How can you make a lasting impression with investment bankers?

Your due diligence on the firm's history, culture, and recent deals displays are a "must have". To strengthen this approach, you can for instance browse deeper into the firm's future goals, recent market trends affecting its operations, and any innovative strategies or initiatives they've undertook. Understanding their challenges and how your skills align with their objectives can demonstrate your proactive mindset and potential value-add.

In my experience learning about the specific division is as important as researching the firm. Different areas of a bank can be very very different between them. Even the typology of clients for the sales and trading divisions, investment banking division and corporate broking will be absolutely different (money managers for the former and corporates for the later). Don't limit your research to the firm as Banks can be quite big, and try to spend some time research the specific division you are interested in.

Crafting a concise elevator pitch is crucial. Additionally, you can consider incorporating measurable outcomes from your previous experiences. Quantifiable achievements help solidify your credibility. Tailoring your pitch goes beyond merely referencing the firm. Furthermore demonstrating an understanding of their unique challenges or recent successes and how your background positions you as a solution to their needs.

One resource I always find helpful when preparing a personal pitch are job descriptions. If you cannot get the specific job description for the opportunity you are pitching, a more general one for similar roles will be good too. Try to go through the requirements and nice to haves mentioned in the job description and think how you would add value and specific examples in your experience that demonstrate those skills.

"Strive to strike" you must be prepared. Your questions should be balanced between industry-related topics and personal experiences of the bankers. Also you should asked questions regarding the firm, you can try to target the recent deals and explore how these transactions align with their long-term strategies. Personalized questions that highlight your understanding of their challenges can lead to more insightful conversations.

I have been properly impressed with the best follow up emails I have received in my career. The common characteristics with really good follow up emails I have seen are relevancy, value and conciseness. I would avoid a generic template that is only aimed at maintaining contact. A good follow up email will have a clear purpose, will share something of value and will create opportunities to connect. A good recent example from a research analyst covering my company covered why he was sending the email (new research being published), explained what he would be doing next that could be relevant for us (marketing with money managers) and gave the opportunity to get in touch with the team if we needed something.

Consider the timing and frequency of your follow-ups. It's essential not to appear overly persistent but enough to remain on their radar. When updating them on your progress, relate it to your potential contribution to their team. This reinforces your proactive nature and keeps you connected without being intrusive.

Authenticity is key. Emphasize your genuine interest in investment banking and share anecdotes that reflect your passion for the industry. Showcase your ability to maintain composure under pressure while fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Authentic enthusiasm combined with professionalism can leave a lasting impression.

Have an investment strategy and Of course have some investment capital. Be knowledgeable about who your speaking to and be yourself.

Have a complete File of your Business and Personal Financial Profile, this will eliminate or greatly reduce the underwriting or pre approval process allowing you to be assertive and confident that the product you want, you will get!