Is this a common practice for investment banking internship interviews?
I recently interviewed for a summer internship at a boutique investment bank, and they assigned me a one-week project. My task is to perform a comparables analysis on specific companies and create a PowerPoint presentation with over 10 slides to showcase my findings.
This seems a bit overwhelming, especially since there’s no guarantee that I’ll secure the position after investing so much time into the project.
Is this typical for the investment banking interview process? This is my first experience interviewing for an IB role.
One response
It’s not uncommon for boutique investment banks to ask candidates to complete a project or deliverable as part of the interview process, especially if the firm is smaller and looking to assess your analytical skills and fit for the team. While it can feel excessive, this approach allows them to see how you think, how you work with data, and how you communicate your findings, all of which are crucial skills in investment banking.
That said, the level of responsibility and effort required for the deliverable can vary widely between firms. Larger investment banks may focus more on traditional interview questions and case studies, while smaller firms might use project-based assessments to evaluate candidates more thoroughly.
If you feel that the time investment is too high compared to the guaranteed outcome, it’s reasonable to weigh your options and consider how much effort you’re willing to invest for that opportunity. It’s also a good chance to showcase your skills, so if you choose to go ahead, make sure to do your best work to leave a strong impression.
Overall, while it may feel unconventional for your first experience, it is one way that firms evaluate potential interns in a competitive landscape. Good luck!