Background / Personal Questions Flashcards
Walk me through your resume/ tell me about yourself.
Of course, I’d love to. My name is Zibran, and I’m currently a senior at Baruch College majoring in finance. Alongside my academic pursuits, I recently interned at a real estate firm as a financial analyst. During this internship, I gained valuable experience with financial reports and analysis. I also participated in a program called Year Up, where I completed the business analyst track. This program taught me the fundamentals of financial modeling, project management, and various other essential skills. Additionally, I’m an active member of my school’s private equity club, which has further developed my interest in finance and investment banking. My passion for [REASON] is what brought me to [COMPANY]. I am particularly drawn to [SOMETHING SPECIFIC ABOUT COMPANY], and I believe this environment is where I can truly flourish and contribute meaningfully.
Why did you attend [Your University / Business School]? I’m sure you had many options.
I’d heard a lot about Baruch College up to the point of deciding where I wanted to go. Especially from one particular friend who was an alumnus and now worked as a trader. I looked up to him and wanted to get involved in finance as well. So when researching which college would be right for me I’d already had Baruch in mind. Upon finding out what a strong finance program it had and how prestigious it was especially compared to other CUNYs and even SUNYs, I realized it was where I wanted to be. Upon coming to the school I saw the grit and determination Baruch students displayed to get to where they want to be. It was something that I didn’t see from even ivy leagers and made me realize that I had made the right choice.
Why did you major in finance?
What brought me to finance started back in high school when I discovered stock and currency trading. I was fascinated by the markets and decided I wanted to become a proprietary trader. This interest led me to major in economics when I first started college, as I wanted to understand the broader economic principles that influence the financial markets. As I delved deeper into my studies, I became more intrigued by the specific aspects of finance, particularly investment banking. I realized that finance, with its focus on financial analysis, corporate finance, and investment strategies, would prepare me better for my new career aspirations than economics, which felt too broad. So, I decided to switch my major to finance. This decision has provided me with a more focused and practical skill set, and has solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in investment banking.
Where else did you apply for school? Did you get in anywhere else?
Yes, I applied to several top schools and got accepted to quite a few places including other CUNYs and SUNYs. When evaluating my options, I considered several factors, with location and tuition being at the top of my list. The school’s programs and opportunities as well as the alumni and reputation were also big factors. After talking to several people and conducting thorough research, I narrowed my choice down to Baruch College. The opportunities and network that Baruch provides, along with the drive and determination I’ve seen in its students, convinced me that it was the right fit for me. Looking back, I believe I made the right choice, as Baruch has offered me a robust education and valuable connections in the finance industry.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with the people I love, whether that’s dinner with friends, seeing a movie with the family, or some other group activity. When I’m on my own I enjoy going to the gym and weightlifting or practing martial arts. I prioritize my health and well-being as I belive a strong body helps develop a strong mind. These activities help me stay balanced, focused, and disciplined, both in my personal and professional life.
What was your favorite class in college / business school?
If I had to pick a favorite class, I would say Writing II. I choose this not just because of the course content but also because of the amazing professor. The course was based entirely on Disney movies. We watched classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Mulan, and also examined the original works they were based on. We engaged in discussions and wrote papers on characterization, storytelling, and plot progression, while also delving into deeper topics. The professor was humble, provided excellent feedback, and encouraged us to do our best. If I could, I would retake the class just because of how fun and enriching it was.
What are your favorite movies / books?
One of my favorite pieces of media, although it’s not a movie, is the TV show Berserk. It’s about a warrior named Guts who is betrayed by his general and best friend and then sets out for revenge. What I like most about this show is the strength and resilience of the main character. Despite facing terrible hardships and having horrible things happen to him, Guts always finds a way to overcome them. His unwavering determination and ability to persevere through extreme adversity are qualities I deeply admire. This resilience has cemented Berserk as one of my all-time favorites.
Tell me something interesting about you that’s not listed on your resume.
I’m kind of an anime nerd. I’ve always been very into movies and TV shows, particularly for their storytelling aspects. This interest deepened when I took a film class in high school and learned about the different elements that go into telling a good story. When I felt that modern movies were beginning to lack many of the aspects that once made them great, I decided to give Japanese anime a chance. I was blown away by the unique storytelling methods used in anime. The way they take seemingly unconventional concepts, such as a superhero who can defeat villains with one punch or giant humanoid titans roaming the earth, and turn them into compelling narratives, amazed me. It gave me a new perspective on storytelling and taught me to think outside the box.
