Summer Analyst

In Europe you start by applying online after which you proceed doing the online test. The earlier you apply when the applications open, the better positioned you are as HR goes through thousands of applications.

At JPM you only have the assesment center and end up getting an offer or no offer. The Pre-screening is quite though here. Networking and having a connection within the firm helps quite alot. During the application they ask if you know someone at JPM and you will have to list his/hers email, this can decide if you get called to AC or not.

The assesment center begins with a networking lunch with analysts / associates. This is a good chance of getting yourself noticed as they gather in a room with HR after this to give some comments about the candidates. Mentioning you know someone in the firm might be helpful if brought up in a smart way. After this you will fill some questionnares when you are available for interning (Spring, Summer, Fall) and if you have been interviewing elsewhere. They might also recheck the online tests conducted with the application.

After this the next part is the case study. In my case it consisted of evaluating four acquisition targets for a potential client. You will be given 45 minutes to prepare answers to questions regarding; Best strategic fit, valuation of the companies (You will have to calculate all the multiples for them without calculator EV/EBITDA, P/E), Financing of the deal etc. and make recommendations. You will be interviewed by a senior (VP, MD) about the case where he will ask you about these questions. Be prepared for anything as they might ask you questions not outside of the ones states in the case.

Next up is a really typical HR 1-on-1 compentency based interview, "Tell me about a time you took ownership etc.". Make sure you have all the main topics covered and stories you can build on. Some managers choose to ignore the HR questions and just ask whatever they want.

The last 1-on-1 interview is a more traditional interview where they will ask you to tell your story, walk through your CV, why JPM etc. Some market and technical questions might come up. Brainteasers will always be a part of this question and might be market sizing, classical IB brain teasers or just mental math questions.

You're done after the last interview and free to go home. They will return to candidates with the result within two weeks.