"Why Banking" Questions

Question 1

Points you want to get across for Why Banking questions

Answer 1

1. You’ve done your homework and researched this thoroughly before jumping in (cite specific people you’ve spoken to)
2. You have a long-term view of your career and are fine making a sacrifice in the short-term

Question 2

Why should we hire you over someone who has a previous banking internship?

Answer 2

Talk about how banking is about your skills and the kind of person you are rather than previous internship experience. Say you’ve worked long hours in duties that required a lot of attention to detail and in teams and how you’ve succeeded in all these situations.

Question 3

You’re a smart person with a lot of options, and right now the economy is not doing well and lots of banks aren’t doing well. Why are you interested in banking when you could be doing something else?

Answer 3

Talk about the long-term view and how an economic downturn in the present means that you’ll know how to work in the good times and in the bad.

Also, say you’ve been interested in finance for a long time and won’t let short-term difficulties from preventing you entering the field. You’ve looked at other options and you think that finance is the best for you.

Question 4

The economy has been improving and more people are interested in finance. How can you prove you’re serious and just not following everyone else?

Answer 4

You have a long-term view and didn't just become interested in finance recently.
Point to evidence of your interest
- Personal portfolio
- Finance/business org
- Day trading

Question 5

When did you interest in finance begin?

Answer 5

I got interested in finance in high school, as I joined a financial literacy club and did a stock trading simulation. When I joined college, I became a member of an investment club and a general business club, and I was exposed to careers in finance, including investment banking.

Question 6

If you enjoyed your last internship and got a return offer, why are you trying to switch to investment banking now?

Answer 6

You’re looking for something faster-paced where there’s a better learning opportunity and better chance to make an impact. After exploring other alternatives, you’ve realized you really want to try investment banking.

Moving from small to big company means more major deals and bettering you technicals
Moving from big to small means more responsibility and client interaction