"Why Banking?" Questions Flashcards
Why should we hire you over someone who’s had a previous banking internship?
You should hire me over someone with previous banking experience because investment banking is ultimately about the skills you bring to the table and your ability to perform under pressure. While I may not have direct deal experience, my diverse background has equipped me well for this role. At Rev, I developed a keen attention to detail, regularly reviewing dozens of transcripts daily, each containing thousands of words per hour under strict quotas. My experience at Ripplematch enhanced my team-building skills as I frequently collaborated with different teams and adapted to varying work styles. Last summer, I balanced full-time roles at both the Zalaquett Group and Year Up, which provided me with extensive technical and time management skills. Juggling two full-time commitments simultaneously taught me the resilience and discipline necessary for a demanding field like investment banking. Although I may not have direct deal experience, I’ve dedicated countless hours and sleepless nights to understanding the banking industry, the deal process, and the day-to-day work involved. This relentless pursuit of knowledge has instilled in me a strong work ethic that is essential for success in investment banking. While others may have prior banking experience, it doesn’t necessarily mean they were successful at it. My unique blend of skills, experience, and determination makes me just as, if not more, prepared for this role.
You’re a smart guy/girl with a lot of options, and right now the economy is not doing well and lots of banks have failed. Why are you still interested in banking when you could do anything else? [WORK IN PROGRESS - include something specific; such as an article on how the economy is expected to get better or your long-term view for banking]
I’m interested in banking from a long-term perspective. While the economy is currently facing challenges, it will eventually recover. Entering during a downturn also offers a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate and succeed in different economic conditions. Moreover, I’ve been interested in finance for a very long-time, through good economies and bad ones. I’ve explored other options and realized that banking is the path for me.
The economy has been improving lately, and more people are “getting interested” in finance. How do I know you’re serious and not just following everyone else?
For me, it’s not about the current state of the economy. My interest in finance has remained unwavering across diverse economic conditions. My journey began in high school when I first started day trading. That initial curiosity about the markets led me to explore investment banking more deeply, prompting me to seek out conversations with industry professionals and join investment clubs. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a solid understanding of the industry and honed the skills necessary to break into it. I’m not just following a trend—I’ve been committed to finance for years, driven by a genuine interest and a desire to build a career in this field regardless of economic conditions.
Where did your interest in finance begin?
My interest in finance began in high school when I first started day trading. This initial curiosity about the markets led me to discover investment banking. I was prompted to join various investment clubs, and it was in one of these clubs that I met one of my mentors, Gianfranco Ide, an analyst at Deutsche Bank. Through him, I gained my first real exposure to the world of banking—learning about M&A, different valuation models, the intensity of the job, and the challenges of breaking into the industry. Franco also introduced me to essential resources like Wall Street Prep and emphasized the importance of skills such as cold emailing. Our conversations fueled my desire to learn more, leading me to seek out other industry professionals and pursue internships in which I could develop the skills necessary for a successful career in banking. I’ve spent countless nights researching all aspects of banking and honing the skills that will help me excel in the job. It’s this combination of curiosity, mentorship, and dedication that has led me to where I am today.
If you enjoyed your last internship and got an offer to come back, why are you trying to switch into investment banking now?
While I greatly appreciated the opportunity to intern at my previous role and value the skills I developed there, I am seeking a career that is faster-paced and more stimulating. My previous internship allowed me to build a solid technical foundation, but investment banking offers a more dynamic environment and the chance to have a significant impact on high-stakes deals. I’m still grateful to my previous internship and the ones before it as they allowed me to explore alternatives and realize what’s truly for me.
