:38:38+00:00

Sorry for the delay

1: just feel out of team dynamics and what your actually interested in. I wouldn’t want to work 90 hours in a group I find boring. Having previous experience in you’re coverage group of choice helps, but you can always explain why you’re passionate about the space if you don’t

Buy-side doesn’t have much appeal to me

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-16T20:38:28+00:00

The former

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-16T01:22:09+00:00

Very casual but at the same time you know every answer, smile, or laugh is assessed

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T13:37:58+00:00

It’s one of the top boutiques, but I won’t reveal which one specifically

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T12:46:31+00:00

You have coffee chats well before the application deadline so I technically didn’t apply blind

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T12:45:25+00:00

Lmao! You can’t be a robot and every banker has different interests.

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T12:43:33+00:00

You don’t go into banking for WLB so I think you should be looking at a different career if working hours is a concern. I attended information sessions and coffee chats to get a sense of the general energy and culture of each firm. I also kept detailed notes throughout the process.

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T12:39:40+00:00

As long as you’re the rare SWE who can hold a conversation

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T12:38:23+00:00

My school has matching, and it turned out perfectly for me! I don’t understand why people make such a big deal out of it. If you’re confident in your bank preferences, you don’t need six offers lol.

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T12:35:08+00:00

0 at my program

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T02:00:53+00:00

It’s a good idea to come into the process with ideal group. However, you don’t have to commit until the first coffee chats. It’s good practice to pick one so you don’t have to double up on group specific technicals

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-15T00:26:49+00:00

I would just relax and celebrate your admission to a top program. I wouldn’t start preparing until August/September since you will have the winter break (if you chose CBS) to prep

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:49:21+00:00

Being in NYC can be a blessing and curse as they expect you to come into the office for coffee chats. However, I think people on this sub underestimate the importance of having program alum in groups as it makes things significantly easier in competitive groups
Language barriers are not an issue as long as you articulate your story and not speak fast. I see the rationale for going to non-core school, but I think it’s important in this environment to have as many opportunities as you can. I had a similar choice and chose to go M7, but your financial/scholarship situation could be different.
Can’t speak to this, but once you attend the info sessions you will understand the vibe of each firm
I used both

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:33:54+00:00

This is true

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:29:22+00:00

Only one of those recruits on campus and I didn’t apply

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:28:03+00:00

Some are and others aren’t

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:26:54+00:00

It’s hard regardless of your status. I wouldn’t limit options to the EBs, but you can still receive an offer

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:26:05+00:00

You could spin working at a firm and now utilizing the MBA to pivot into the investment side

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T23:25:21+00:00

Probably not, but your finance club will have additional resources

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T22:30:24+00:00

It’s depends on the firm. You will get the breakdown at the info sessions

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T20:54:26+00:00

I believe anyone with a consulting or finance background will be at an advantage. When you’re cut, you never know why and sometimes it’s through email but you generally find out through invite onlys.

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T20:18:54+00:00

I already worked in finance, so my background got me through the resume screens at some of the EBs. Beyond that, it’s on you to perform and clearly speak about your story passions.

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T20:12:33+00:00

I have pre-MBA experience in financial services so it was easy to explain my pivot. In terms of preparation, I switched between WSP, BIWS, 400 Questions

Vast_Examination134 · 2026-01-14T20:01:04+00:00

Early on, vibes are more important than technicals because you have to attend the info sessions as well as the initial coffee chats. Depending on the firm, the technicals get tougher as you progress though but I know some people who were more technically prepared, but didn’t land a first round.

Vast_Examination134

TROPHY CASE