Essential Resources for Aspiring Investment Banking Analysts
If you're aiming to land a Summer Investment Banking Analyst internship, knowing when to start and what to focus on can make all the difference. Investment banking recruiting moves quickly—often wrapping up before junior year begins. The right resources at the right time can help you stay ahead of the curve.
At Adventis, we’ve guided thousands of students through this process. Whether you’re a freshman just exploring finance or a sophomore preparing for technical interviews, the resources below will help you build the skills and network necessary to succeed.
Your Top 10 Resources for Breaking Into Investment Banking
1. Vanderbilt Investment Banking Guide
This free resource from Vanderbilt University is a strong introduction to the investment banking recruiting process. It includes examples, timelines, and a breakdown of key terms and expectations. Access the guide.
2. Networking Excel Templates
Start tracking your outreach to upperclassmen and professionals early. A simple spreadsheet helps you manage follow-ups, emails, and calls. Building authentic relationships takes time—having a system keeps your networking efficient and intentional. If you are already enrolled in Adventis’s FMC® Certification program, you can find our networking Excel template in the Finance Recruiting Course. If not, this article will provide you with guidelines on how to create one yourself.
3. Behavioral Prep
Understand the basics: What is investment banking? What do analysts actually do? How do banks differ? Start preparing answers to key questions like “Why banking?” and “Why this firm?” These questions will come up often in future interviews—and being able to answer them well takes practice and reflection. Our Definitive Guide to Landing Your Investment Banking Internship is a great starting point for your research.
4. Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program Level I
Our most popular course. The FMC® Program Level I teaches you how to build a 3-statement financial model from scratch. It's the foundation of every technical interview. Trusted by over 10,000 students, this course is your starting point for developing hands-on technical skills that stand out in interviews.
5. 400 Questions Guide (Mergers & Inquisitions)
This guide offers one of the most comprehensive collections of technical and behavioral interview questions. Use it to benchmark your progress and prepare for mock interviews. Download it at MergersAndInquisitions.com.
6. Investment Banking Recruitment Course (Adventis)
This course is designed to help you navigate the complex recruiting process with clarity. Included with your FMC® Program enrollment, it walks you through every step of investment banking recruiting—from networking strategy to interview execution.
7. FMC® Program – Level II
Once you've completed Level I, dive into Level II to master valuation and LBO modeling. This level is ideal before heading into final-round interviews and superdays. Included in your original Adventis FMC® Program enrollment.
8. Mock Interviews
At this stage, you should be combining your behavioral and technical prep. Mock interviews help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence. If you’ve followed the timeline, you should be ready for the final rounds.
9. Stay Updated with the Adventis Internship Database
Internship applications open early. Utilize the Adventis Internship Database to monitor open roles across various banks. It’s updated regularly and free to use.
10. Final Technical Preparation
Focus on polishing your skills:
Learn to build models and navigate Excel without a mouse
Practice using financial databases like CapIQ and FactSet
Additional Tools from Adventis
The Coffee Chat Podcast: Bi-weekly advice from students, professionals, and recruiters. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
The Adventis Newsletter: Stay informed with regular updates and recruiting insights. Sign up here.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into investment banking is competitive—but it’s absolutely possible with the right plan. Start early, stay organized, and invest in resources that will help you grow. At Adventis, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
