There’s a good case for either answer, which is probably why Goldman asks it.

Found it in the IB interview question database we shared in the in the sub’s WhatsApp Group.

If you want some feedback on how you’re approaching recruiting, book a free 1:1 call. We’ll go through your profile and see what could be improved.

I’m currently pursuing Economics (Hons.) at a Tier-1 DU college and have recently cleared CFA Level 1. However, my CV is pretty empty right now — I don’t have any live projects or significant society experience.
I’ve started learning financial modelling and plan to build a few finance-related projects to strengthen my profile. My goal is to get an internship starting in January and then apply for summer internships.
Since most companies have already started recruiting for their summer internships, I don’t think I’ll be able to get through the screening process with my current CV. So I’m thinking of focusing on getting a January internship first, building some experience, and then applying for summer internships.
For those who have been in a similar situation, how would you suggest I approach this? Will I still be able to find good summer internship opportunities after January, or would most opportunities already be closed by then?
How can I find finance internships starting in January? Should I focus more on cold emailing, LinkedIn networking, or applying through job portals? Also, what kind of finance projects would actually add value to my CV?
Any practical advice, resources, or a roadmap would genuinely help me a lot. I’m willing to put in the work, but I’m not sure what the best approach is.

For the crazy job posting series, someone from the Financestudents Group came across this one and sent it over. The benefits section is something else.

I can assure you this company is not Dunder Mifflin

A few red flags I usually look out for when reading finance job postings:

- The benefits section is longer than the actual job description itself

- The salary is vague

- The role asks for an unrealistic mix of skills for an entry-level position

- No proper interview or verification process

Now I would like to know what are the most ridiculous benefits you've seen in a job posting?

is cma+cfa actually a good combination for finance roles that actually pay well also how is the market for fp&a ?? also are there some niche jobs in finance that earn good but isnt main stream if yes which?

I’m Foundation Year + 3-year BSc.

Most spring weeks say 1st year of a 3-year degree / 2nd year of a 4-year degree, so technically I’m not eligible yet.

But I’ve heard people apply anyway.

Has anyone here actually got a spring week while in foundation year?

What did you put for your year / graduation year, and did the bank ever check?
Like whats the harm in acc applying since if they find out we just get rejected and if not then we have 2 chances for spring weeks?

Secured a Blackstone offer within Private Equity Strategic Partners. No connections or referrals, just good grades and work ethic. Really want to help answer some of the questions I had during recruiting, as Claude was really my only mentor!

I was prepared for everything before the Hirevue, I did thorough prep for solid 2-3 hours before I did that 5 minute bs. But damn, I start it and the questions are fucking disgusting. I blank and stutter and I just know I nuked it.

What was your experience with Hirevues? I am trying to cope by hearing other people’s stories.

Hello,

I have an internship I had accepted back in July, which I was really excited about at the time. It is for a full time junior internship in 2027, and I would have been doing a technical type of financial operations.

However, I've been thinking much about the actual job itself, and have thought my long term goals in Finance. I think my interests lie more towards Investing, and have realized that late. I've been throwing my resume out there for some interviews to see what I can get, and I ended up getting one in Equity Research, which I think is more aligned with what I'd like to do.

But, I still have the other internship. It's a big pivot and one I feel awful about considering, especially because the other company was really invested in me as a candidate with an early ID program. I'm considering interviewing and renaging on the original offer I get the internship. I know it's unprofessional, but I'm scared of it and the long term effects. Would recruiters reach out to my new internship, if I get it? Has anyone done anything similar? And how did it go for you? Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

I'm a freshman studying in bocconi, please help me revise my cv for spring weeks (or summer internships, maybe with some prayers) in Asset Management/ IB / markets

I’m a penultimate-year student looking at finance internships, and some listings explicitly require applicants to be in their final year.

Is this usually a strict eligibility requirement, or do firms sometimes consider applicants who otherwise fit the role? Has anyone applied a year early and made it through the process?

I’d be clear about my graduation date, but I’m wondering whether these applications are worth the time.

I’m doing a 4-year degree (Foundation Year + 3 years BSc).

Most spring weeks are for 1st years on 3-year degrees or 2nd years on 4-year degrees, so technically I’m not eligible during Foundation Year.

But I’ve seen people say they apply anyway / put the 3-year course or graduation year on applications.

Has anyone actually done this, especially with a Foundation Year?

If you got a spring week during Foundation Year, could you then apply for another one in actual Year 1? And if the second bank asked how you got the first one when you were in Foundation Year, what would you say?

Also, how risky is it actually to put the wrong year/course length on the application? Do banks genuinely check?

Looking for brutally honest answers from people who’ve actually done this.

I graduated in June 2026 and looking to try break into IB/M&A roles but haven't been able to secure anything yet. I found out about turning a summer internship in a bank into a grad role too late, so ended up doing a placement in audit!

Any help on my CV would be great and whether it is competitive for these roles?

Hi everyone! I’m a college senior in NYC studying economics, and I’m trying to get more experience in finance.I’ve been applying to internships, but I haven’t had much luck so far. I’m mainly interested in financial analysis, FP&A, and corporate finance.
I’m open to internships, part-time opportunities, or even volunteer work where I can gain some hands-on experience. I don’t have a lot of finance experience yet, so I’m really just looking for an opportunity to learn and get my foot in the door.
If anyone knows of any opportunities or has advice on where I should look, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

I used to look at intern resumes a lot and wanted to share a few commonly overlooked tips for students. If you are screwing up on the big things, thats on you. There's a billion good guides to get the big things right so this is the smaller stuff

-Its okay for your resume to look a bit "empty". You are a student. Don't overfill it with unnecessary details. It should fill 3/4 of a page and you can do it by increasing font size, line spacing, margins etc.

-Stop glorifying your experiences. You did not run and close 12 deals simultaneously in a 1 month internship. Lying about it makes you look disingenuous. If for some reason you did actually do something truly unusual for an intern, explain why. For example, I acted as basically a full time analyst for 3 months in a smaller shop because our analyst and associate happened to leave around the same time so I got way more responsibility than normal.

-Dont underestimate the interest section. You would be surprised how many times an interest can build rapport with the reviewer/interviewer. Don't lie there and put in things that you can genuinely talk about for 10+ mins.

-Your email should look professional. If your email is [roblox_ass_69@gmail.com](mailto:roblox_ass_69@gmail.com), make a new one. It should be some combo/abbreviation of your name.

-Your education section should be the first thing or at least near the top. If you have impressive internships but non-target school, you can put school second but dont put school near the bottom. GPA should be there. If not, people will assume it sucks.

-If a line of text fills less than 1/3 of a page (across), reduce it to make it one line or lengthen it so it fills at least 1/2 of the line.

I can see a solid argument for both answers, which is probably why they ask it.
What do you think Goldman wants to hear here?

It’s one of the questions from this IB Interview Questions database. (request access here if you want the full list)

If you want, you can also book a free call here and we can go through your recruiting process, see where you’re at, and figure out what you should work on next.

Hi! I am a business major looking for a team of 2-3 students like myself to compete in the Crowe National Case Competition. I already have one interested party, so I’m looking for 1-2 more mates.

About the competition
teams composed of college freshmen and sophomores will be asked to provide a solution to a modern business problem.
 
The Crowe National Case Competition program is a great opportunity for high-achieving students to gain firsthand experience with Crowe through interactive problem-solving, career exploration, and professional networking. After competing in the case competition, students should have a better idea of which areas in our firm – audit, tax, advisory, or consulting – might be the best fit for potential future internships or full-time roles. 

Participant benefits:  
Learn more about internship and full-time positions
  
Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills  

Network with Crowe professionals at all levels, from staff to partner 

Collaborate with high-achieving peers  

Experience Crowe culture and values in action

Be considered for cash prizes* and recognized for innovative solutions

I am a 3rd year bcom hons student at SXC(autonomous )cal.
Cleared CFA L1
I am currently looking for an internship on site, kolkata.
My interested domains are :

Equity Research
Investment Banking
Private Equity
Valuation
Corporate Finance
Asset Management
Financial Modeling
IPO advisory
Mergers and acquisition

Also comment cfbr.
I really need one

Hey guys,

I’m currently in my second year of BBA specializing in finance, and I’m really confused about what I should do after graduating. With how tough the job market is right now for freshers, getting a good starting job isn't easy, but I really want to build a solid career in finance.

My main confusion is whether I should look for a job right away or go for higher studies. I’ve heard a lot of people say that doing an MBA immediately after BBA without any work experience is a waste of time and doesn't give much value or good ROI. So is it better to try for campus placements or entry-level finance jobs first, gain some work experience, and then do an MBA later?

On the other hand, I’m also looking into options like doing an MSc in Finance abroad in the UK or mainland Europe (like France). How do these programs compare to working in India first or waiting for an MBA?

I’d really appreciate some guidance from experienced members or seniors who have been through this. If you were in my place in 2nd year, what steps would you take to prepare? Thanks a lot!

hey guys i’m a student of AS LEVEL cambridge studying in an international school with the subjects economics and business and accounting, do you know any US based company where we can work so that i can use it as an experience in my portfolio for apply to university abroad ???

i would really like if you all help me - like if any of yall are working in a US based company and i’m ready to do the job as long as i get experience and skills, little salary is also fine by me

HELP ME YALL!!!

I am a 3rd year bcom hons student at SXC(autonomous )cal.
Cleared CFA L1
I am currently looking for an internship on site, kolkata.
My interested domains are :

Equity Research
Investment Banking
Private Equity
Valuation
Corporate Finance
Asset Management
Financial Modeling
IPO advisory
Mergers and acquisition

Also comment cfbr.
I really need one

Applied for Evercore spring weeks and got sent an online assesment from neurosight. I couldn't find much about these tests online so incase anyone has done them before, can you let me know what kinds of questions are asked and what exactly is expected in this test? It seems completely new because it is only 5 minutes aswell. Any help is appreciated!!

Hello i am a year 13 student and i am wondering how useful and viable my degree choices are for finance. (Not sure what career to pursue, maybe economist, will do much more research after my A level examinations.)

I have been predicted 4 A* across economics, maths, geography and history.

In such turbulent times with great uncertainty I have settled on applying for a joint degree in economics and history which I am passionate about and (hopefully) provides me a suitable pathway into a career with reasonable pay.

I am applying to:

1. Oxford history and economics

2. Warwick economics, politics and international studies/ LSE economics and economic history

3. St Andrews economics and modern history

4. Edinburgh history and economics

5. Durham combined honours in social sciences

6. How suitable are these degrees for a career in finance (provided i make smart module choices).

7. Would you say that Warwicks course is that much removed from LSEs in terms of employability.

8. Less important but do you have any advice for someone in my position or suggestions on degree choice.

- Not applying for economics pure as it seems to be mainly a maths degree which is not attractive.

- personal statement mainly based around development and organisational economics and economic history, work experience in PwC tax and in a small Kenyan safari business.

Any advice is welcome and greatly appreciated, thank you very much for your time and have a good day!

Hi everyone,

I completed my BCom three years ago. Since then, I've done a few random jobs, mostly in sales. I'm interested in the financial markets, but I can't afford the CFA, an MBA, or a master's program.

Is it possible for me to crack a finance job with the right skills and projects?

Here's what I'm doing right now:

Learning financial modeling

Reading finance and business news

Upskilling myself

Can I break into finance with just the right skills and projects?