McCarthy95
New member
- Jan
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A common mistake many analysts make in their initial years at an investment bank is being so focused on technical skills that they forget the importance of soft skills. This article runs through what I can consider some of the most vital soft skills to ensure you consistently find yourself in the top bucket (as faultless modelling alone definitely won’t do it).
Be proactive. An easy way to impress your seniors early on is by being over-prepared for internal meetings / catch-ups to discuss work. Make sure you set aside apt time before a catch-up to research a company and flick through their latest investor presentation. Also, prepare plenty of questions beforehand and actively try to think of new ones during the catch-up based on what’s being discussed (if the questions are on the simple side then generally direct them towards the associate / VP post catch-up to avoid wasting a seniors’ time). Finally, anticipating work where possible and just cracking on will get you in the good books. Sometimes an associate / VP will need to jump straight into a different meeting before they have a chance to debrief with you. Take ownership of the obvious to-do’s after a catch-up and by the time the associate / VP has time to speak to you they’ll be impressed by the progress you’ve already made.
Positivity. Being an analyst is tough, it’s just part of the job. Analysts often like to talk about their lack of sleep the night before like a soldier showing off his battle wounds. Try and avoid this with anyone more senior than you.
This next one is tough, and it takes plenty of practise and some Oscar-worthy acting skills. When you’re staffed with new work, try and hide the inner turmoil and look enthusiastic about the new paper / project. If you’re completely drowning in work and the staffer is unaware then of course let them know that you’ll struggle to pick up this new work and continue to meet deadlines. However, in most cases you’ve probably been staffed for a reason. So, muster up as much enthusiasm as possible as this goes a long way with seniors. First impressions count and are especially important considering you’re about to work with them for next however many months.
Go for coffees. Relationship building with those above you is crucial. In the end-of-year review meetings it’s essential you have as many seniors as possible flying your flag. A great way to build a relationship is to arrange a 1-1 coffee. Be proactive in arranging the coffee and try and identify days where the senior is less busy as they’ll be more engaged. Also, make sure to prepare a few questions and talking points to keep the conversation flowing. Researching where they studied, their career to date and deals they’ve done should give you plenty of material. I’d recommend by initially starting with associates and VPs in your team, before moving more senior.
Go for drinks. Not always easy when you’re an analyst and drowning in work but the investment of time is well worth it. Typically, on a Thursday, a few in the office will head to the local pub / bar for a few drinks. If you make the time, this is a great way to build stronger relationships with your colleagues. You’ll see a different side to many seniors once they’ve had a couple of drinks and this is a great time to show off your personality. Even if you’re not a drinker, make the effort to come along and have a soft drink. Many of my colleagues didn’t drink but would still come along to ensure they could catch-up on all the latest office gossip.
Dress smart. This should be a no-brainer for anyone joining an investment bank, but you’d be amazed by how many analysts commit a fashion faux pas. Some senior bankers are still very traditional and will expect you to look a certain way. Polished shoes and ironed shirts are the bare minimum standard. A couple of rules to live by when an analyst are: i) keep it simple; and ii) it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Some senior bankers even turn their nose up at ¼ zips and gilets so when you first start best play it safe until you’ve fully gauged what’s acceptable. It never does any harm to wear a tie and can be a little embarrassing if you misjudge a client meeting and are the only person without one.
Tidy desk. This is not exactly going to be mentioned in your end of year review but it’s part of a broader picture you portray of yourself to the office. Often seniors will come to your desk to discuss some to-do’s, so always be prepared with some blank paper and pens. Having everything neatly organised sub-consciously gives the impression you’re on top of everything.
Be proactive. An easy way to impress your seniors early on is by being over-prepared for internal meetings / catch-ups to discuss work. Make sure you set aside apt time before a catch-up to research a company and flick through their latest investor presentation. Also, prepare plenty of questions beforehand and actively try to think of new ones during the catch-up based on what’s being discussed (if the questions are on the simple side then generally direct them towards the associate / VP post catch-up to avoid wasting a seniors’ time). Finally, anticipating work where possible and just cracking on will get you in the good books. Sometimes an associate / VP will need to jump straight into a different meeting before they have a chance to debrief with you. Take ownership of the obvious to-do’s after a catch-up and by the time the associate / VP has time to speak to you they’ll be impressed by the progress you’ve already made.
Positivity. Being an analyst is tough, it’s just part of the job. Analysts often like to talk about their lack of sleep the night before like a soldier showing off his battle wounds. Try and avoid this with anyone more senior than you.
This next one is tough, and it takes plenty of practise and some Oscar-worthy acting skills. When you’re staffed with new work, try and hide the inner turmoil and look enthusiastic about the new paper / project. If you’re completely drowning in work and the staffer is unaware then of course let them know that you’ll struggle to pick up this new work and continue to meet deadlines. However, in most cases you’ve probably been staffed for a reason. So, muster up as much enthusiasm as possible as this goes a long way with seniors. First impressions count and are especially important considering you’re about to work with them for next however many months.
Go for coffees. Relationship building with those above you is crucial. In the end-of-year review meetings it’s essential you have as many seniors as possible flying your flag. A great way to build a relationship is to arrange a 1-1 coffee. Be proactive in arranging the coffee and try and identify days where the senior is less busy as they’ll be more engaged. Also, make sure to prepare a few questions and talking points to keep the conversation flowing. Researching where they studied, their career to date and deals they’ve done should give you plenty of material. I’d recommend by initially starting with associates and VPs in your team, before moving more senior.
Go for drinks. Not always easy when you’re an analyst and drowning in work but the investment of time is well worth it. Typically, on a Thursday, a few in the office will head to the local pub / bar for a few drinks. If you make the time, this is a great way to build stronger relationships with your colleagues. You’ll see a different side to many seniors once they’ve had a couple of drinks and this is a great time to show off your personality. Even if you’re not a drinker, make the effort to come along and have a soft drink. Many of my colleagues didn’t drink but would still come along to ensure they could catch-up on all the latest office gossip.
Dress smart. This should be a no-brainer for anyone joining an investment bank, but you’d be amazed by how many analysts commit a fashion faux pas. Some senior bankers are still very traditional and will expect you to look a certain way. Polished shoes and ironed shirts are the bare minimum standard. A couple of rules to live by when an analyst are: i) keep it simple; and ii) it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Some senior bankers even turn their nose up at ¼ zips and gilets so when you first start best play it safe until you’ve fully gauged what’s acceptable. It never does any harm to wear a tie and can be a little embarrassing if you misjudge a client meeting and are the only person without one.
Tidy desk. This is not exactly going to be mentioned in your end of year review but it’s part of a broader picture you portray of yourself to the office. Often seniors will come to your desk to discuss some to-do’s, so always be prepared with some blank paper and pens. Having everything neatly organised sub-consciously gives the impression you’re on top of everything.
