I got called for a first round analyst interview at a boutique investment bank and only have about 3 days to get ready. My work experience is mostly in the insurance industry, but I did complete one internship at a smaller IB firm in the same sector as this new position. I understand basic corporate finance concepts but nothing too advanced.
I’m feeling pretty nervous about the time crunch and want to make sure I focus on the right areas. What topics should I concentrate on during my prep time? Should I focus more on technical knowledge, behavioral questions, or industry specific information? Any specific resources or practice materials you’d recommend for someone in my situation?
I really want to make a good impression and show them I’m serious about transitioning into investment banking despite my insurance background.
Three days is tight but you’ve got this! Do mock interviews and practice explaining your internship deals out loud. Your insurance background proves you can think analytically - boutiques eat that up. Stay confident and show real excitement about their specific deals!
Given your limited time and unique background, I recommend you approach your preparation strategically. Start by leveraging your experience in the insurance sector; it adds valuable context to your understanding of risk and client needs, which boutique firms appreciate. Allocate your time wisely: focus 40% on behavioral questions, using specific examples from both your insurance background and your internship to illustrate your skills. Dedicate 35% to brushing up on technical concepts like DCF and comparable company analysis, as these are crucial. Lastly, spend around 25% researching recent transactions in the investment banking space relevant to your experience. It’s essential to articulate why you’re transitioning from insurance to investment banking, highlighting your sector expertise as an asset rather than a hurdle. Make sure to express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the firm, demonstrating that you’ve researched their recent deals and market presence.