Investment Banking Interview Blog

Investment banking first round interviews: phone, video and on-campus formats, who runs them, the fit and technical mix, scoring and what earns a superday.

Leaving investment banking early: when quitting before two years makes sense, what it can cost in bonus money, and how to resign without burning bridges.

ESOP sales explained: how a leveraged ESOP buys a company, who sets the price, Section 1042 and S corporation tax rules, and when an ESOP beats a PE sale.

Family offices explained: single vs multi-family offices, how they invest and buy companies, what bankers should know, and what family office jobs pay.

How to answer "pitch me an M&A deal" in interviews: an eight-part structure, a worked example with real companies, and answers that survive the follow-ups.

Exploding offers in investment banking: how to buy time on a short deadline, what school offer policies say, and what reneging really costs your career.

Our new Accounting for Investment Banking guide: 171 articles on the three statements, transactions, taxes, deal accounting and earnings quality.

Venture debt explained: how startups borrow between equity rounds, how warrants and covenants work, who lends, and when a loan beats raising more equity.

Investment banking outside New York: which US cities cover which sectors, how regional offices differ on deals and pay, and how to pick the right office.

Drag-along and tag-along rights explained: who holds each, what triggers them, what dragged holders must sign, and how the rights shape PE and VC exits.

Investment banking vs private equity: how the work, hours, salary, carried interest and career paths differ, and how to choose the seat that fits you.