Investment Banking Analyst - FIG

Through aggressive networking, I initially came in contact with an associate in the FIG group (NYC office). In early 2011, I met him in person to broadly discuss my ambitions and strategy to break into IBD. While no opportunities existed at that time, I heard back from him in April with regards to a 1st year opening in Charlotte (majority of WF FIG is in Charlotte). At their expense, they flew me down for the day to interview with 5 individuals (2 analysts, 1 VP, 2 directors). Following the formal interview several employees took me out to lunch before my flight back to NYC. I kept in touch with some of the jr guys, and was declined an offer about 2 weeks later. They told me they were impressed, but had some other internal, lateral candidates that they preferred.

A month later I received another phone call from the NYC associate I was initially in contact with. He said they had just lost an analyst to PE and needed a new hire ASAP. Given my "success" in Charlotte, the NY FIG group brought me in to meet the rest of the team (6-7 bankers). This was much less formal than the Charlotte interview, and ultimately resulted in a full time offer into their group (as part of the 2011 analyst program). They had instructed me that I would go to Charlotte for a month of training if I accepted.

I felt that while the only real formal part of the process was the round in Charlotte, their office did seem a little more laid back than the NYC group.