Wall Street Diaries
Episodes
Google Rejected Me. Here's What I Did Instead.
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Huang did everything “right.” Investment banking. Consulting. Corporate strategy at Google. In this episode, we break down what banking tea...
Will AI Kill Investment Banking Analyst Jobs?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than anyone expected. Some people believe AI will replace most white-collar jobs in the next few years, i...
S2 Ep08: He Hung Up on His Goldman Associate?
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Most students think investment banking is the finish line. In this episode of Wall Street Diaries, Nathan walks through why that assumption quietly br...
Investment Banking? Go Study Engineering!
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Wall Street Diaries, we break down how an investment banker thinks, and why an engineering mindset often matters more than pure fin...
S2 Ep06: From $30 in the Bank to Investment Banking
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Wall Street Diaries, Max Johnson breaks down what investment banking actually trains you for, and why many students misunderstand t...
S2 Ep05: Living in Your Car to Tech CEO
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Investment banking interviews aren’t about memorizing perfect answers. They’re about how you think, communicate, and handle pressure in real time....
S2 Ep04: Is Sales & Trading Better than Investment Banking_
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
S2 Ep04: Is Sales & Trading Better than Investment Banking_ by Wall Street Mastermind
S2 Ep03: Is Chemical Engineering the Best Investment Banking Major_
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
S2 Ep03: Is Chemical Engineering the Best Investment Banking Major_ by Wall Street Mastermind
S2 Ep02: How a Non-Target Grad Became a VP at Jefferies
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week features Carson, a Vice President at Jefferies, who built a long-term career on Wall Street by taking a path most people overlook. Coming fr...
S1 Ep01: He Left Investment Banking and Private Equity to Save the World
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2 Episode 1 of Wall Street Diaries is here! It features @KevinYangImpact went from valedictorian at Michigan Ross to investment banking at G...
Episode 365: How Jordan Broke Into an Elite Boutique From a Non Target School After Failing on His Own
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Jordan was attending a non-target liberal arts college and had been unsuccessful at recruiting on his own formonths. Not knowing how to ...
Episode 364: Never Miss a Cost of Equity Question During Your Investment Banking Interview
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deep into the cost of equity, an essential WACC component frequently tested in investment banking interviews. You'll discov...
Episode 363: How to calculate WACC? (Weighted Average Cost of Capital)
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down how to calculate WACC, one of the most common technical questions in finance interviews. You'll learn what each compo...
Episode 362: How Christian Landed a Bulge Bracket Offer Within 2.5 Months Despite Being an Engineer With No Finance Background
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Christian came to us as an astronautical engineering major not knowing anything about finance or having relevant experience. He had take...
Episode 361: Answering Morgan Stanley's interview question on a DCF (Discounted Cash Flow)!
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I walk through what a DCF is, one of the most common terms asked about in investment banking interviews. You'll learn how to projec...
Episode 360: How to Explain an LBO in a PE and IB Job Interview
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Need to explain an LBO in a private equity or investment banking interview? In this episode, we break it down in the simplest way possible. We’ll ...
Episode 359: How Jaime Broke Into Credit Suisse Despite Being a Non-Native English Speaker That Started Late at a Non-Target School
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Jaime had moved to the US from Colombia two years prior and had barely spoken any English. He discovered IB through a finance club but d...
Episode 358: Do investment bankers really work 100 hours a week?
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the truth behind the 100 hour myths and sensationalized headlines. The reality is more nuanced think of it like a bel...
Episode 357: How Robin Went From Being a Refugee and First Gen College Student to Becoming a Bulge Bracket Banker
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Robin had been a refugee from Nepal and was a first generation college student at a small college. He transferred to Virginia Tech his s...
Episode 356: How to Break Into Investment Banking From a Non-Target School
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking into investment banking from a non-target school is absolutely possible but you need to be strategic. In this episode, we walk you through ...
Episode 355: Can Non-target Students Break Into Investment Banking?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can non-target students break into investment banking? The answer is yes—but it takes the right mindset and approach. In this episode, we break do...
Episode 354: Ranking The Best 10 Investment Banking Internships!
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Picking the right internship early can help shape your career trajectory. In this episode, we rank the 10 best options for breaking into banking, fr...
Episode 353: How Aidan Became One of the First Students From His Non-Target School to Break Into Investment Banking Without an MBA
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Aidan came to us as a sophomore athlete majoring in economics at a non-target school. He had known he wanted to do IB for a while but mo...
Episode 352: How to Create a Resume for Goldman Sachs
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re aiming for Goldman Sachs or any top investment bank, your resume has to be flawless. In this episode, we break down exactly how to struc...
Episode 351: How Zolio Became the First Person From His Non-Target School to Break Into JPMorgan
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Zolio came to us as a non-target school student having little guidance on the recruiting process. A couple of alumni got him interested ...
Episode 350: "Why You're Struggling To Break Into Banking "
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking into investment banking is brutally competitive, yet a few common mistakes can quietly kill your chances. In this episode, we dive into why...
Episode 349: Investment Bankers Are Quitting to Take These Jobs
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What comes after investment banking? In this episode, we unpack the world of exit opportunities from the coveted buy-side roles to strategic positions...
Episode 348: How Aakaash Stood Out Against the Highly Competitive Candidate Pool at Wharton and Got an Elite Boutique Offer
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Aakash came to us as a sophomore at UPenn who was feeling behind on the investment banking recruiting process. At the time, his friends ...
Episode 347: Is Investment Banking Worth It?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the real pros and cons of life on Wall Street. From the money, prestige, exit opportunities, and steep learning curve...
Episode 346: Strategies for Entry into Investment Banking
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Didn’t land an IB offer right away? Don’t worry, there are multiple ways to break in. This video covers three proven strategies: starting in a s...
Episode 345: How Mike Got an Offer From Blackstone Private Equity and Goldman TMT
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Mike came to us as a sophomore at a non-target school looking primarily for investment banking and buy-side opportunities. Although he h...
Episode 344: The TRUTH about Investment Banking
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what investment bankers actually do? This podcast cuts through the myths and hype to break down the real job,. We’ll compare IB to...
Episode 343: How Min Secured an Offer from Lazard and Evercore From a Non Target School
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Minwoo came to us as a sophomore at a non-target school not knowing much about the investment banking recruiting process. After hearing ...
Episode 342: Banking Salaries Truths Part 2
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we go beyond the numbers to discuss the real cost of an investment banking salary, the sacrifice of work-life balance with unpredicta...
Episode 341: Banking Salaries Truths Part 1
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the real numbers behind investment banking salaries, how much you earn as an analyst, associate, VP, and beyond and we’...
Episode 340: How Hugh Got Offers From Morgan Stanley, Evercore, and Greenhill
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Hugh came to us knowing he wanted to break into IB since his freshman year. Despite finding a freshman summer internship, he felt overwh...
Episode 339: Most Common Types of Behavioral Questions
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we walk through the most common investment banking behavioral questions and how to answer them. From resume deep dives to market re...
Episode 338: How Peter Got 4 Offers From Bulge Bracket and Elite Boutique Banks
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Peter came to us as a sophomore recruiting against a competitive pool of fellow Ivy League candidates. With applications opening up and ...
Episode 337: Crafting Sharp Behavioral Interview Answers
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover how to stand out in investment banking interviews by answering concisely and effectively. Learn to structure responses wit...
Episode 336: How to Master Key IB Technicals
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the four key areas of investment banking technical interviews—financial statements, valuation, M&A, and LBOs. We’l...
Episode 335: How Jacob Got 6 Superdays and 2 Offers Despite Being a Non Target Student
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Jacob came to us as a non-target school student not knowing much about the investment banking recruiting process or having a strong alumni...
Episode 334: Understanding the Interview Process - Part 1
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the key steps of the interview process and how to prepare effectively. From submitting your application to handling f...
Episode 333: Common Technical Interview Mistakes
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore common pitfalls candidates fall into during investment banking interviews. We discuss the importance of addressing quest...
Episode 332: How Leonardo Went From Being a Community College Transfer to a Bulge Bracket Banker
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Leonardo came to us as a community college transfer without any finance experience. With so much information out there, he was unsure ab...
Episode 331: Understanding the Interview Process - Part 2
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on the key skills needed to communicate effectively and make a strong impression during your interviews. We’ll cover the...
Episode 330: Calculating LBO FCF's and Debt Repayments
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down how Free Cash Flow is calculated in an LBO and why it matters for debt repayment. We discuss the key components of FC...
Episode 329: How Jacqueline Secured a Bulge Bracket Offer as an International Student in Just 2 Months While Having a Crazy Schedule
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Jacqueline came to us as an international student from Hong Kong. Being in her school's business program, she wanted a competitive edge ...
Episode 328: Tricks for Calculating and Increasing IRR
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down key strategies and mental shortcuts for calculating the IRR—essential for interviews. We’ll discuss how optimizin...
Episode 327:How Li Leveraged His Legal Background to Secure Multiple Restructuring Offers
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Li came to us with mostly legal experience but had grown interested in restructuring. Without having much guidance, he knew he needed he...
Episode 326: Additional Behavioral Questions and Brainteasers
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on tackling additional behavioral interview questions, including those about leadership qualities, your favorite book, and w...
Episode 325: Calculating IRR
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down what IRR is and why it’s a critical metric in an LBO model. We explore how it measures the profitability of an inve...
Episode 324: How Bruce Went From Total Non-Target Graduate With No Finance Experience to Real Estate Private Equity
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Bruce came to us as a recent graduate, juggling a full time job during the week and two security shifts on the weekend. He had gone to a...
Episode 323: Additional Behavioral Questions Practice
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down how to tackle those less common but equally important behavioral interview questions that often catch candidates off gu...
Episode 322: Types of Debt Deeper Dive
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deeper into the distinctions between bank debt and high-yield debt. We go through how these financing options differ in ter...
Episode 321: How Jesus Became the First Student From His Non-Target School to Get Into Carlyle
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Jesus came to us from a non-target school that sends less than 5 people into investment banking each year. Prior to WSMM, he submitted 5...
Episode 320: Questions to Ask the Interviewer
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the importance of asking thoughtful questions at the end of an interview, a key way to demonstrate your interest in the firm...
Episode 319: Types of Debt in an LBO
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the different types of debt used to finance an LBO deal. We touch on the key differences between bank debt and high-...
Episode 318: How Advik Broke Into Investment Banking as a Non-Target International Student With WSMM After Failing on His Own
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Advik came to us as an international student in his junior year after having already deferred his graduation so that he could recruit agai...
Episode 316: Understanding Sources and Uses in an LBO
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the critical concept of sources and uses in a Leveraged Buyout (LBO). We discuss key considerations like determining ...
Episode 315: How Emma Broke Into a Big 5 Canadian Bank With WSMM After Failing on Her Own
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Emma was an MBA student in Canada with experience in investment management. She soon realized she wanted to pursue investment banking, but...
Episode 314: Having the Right Mindset for Networking
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the essential mindset for networking and why it’s the key to landing a role in investment banking, where 1-3% of applica...
Episode 313: How Do LBO's Work?
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down how Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) work. By comparing LBOs to real estate, we’ll show how both involve leveraging debt to...
Episode 312: How Chris Broke Into a Bulge Bracket Bank After Being Referred to WSMM by a Fellow Intern
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Chris started out as a premed student going into college but soon realized he wanted to pursue IB. Going into his second semester of sop...
Episode 311: How to Read Up and Talk About the Markets
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll talk about about how to effectively read and talk about the markets, whether you're keeping up with financial news or diving ...
Episode 310: M&A Accretion Dilution Considerations
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the capital considerations businesses face when evaluating cash, debt, and equity as funding sources for deals. We exp...
Episode 309: How Avi Got 6 Superdays and an Offer Despite Being a Non-Target International Student Who Started Late
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Avi went to a non-target school and only realized he wanted to do banking in the second half of his sophomore year. With no alumni to re...
Episode 308: Answering the What Are Your Greatest Weaknesses Question
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about your greatest weaknesses in an interview can feel like walking a tightrope—you don’t want to raise red flags, but you also don’t w...
Episode 307: Why Do Mergers Happen
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do mergers happen, and how do companies decide how to pay for them? In this episode, we’ll explore the strategic reasons behind mergers and di...
Episode 306: How Ryan Secured a Bulge Bracket Offer Despite Starting Late
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Ryan came to us his second semester of sophomore year. Some firms had already closed applications and the time was ticking. With some ...
Episode 305: Answering the What Are Your Greatest Strengths Question
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"What are your greatest strengths?" might seem straightforward, but simply listing qualities won't set you apart. To truly impress, you need to show...
Episode 304: Weighted Average Cost of Capital Explained
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is one of the most common interview questions. In this episode, we’ll break it all down—...
Episode 303: How Michael Invested in Himself and Went From First Generation College Student to Bulge Bracket Banker
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Michael was a first generation student at a non-target school in his sophomore year. He had already done a private wealth management int...
Episode 302: Answering Situational Questions
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many students underestimate the importance of preparing for behavioral and situational questions, but these are often the most critical part of your i...
Episode 301: Valuation Methodologies - Understanding Transaction Comps
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One essential valuation methodology you need to understand for interviews is transaction comps. But how do transaction comps differ from trading com...
Episode 300: How Louisa Used WSMM to Make the Jump From Middle Market to Bulge Bracket Bank for Full Time Recruiting
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Louisa came to us her junior year looking for help with full time recruiting. She had just recruited for junior summer internships on he...
Episode 299: Walking Through Your Resume Experiences
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the key to acing interviews: how to effectively talk through your resume. Your interviewer will likely ask about your ...
Episode 298: What Are Trading Comps and How Do You Pick Them Out?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the core valuation methods you’ll need to master for interviews: trading comps. How do you identify ...
Episode 297: How Valeria Got a Bulge Bracket Offer Despite Recruiting as a Non-Target Senior
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Valeria grew up with a single parent, and had to work full-time as a bank teller in college to support her family financially. During se...
Episode 296: How to Answer "Why This Bank?"
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Crafting a strong "Why this Bank?" answer is crucial as it is one of the most important guaranteed interviewed questions you'll get. Learn how to le...
Episode 295: Understanding Equity Value vs. Enterprise Value
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Equity value and enterprise value are two essential terms that you will need to master—especially for technical interviews. In this episode, we br...
Episode 294: How Chris Broke Into a Bulge Bracket Bank From a Semi-Target School After Being Referred to WSMM by a Fellow Intern
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Jim had gone to undergrad in Canada and moved to the US to pursue an MBA. As an international student going up against a highly competit...
Episode 293: What Are The Different Investment Banking Groups?
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re asked which investment banking group you’re most interested in during your interview, do you know what sets each one apart? Whether it...
Episode 292: How Ryan Secured a Bulge Bracket Offer Despite Starting Late
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan came to us halfway through his sophomore year, feeling the pressure as some firms had already closed applications and his friends were landing of...
Episode 291: Crush Your Investment Banking Hirevue Interviews
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hirevues have become the critical first round that can make or break your chance at a top-tier offer. We’re diving deep into the must-know strateg...
Episode 290: Mastering Net Working Capital
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In finance interviews, understanding net working capital is key—it’s a crucial measure of a company's liquidity and ability to meet short-term obl...
Episode 289: What Do Investment Bankers Do?
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what investment bankers actually do? This question is almost guaranteed to come up in your interviews—and knowing the answer is esse...
Episode 287: How to Link the Three Statements Together
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the connections between the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet are essential to pass technical interviews. Join ...
Episode 283: DO THIS to STAND OUT among other MBA students
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Emma was an MBA student in Canada with experience in investment management. She soon realized she wanted to pursue investment banking, bu...
Episode 282: DO THIS to get FULL TIME offer(s)
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How does full-time recruiting differ from summer recruiting? What should you prioritize? Like summer recruiting, having relevant experience whether i...
Episode 281: How to Make Your Interview Answers FLOW BETTER
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Want to know the secret for turning an average interview answer to a stellar one? One word: FLOW. When you are being interviewed, think of yourself ...
Episode 280: How to Make Your Internship SOUND IMPRESSIVE in Interviews
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Oftentimes students begin building their resume by doing internships with less glamorous responsibilities. Sourcing leads and compiling lists in Excel...
Episode 279: How Bruce Overcame Non-Target School and No Finance Experience to Land Private Equity
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Bruce came to us as a recent graduate, juggling a full time job during the week and two security shifts on the weekend. He had gone to a...
Episode 278: Why You Can't Give Up When Recruiting for Investment Banking
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's no secret that breaking into investment banking is extremely competitive. With thousands of applicants every year, bulge brackets and elite bou...
Episode 277: Avoid This Common Networking Mistake: How to Talk to Senior Bankers
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows how important networking is for the investment banking recruiting process. However, many students make the mistake of only networking ...
Episode 276: How Leonardo Avoided Being Stuck in Community College and Became a Bulge Bracket Banker
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Leonardo came to us as a community college transfer without any finance experience. With so much information out there, he was unsure ab...
Episode 275: Is It Too Late To Recruit For Summer 2024??
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Summer 2024 recruiting has been going on for months, and many banks have already started to give out offers… A lot of sophomores are wondering if ...
Episode 274: Accelerating and Reneging Offers...Is It Worth The Risk?
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As offers continue to be given out for the summer 2024 recruiting process, one of the most common questions we keep getting from our students is... I...
Episode 273: How Avi Got Superdays and an Offer Despite Being a Non-Target INTL Student
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our student Avi went to a non-target school and only realized he wanted to do banking in the second half of his sophomore year. With no alumni to re...
Episode 272: How to Network with Regional Boutique Investment Banks
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're an underclassman looking to beef up your resume with relevant internships, or just an upperclassman who's recruiting very late in the recrui...
Episode 271: Should You Customize Your Networking Email Templates?
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you're sending out networking emails, how important is it for you to customize each email that you send? Is it better to use the same email temp...