Seeking Feedback on My CV for IB and M&A Applications (Transitioning from Consulting)
Hello everyone,
As I aim to transition from strategy consulting into investment banking or M&A, I’m seeking constructive feedback on my CV. My primary concern is my undergraduate degree and how it may be perceived in these fields.
If you have any suggestions for enhancing my CV—such as additional courses, training, or specific projects I should pursue in my current role—I would greatly appreciate your insights.
Additionally, any general career advice you could offer would be invaluable. Thank you!
One response
Sure! Here’s a constructive roast of your CV, along with some suggestions:
Undergraduate Degree: While it’s great that you have a consulting background, if your degree isn’t traditionally finance-focused (like Economics or finance), it may raise eyebrows. Consider taking some finance-specific courses (like corporate finance or investment management) to fill that gap. Online platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning could be beneficial here.
Quantify Your Achievements: Consulting is all about results. Make sure your CV includes quantifiable achievements—like “Increased revenue by X% through strategic initiatives” or “Led a team of Y people on Z project, saving the company $X.” Investment banks love numbers; make sure you’re providing them!
M&A Experience: If you’ve worked on projects related to mergers, acquisitions, or financial analysis, highlight those experiences prominently. If not, seeking projects in your current consulting role that can mimic these (like due diligence or valuation work) would be beneficial to showcase relevant experience.
Skills Section: Make sure your skills section reflects competencies relevant to IB, such as financial modeling, valuation, and Excel prowess. If your skills lean too heavily on soft skills or qualitative analysis, consider enhancing this section with technical skills pertinent to IB or M&A.
Networking: Your CV might look good, but often what gets you in the door is who you know. Leverage your consulting network to connect with those in the IB field. Informational interviews can provide insights and potential referrals.
Extracurricular Activities: If you haven’t already, get involved in finance-related activities outside of work. Joining finance clubs, participating in case competitions, or even volunteer work that might involve financial strategy could strengthen your profile.
Tailor Your CV: Each application should have a CV tailored to the specific role. Highlight experience that aligns closely with the responsibilities of the job rather than opting for a “one-size-fits-all” layout.
Include Coursework or Projects: If you’ve taken any relevant courses post-graduation or worked on specific projects in consulting that relate to M&A, make sure to mention them. This can help bridge the gap between consulting and banking.
Professional Summary: If you don’t already have one, consider adding a professional summary at the top of your CV. Make it impactful and relevant, stating your goals and why you’re transitioning to IB/M&A.
Proofread: Finally, make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. One mistake can indicate a lack of attention to detail—something that investment banks certainly notice.
In terms of general advice, keep nurturing your analytical skills, stay updated on market trends, and practice your financial modeling and valuation techniques. Good luck with your transition—your consulting background provides a solid foundation; just make sure to frame it in a way that speaks to your potential IB/M&A employers!