Hello everyone!
I’m finishing my finance-focused management engineering degree in Italy and really want to land an internship in investment banking or mergers and acquisitions. I’ve been looking around online and there are tons of interview prep resources available like the BIWS question sets and WSP materials.
I’m looking for advice on:
- How should I organize my study plan to feel prepared for these interviews?
- What topics should I prioritize to build confidence?
- Which prep resources have worked best for you?
- Has anyone used the WSP materials and can share thoughts on effectiveness?
I want to make sure I’m focusing my time on the right areas since these interviews can be pretty intense. Any guidance from people who’ve been through this process would be amazing.
Thanks in advance for any help!
I went through this myself - nail the technical fundamentals first. DCF modeling, comps, and precedent transactions. That’s what most technical questions hit on. Don’t just study though - practice building models from scratch under time pressure. Lots of firms throw modeling tests at you now. Network with alumni or people already in IB/M&A. They’ll give you the real scoop on how different firms interview. And stay up on recent M&A deals in whatever sectors you’re targeting. Interviewers love asking about recent transactions - what you think about the valuation, deal logic, that stuff. Knowing actual deals versus just textbook theory? That’s what separates you from everyone else.
Half these prep courses just sell you anxiety. Sure, brush up on DCF basics and know a few recent deals, but they’ll ask whatever they want anyway. I’ve seen people spend months cramming WSP materials only to get asked about random industry trends or “why this firm” garbage. Focus on understanding WHY companies merge instead of memorizing formulas. And don’t sound like a robot reciting textbook answers - interviewers smell desperation from miles away.
wsp materials r decent but kinda pricey. try breaking into wall street’s free stuff first – their technical guide is solid for basics. practice ur “tell me about yourself” pitch till it’s smooth. mock interviews with buds help a ton too, even if they aint finance savvy. most flunk under pressure, not cuz of the questions.