Breaking In: Cold - Calling

Now that you have read the interview with DivyaAggarwal, it’s safe to assume that you must be even more interested in getting into IB. Because if you are not, then you are reading the wrong blog. So let’s come back to the ways which can turn that IB dream into a reality.

In my earlier post about methods of networking, I mentioned that cold calling is one of the most effective ways of breaking into finance. This post will tell you how to cold call so that you can get the best results.

Also, some reminders:

• Cold calling works best at the smaller places. So if you’re targeting BB banks, you might want to rethink your strategy.

• Do not expect success in 10 phone calls. If you’re calling for a job, you might have to try anything from 20 to 100 times, or even more, before you get your first tangible lead. But if you’re calling for an informational interview, your chances are much better.

• But, all it takes is one affirmative answer to turn that lead into an interview.

Bateman Interviews: "A day in IB begins with a BBM and ends with a BBM"

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Divya Aggarwal, an Investment Banking Analyst at Avendus Capital, one of the top investment banks in India. She was excited to learn about this blog and was happy to provide an inside peek into the world of IB. Over a course of 3 weeks, I was finally able to finish this interview (read on to find out why it took so long).

Divya Aggarwal is a qualified CS and CFA L2 candidate and has past experience in Consultancy at Mckinsey and M&A advisory services at KPMG. And below, she’ll give you answers to whether IB is like a relationship or a marriage, why analysts have a love-hate relationship with their Blackberry and why even investment bankers aspire to move to the buy side.

Networking - How a casual conversion in a train can get you into IB

A friend recently pointed out to me that networking techniques are relevant not just for IB, but for every industry out there. While this is true, the reality that I have seen is that a very small percentage of youngsters who are just starting out resort to networking.

The reasons may differ from hesitation to simply a lack of awareness as to how to network. Therefore, as I promised earlier, this post will be dedicated solely to networking methods. Read on to find out the best methods for networking in India.