Hi everyone! I’m an international student trying to land a position in investment banking and I’m feeling pretty stressed about the interview process. I’ve been studying technical concepts and practicing with some mock sessions, but I’m not confident about whether I’m ready for the real questions they’ll throw at me. I’ve used a couple of prep resources already, but I need something more current and authentic - like recent interview questions that candidates actually faced. Can anyone suggest websites or study materials that really helped you prepare? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what strategies worked best for you. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Oh man, I totally get the stress! When I prepped for IB interviews, the game-changer wasn’t memorizing technical stuff - it was understanding the “why” behind everything. Don’t just know how to calculate DCF, understand when you’d use it vs. comparables. I talked through case studies out loud (even to myself) to get comfortable explaining complex concepts simply. This might sound weird, but I practiced explaining financial models to my non-finance friends - if they could follow along, I knew I was communicating clearly. Since you’re international, the cultural aspect is huge too, so brush up on recent market news and have opinions ready!
You’ve got this! Network with alumni from firms you’re targeting - they’ll give you real interview insights. Practice your story until it’s solid and keep up with recent deals. Your international background is actually a huge plus!
lol good luck with that. Most prep resources are overpriced garbage recycling the same basic questions everyone knows. Want the real secret? Half these interviews come down to whether some MD likes your handshake and if you went to the right school. Sure, know your technicals, but don’t think there’s some magic formula. Networking beats studying every time - these places hire who they know, not who’s smartest. Save your money and cold email every alum you can find.
Been through this as an international candidate myself. Don’t just drill technicals - focus on building strong stories around your cross-cultural experiences. Banks actually want diverse perspectives, so show them how your international background gives you unique insights into global markets or client relationships. Beyond the usual prep materials, subscribe to industry publications like The Deal or Private Equity International. Shows you’re genuinely interested in current market dynamics. Most importantly, nail your behavioral questions with specific examples of adaptability and problem-solving. Practice talking about how you’ve overcome cultural or language barriers - these stories often hit harder than perfect technical answers. The trick is making your international status feel like a strategic advantage, not something you need to apologize for.