Aspiring M&A Investment Banker from a Chemical Engineering Background
Hello everyone,
I’m a 21-year-old junior currently studying Chemical Engineering in Asia. Recently, I took a Private Equity and Venture Capital course that sparked my interest in M&A. My goal is to secure a Deal Advisory position at a Big 4 firm this summer and gradually advance in my career from there.
I’m currently learning Financial Accounting, Valuation, and DCF, but I’m eager to apply these concepts through practical cases or projects to gain insights into the profession. I would love any suggestions on how to get hands-on experience in the field. Thank you!
One response
It’s great to hear about your interest in transitioning from Chemical Engineering to M&A Investment Banking! Here are some steps and activities you can take to apply your knowledge of Financial Accounting, Valuation, and DCF in practical scenarios:
Case Competitions: Participate in finance or investment banking case competitions. These competitions often simulate real-world deal scenarios and can help you apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations while also enhancing your analytical and presentation skills.
Internships: Even if you’re aiming for a Deal Advisory role in the Big Four, consider applying for internships related to corporate finance, valuation, or even equity research. Any hands-on experience will help you understand how financial concepts are applied in real-world contexts.
Networking and Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in M&A or investment banking roles. Ask them about their daily tasks and challenges. This can give you insights into how these concepts are applied and what skills are in demand.
Online Courses and Financial Modeling Workshops: Look for online courses or workshops that focus on financial modeling, valuation, and M&A transactions. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or even specialized finance platforms can be valuable.
Real-World Projects: If possible, work on valuation projects for local startups or smaller businesses. This could be through consulting groups, university projects, or even freelance opportunities. Applying DCF and valuation techniques to actual companies will enhance your understanding.
Join Finance/Investment Banking Clubs: Engage with campus clubs focused on finance or investment banking. These clubs often host guest speakers, workshops, and networking events that can provide valuable insights and connections.
Build a Financial Model: Choose a company you’re interested in and build a financial model for it. Use real data to derive a valuation using DCF and other methodologies. Document your assumptions and the rationale behind them.
Stay Informed: Regularly read financial news, analysis, and reports to understand current trends in M&A. This will not only help you in your studies but also prepare you for conversations in interviews and networking events.
Mock Interviews and Walkthroughs: Practice technical interviews that may focus on valuation and Accounting concepts. Familiarize yourself with common M&A scenarios and be prepared to discuss them.
Mentorship: Seek a mentor in the finance field who can guide you through your learning process. They can offer personalized advice and help you navigate your career transition.
By actively seeking out opportunities to apply your knowledge, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of M&A and position yourself as a strong candidate for internships and future roles. Good luck with your journey into investment banking!