Power leads to success. If you don't understand corporate politics, people less talented than you will take your promotion. Most people wait for permissions, direction, and to be told what to do. Power favours those who move first. Some of rules of power are going to make you feel uncomfortable. If you think hard work, loyalty, and waiting your turn will get you promoted, you are dead wrong. To master power, you should not resent power or the people who have power. Win the Game of Power In...

If you’re preparing for McKinsey right now, the first thing to understand is that most of the content out there is already outdated. The test is evolving pretty quickly, and 2026 is probably the first year where that becomes very obvious. If you are interested in a more comprehensive guide, you can check out MyConsultingCoach’s guide. If you are also preparing for case interviews, you can check the case interview guide. The Solve Game is changing fast What’s happening now is that Solve is...

Attending a target university, especially in a job market as tough as today's, has become crucial. The saying "it's not what you know, but who you know" is much more relevant today than it was for the last 10 years. Without access to a wide alumni network who can help pave your way and share valuable advice as well as on-campus events ran by firms, breaking into high-finance is extremely difficult. That's why we compiled the top European target universities that are highly sought after by...

The Magic Circle—comprising A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May—remains the gold standard for corporate law in London and a key player across the EMEA region. These elite UK-headquartered firms dominate high-stakes transactional work, from multi-billion-pound M&A and private equity deals to complex cross-border financings and capital markets offerings. In 2026, London continues as Europe’s undisputed legal capital, with Magic...

Global mergers and acquisitions reached $1.2tn in the first quarter, driven by a surge in megadeals despite geopolitical tensions and unease in the technology sector. https://www.thebanker.com/content/9eb41cce-83f2-4486-9b64-65b3912f2327

In the fast-paced world of investment banking and high finance, where deals worth billions can hinge on a single clause or regulatory nuance, one term commands immediate respect: the Magic Circle. For professionals across the EMEA region—particularly in the UK’s City of London—this informal label denotes an elite cadre of five law firms that dominate corporate, finance, and M&A advisory work. These firms do not merely support transactions; they orchestrate them, providing the legal...

In the high-stakes world of investment banking, where multimillion-dollar deals hinge on precise forecasts and razor-sharp analysis, one tool stands above the rest as the foundation of everything: the 3-Statement Model. Whether you're an analyst cranking out a pitchbook at 2 a.m. or an associate modeling an LBO for a private equity client, this integrated Excel framework is your daily bread. It links a company's income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement into one dynamic...

Quantitative finance, often referred to as "quant finance," is a dynamic field that merges advanced mathematics, statistics, computer science, and financial theory to solve complex problems in the financial markets. It emerged prominently in the 1980s with the development of computational methods for pricing derivatives and has since evolved to encompass data science, machine learning, and algorithmic trading. Today, quants—professionals in this domain—play central roles in investment banks...

How one London trading floor coped with a record swing in prices https://www.ft.com/content/6b0ada60-cb7d-47a9-878f-64138895e7ec

One of the most underrated roles in finance are those in the so-called middle and back-office. It is generally looked down by those in revenue-generating, front-office roles and written off as low-quality professionals, it's also seen as undesirable pathways at uni circles. While it's true that the work is much less interesting, is compensated much less and is much less prestigious/glamorous compared to front-office (FO) roles, it still offers a realistic launchpad into roles higher up the...

In the fast-paced financial hubs of London, Frankfurt, Dubai and beyond, auditors are the essential gatekeepers of trust in an era of complex regulation, cross-border deals and rising ESG demands. Far from the old image of ticking boxes in dusty offices, today’s auditing careers blend sharp analysis, cutting-edge technology and real business impact. For graduates, career switchers or finance professionals across the UK and EMEA region, auditing remains one of the smartest entry points into...

One of the main attractive features of investment banking is the breadth of opportunities it opens beyond the industry itself. After a few years, many bankers try and some make the jump to private equity, or other related industries that offer a better work-life balance and better pay. Effectively, the role shifts from advising on deals to owning and managing portfolio companies, applying their analytical and deal-execution experience in a more hands-on investment role. Others may leave for...

$730bn start-up restocks its war chest for battle with Anthropic and Google https://www.ft.com/content/33364b58-5123-4c96-b2df-4a4be85d4d0f

An assessment centre, also known as an assessment day, is the final stage of a recruitment process. It generally runs for a whole day and candidates are judged by the business to identify the top quarter of the batch. Unlike 1-on-1 interviews, assessment centres model real-world scenarios and are used to build a holistic view of each candidate's skills and how they would perform in such situations. Both HR and multiple reps from the business are present and both qualitative and quantitative...

Investing as a High-Earner in Finance: A Stage-by-Stage Guide In the fast-paced world of high finance—whether you're breaking into investment banking, private equity, or hedge funds in London's Canary Wharf or Frankfurt's financial district—your career trajectory often mirrors a steep ascent. Starting as a graduate analyst with a competitive salary and bonuses, you might progress to associate, vice president (VP), director, and eventually partner, where earnings can soar into the seven...

In the dynamic economic landscape of 2026, the Industrials sector emerges as a critical engine of growth, encompassing manufacturing, aerospace, defense, capital goods, and transportation. Valued at over $5 trillion globally, this sector drives infrastructure, innovation, and supply chains worldwide. Amid geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and technological shifts, Industrials face intense scrutiny from regulators, investors, and policymakers. Challenges like labor shortages and supply chain...

In the fast-evolving landscape of 2026, the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector stands as a colossus, driving economic growth while facing unprecedented scrutiny. Valued at trillions and comprising over 50% of the S&P 500's market capitalization, TMT isn't just an industry—it's the backbone of modern society. From AI-powered innovations to global connectivity, this sector influences everything from daily communications to geopolitical strategies. Yet, with great power...

The allure of investment banking (IB) in London draws ambitious graduates from across the globe, promising high-stakes deals, prestige, and a gateway to the City's financial elite. As a summer intern at a bulge-bracket firm like Morgan Stanley or JPMorgan in Canary Wharf, you're immersed in a world where multimillion-pound mergers and acquisitions unfold amid the gleaming skyscrapers of London's financial district. This isn't the glitzy portrayal from films; it's a rigorous initiation filled...

The #1 Niche for Defense Startups: Drones In an era where warfare is increasingly defined by autonomy and precision, drones have emerged as the undisputed kingpin for defense startups. As geopolitical tensions simmer—from Ukraine's battlefields to potential Pacific flashpoints—the demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has skyrocketed. These agile, cost-effective systems are reshaping military strategies, offering capabilities that traditional hardware can't match. For entrepreneurs...

You've probably heard the word "transaction" thrown around like confetti at a trading floor celebration. But what does it actually mean? Not in the dictionary sense — in the real, practical, "this is what bankers actually do" sense. Let's break it down. The Simple Version A transaction is a major financial event where a company buys, sells, combines, or raises something of value — like ownership or capital — generally for strategic reasons. Put another way, it is a major event in a company's...