Conquering your M&A Internship or Corporate Finance Internship Interview

Corporate finance or M&A internship interviews often entail navigating through a blend of specific, technical questions and broader, more conceptual inquiries. To ace your interview, you must showcase not only your knowledge about the company and its transactions, but also your understanding of wider economic issues. You must also demonstrate a strong motivation to enter these fields and show that you are truly passionate. Here's a brief guide on how to prepare for the interview, and demonstrate your strong motivation in several ways:

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1. Staying Informed: Questions on Recent and Upcoming Deals

Your interviewer is likely to ask questions about recent and future deals. These questions test your awareness of the company's activities and your understanding of the financial landscape. 

For instance, you may encounter questions such as:

• What are the recent deals?
• Which deals do you expect in the coming months?
• Can you mention some deals we have completed?
• In which markets do you expect M&A / Equity / Debt activity?
• Which deals would you advise us to make?

To answer these questions convincingly, you need to review the company's transaction history and stay updated on news about its future plans. Analyzing these deals will help you understand the company's strategic direction and enable you to offer informed opinions on potential future deals.

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2. Grappling with Economic Enigmas: Questions on Macroeconomic Issues

In addition to company-specific inquiries, your interviewers may pose broader economic questions to assess your understanding of financial trends and economic policies. You might be asked about:

• Your perspective on Brexit.
• The potential fallout if a country like Spain defaults.
• Your expectations regarding the stock market.
• Your opinion on Basel IV.

Prepare for these questions by regularly following financial news and economic trends. Researching and forming opinions on these topics demonstrates your genuine interest in the finance sector.

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3. Proving Your Passion: Assessing Your Interest in the Industry

Interviewers are always keen to gauge your enthusiasm and commitment to the finance sector. This evaluation often includes questions about recent, completed, or future deals that the company or industry may be involved in. Regularly check the news regarding the company and the broader industry to stay abreast of developments. This continuous learning signals your passion for the field and will help you to engage in insightful discussions during your interview. Would you like to understand more about how to clearly demonstrate your interest during your interview? Don’t worry! We have created a downloadable checklist for you, which can help you get some insight into the interview process and how you can ace the interview. 

In conclusion, preparing for a corporate finance or M&A internship interview is a two-pronged process. It involves staying informed about the company’s transactions and developing an understanding of broader economic issues. Your ability to showcase your knowledge in these areas will demonstrate your genuine interest and vision for the financial sector, significantly boosting your chances of securing the internship.

At InFinance, we're here to help you navigate this journey. We believe in your potential, and we're committed to helping you realize it. Feel free to reach out to us, and let's take the first step together towards a thriving career in finance! 

If you want to learn more about the technical skills you need to master, check out this other article on how you can land your dream internship in corporate finance, strategically!

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FAQs

1. Why is understanding a firm's specific M&A track record crucial for the interview process?

Answer: Each investment bank or advisory firm may have a unique focus in the M&A space, be it certain sectors, deal sizes, or geographies. Demonstrating an awareness of a firm's M&A track record showcases that you're not only well-prepared but genuinely invested in the firm's specific M&A narrative. It also allows you to better contextualize your fit and contribution within their existing framework.

2. How can I dive deep into a firm's M&A strategy and recent deals?

Answer: Start with the firm's website, especially their press releases and transaction history. This will give you insights into the deals they've recently closed, sectors they're active in, and perhaps the strategies behind certain acquisitions. Industry-specific publications, databases like Mergermarket or Dealogic, and news articles can provide additional depth, context, and analysis on their M&A activities.

3. What's the best way to align my personal experiences with the M&A focus of the specific firm?

Answer: Identify the sectors, deal structures, or regions the firm predominantly deals with. Reflect on your coursework, case studies, or previous internships where you've touched upon similar areas. In the interview, draw parallels between your experiences and the firm's specialties, highlighting how your unique background can be a direct asset in their specific M&A environment.

4. How can I leverage company-specific M&A insights during the interview discussion?

Answer: Incorporate knowledge about the firm's recent M&A deals into your responses. For instance, when discussing your understanding of M&A, referencing a notable transaction by the firm and sharing your insights or questions about it can demonstrate your proactive approach and keen interest in their activities.

5. Are there any proprietary tools or platforms the firm uses that I should be familiar with ahead of the interview?

Answer: While deep technical knowledge of proprietary platforms isn't expected for an internship role, it's beneficial to be aware of them. Explore the firm's website, press releases, or industry forums to gather information. If they have proprietary models or software highlighted, do some preliminary research. Even a basic understanding can show your initiative and sincere interest in the firm's approach to M&A.