Cold emailing is required. Alumni respond at ~30% if you do this:
If you are a Harvard student, log into the OCS (Office of Career Services) portal via my.harvard.edu. Search for "Investment Banking Guide" in the resource library. You will find the PDF for free download.
This article breaks down the history, the content, the strategic value, and the acquisition methods for the most sought-after preparatory document in modern finance. the harvard college guide to investment banking pdf
Do not pay for this guide on eBay or Etsy. Scammers sell old versions for $50. The content is free; you just need to search deeper.
You will have a "bidding war" if you hold 2+ offers. Email both recruiters: "I have an offer from X with a [date] deadline. You are my top choice. Can you expedite?" This works 60% of the time. Cold emailing is required
Do not panic. Take a research assistant role at HBS. Recruit for corporate banking, Big 4 transaction services, or a startup. Re-recruit as a senior. Many of your peers will do this.
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
Bankers hire people they want to sit next to at 2 AM. Your GPA is table stakes (Harvard's median is ~3.6. Below a 3.4? You need a hook).
This guide is for educational purposes. It reflects the recruiting cycles and norms for Harvard College students. You will find the PDF for free download
Investment banks serve as critical financial intermediaries, bridging the gap between corporations requiring capital and institutional investors looking to deploy it. Modern financial institutions typically structure their operations into distinct product and coverage groups.
Expect one question not from a textbook. Example: "Our client is a Series C AI startup. No debt. $50M revenue growing 100% YoY but burning cash. What multiple range would you suggest?" (Answer: Don't give a number. Talk about comparables, TAM, and path to profitability.)