Investment Banking Interview Prep
Get ready for IB interviews with coaching from professionals who have worked the desk at Rothschild, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Bank of America. We teach you what actually gets tested, not textbook theory.
1,000+ candidates coached into top-tier firms
What We Cover
Common Investment Banking Interview Questions
Walk me through a DCF analysis.
How do you value a company? Walk me through the main methodologies.
What happens to each financial statement when depreciation increases by $10?
Walk me through an M&A model. What are the key drivers of accretion/dilution?
Why does a company with a higher P/E ratio acquire one with a lower P/E ratio?
What is WACC, and how do you calculate it?
Tell me about a recent deal in the news. Why did it make strategic sense?
How do you calculate enterprise value from equity value?
What is the difference between asset deals and stock deals?
If you had to pick one valuation methodology, which would it be and why?
These are real questions asked in investment banking interviews. Our coaching covers how to structure and deliver winning answers.
What Top Firms Look For
Rock-solid accounting and financial statement knowledge
Ability to walk through valuation methodologies clearly and concisely
Genuine interest in markets, deals, and the advisory business
Strong work ethic — banking is demanding and they want proof you can handle it
Leadership experience and evidence of going above and beyond
Polished communication — you will be in front of clients as an analyst
A Day in the Life: Investment Banking
As an IB analyst, you are the engine room of deal execution. Your day starts with updating models and preparing pitch materials for client meetings. You will spend hours building comps, precedent transactions, and DCF models in Excel. Afternoons and evenings involve revising presentations based on MD feedback, conducting industry research, and managing the data room during live deals. Hours are typically 80-100 per week during live transactions, with more reasonable 60-70 hour weeks during quieter periods.
How to Break Into Investment Banking
Target school recruiting starts in sophomore year — spring weeks and summer internships are the primary pipeline
Non-target candidates should focus on boutique IB firms first, then lateral to bulge brackets
Cold emailing works — reach out to analysts and associates, not MDs, with a specific and thoughtful ask
Technical prep should start 2-3 months before interviews — master accounting, valuation, and deal knowledge
Leverage alumni networks aggressively — one warm introduction is worth 50 cold applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common investment banking interview questions?
The core technical questions cover DCF analysis, valuation methodologies (comps, precedents, DCF), accounting (three financial statements and how they link), M&A mechanics (accretion/dilution), and enterprise value vs equity value. Behavioural questions focus on "Why banking?", deal awareness, and leadership experiences.
How do I prepare for a Superday?
A Superday typically involves 4-6 back-to-back interviews with analysts, associates, VPs, and MDs. Preparation should cover technicals (practiced until automatic), a compelling personal story, 2-3 recent deals you can discuss in depth, and firm-specific knowledge. Mock interviews are essential — the format is as important as the content.
Can non-target students break into investment banking?
Yes. Many L3vlup mentees have broken into IB from non-target universities. The strategy involves aggressive networking (cold emails to analysts and associates), gaining relevant experience through boutique firms or internships, demonstrating technical competence, and applying early to off-cycle roles.
What does L3vlup IB interview coaching include?
Our coaching covers DCF and valuation walkthroughs, accounting deep-dives, M&A technical prep, behavioural interview scripts, Superday simulation, and CV/resume optimisation. Sessions are led by Surojit Chakraverti, who has worked at Citigroup, Rothschild, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America.
Your Coach: Surojit Chakraverti
Citigroup · Rothschild · Morgan Stanley · Bank of America · EY
Surojit has worked across investment banking, advisory, and corporate finance at five of the world's leading financial institutions. He has personally coached over 1,000 candidates into roles at Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, KKR, Google, McKinsey, and dozens of other top-tier firms.
Every investment banking coaching session is tailored to your specific targets, timeline, and experience level. No generic advice — just the insider knowledge that separates offers from rejections.
Ready to Ace Your Investment Banking Interview?
Get 1:1 coaching from professionals who have been through the process and sat on the other side of the table. No generic advice — just what actually works.
Book Your SessionCoached by Surojit Chakraverti — Citigroup, Rothschild, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, EY