Weekly IB Recruiting Brief

Meridith Dennes
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Deep thoughts on the investment banking recruiting market.

  1. MBA Applications Surge, Private Credit Is Overvalued, What is Recruiting Season (and did I just miss it)?

    10/27/2024

    MBA Applications Surge, Private Credit Is Overvalued, What is Recruiting Season (and did I just miss it)?

    In this week's IB Recruiting Brief, hosted by Meridith Dennes, key topics include the substantial increase in MBA applications for 2024, with notable growth at top institutions due to economic uncertainties affecting the white-collar employment sector. Pimco's CIO highlights concerns in private credit markets, and Wells Fargo's CEO discusses potential losses in commercial real estate. The recruiting landscape is dynamic, with a surge in demand for specialized roles in Energy Transition, Healthcare M&A, and Financial Institutions. Observations on compensation trends and technical modeling capabilities underscore the selective nature of today's market. Customized coaching sessions by Prospect Rock Partners are available for targeted career support. 00:00 Introduction and Economic Climate Impact 00:18 MBA Applications Surge in 2024 01:14 Private Credit Market Concerns 01:44 Commercial Real Estate and Housing Market Update 02:02 Recruiting Update and Trends 03:09 Compensation and Hiring Dynamics 04:18 Coaching Services and Conclusion

    5 min
  2. Investment Banking Bonuses: What to Expect in 2024

    10/12/2024

    Investment Banking Bonuses: What to Expect in 2024

    Meridith Dennes discusses the current economic climate and its impact on investment banking recruiting. The episode covers potential bonuses for 2024 influenced by JP Morgan's positive economic performance, despite macroeconomic risks highlighted by Jamie Dimon. There is a surge in corporate M&A for VC-backed enterprise software firms. Hiring in healthcare, M&A, and elite boutiques is increasing, with a focus on candidates with strong technical skills and closed M&A deal experience. Although Wall Street bonuses are projected to rise, disparities may exist, with high-level executives receiving larger shares. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Prospect Rock Partners for networking and career support. 00:00 Introduction and Economic Climate Overview 00:18 Investment Banking Bonuses and 2024 Expectations 00:26 Current Economic Indicators and M&A Activity 01:35 Job Listings and Hiring Trends 02:38 Compensation Projections and Disparities 03:41 Closing Remarks and Networking Tips

    4 min
  3. Jobs, Jamie and Jumbo Credit Markets

    10/06/2024

    Jobs, Jamie and Jumbo Credit Markets

    In this week's IB Recruiting Brief, Meridith Dennes discusses the impact of the current economic climate on investment banking recruitment, focusing on the resurgence of leveraged buyouts as interest rates stabilize due to recent Fed policy changes. The video covers positive employment data affecting future interest rate adjustments, Blackstone's growth forecast for the private credit market to $30 trillion, and JP Morgan's leadership concerns. Additionally, the video highlights gender parity challenges in investment banking and anticipates that the upcoming earnings reports from major banks will be key indicators of the sector's health. With private equity's substantial capital available and private credit funds aggressively expanding, there's potential for increased hiring within investment banks to manage new market dynamics and growing transaction volumes. 00:00 Introduction: Economic Climate and Investment Banking 00:20 Leveraged Buyouts and Market Confidence 00:57 Economic Indicators and Interest Rates 01:25 Private Credit Market Growth 01:56 Leadership Changes and Market Impact 02:16 Gender Parity in the Workplace 02:44 Upcoming Earnings Reports and Banking Health 03:03 Lending Landscape and Private Equity 04:28 Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Investment Banking

    5 min
  4. September's Hiring Plot Twist, Understanding On-Cycle vs Off-Cycle PE Recruiting

    09/21/2024

    September's Hiring Plot Twist, Understanding On-Cycle vs Off-Cycle PE Recruiting

    In this week's IB recruiting brief, Meridith Dennes discusses the impact of the current economic climate on investment banking recruitment. With a quote from Ben Franklin emphasizing the importance of actions over words, she delves into how the volatile job market, marked by a rising U.S. unemployment rate, is affecting hiring practices. There are notable changes in managing junior bankers at top firms like JP Morgan and Lazard, shifts in senior lateral hiring, and the high demand for candidates with quantitative skills and deal experience. Challenges persist for laid-off industry professionals, and sector-specific expertise remains critical. The recent interest rate cut may boost the job market in the long term. The episode also highlights new courses offered by Prospect Rock Academy to aid undergraduates, MBAs, recent graduates, and lateral hires in their career pursuits. 00:00 Introduction and Economic Overview 00:32 Current Trends in Investment Banking 00:59 Managing Junior Bankers 01:41 Recruiting Landscape Shifts 02:27 Challenges and Opportunities 03:02 Sector-Specific Insights 03:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    4 min
  5. The First Cut is the Deepest? Nepo Babies & ESG Greenwashing, Celebrating 80-Hours Work Weeks

    09/16/2024

    The First Cut is the Deepest? Nepo Babies & ESG Greenwashing, Celebrating 80-Hours Work Weeks

    In this week's IB recruiting brief, Meridith Dennes discusses the impact of the current economic climate on investment banking recruitment. The conversation covers mixed economic indicators, such as potential interest rate cuts and market dichotomies, and their effects on hiring trends. There's a focus on 'quiet layoffs' impacting mid-level bankers, promotion bottlenecks and senior originator hirings. The episode also highlights new policies by major banks to combat junior banker burnout and sector-specific activity levels, emphasizing the importance of recognizing talent at all levels. 00:00 Introduction and Economic Overview 00:29 Market Trends and Developments 00:56 Impact of Media on Wall Street 01:19 Quiet Layoffs and Recruitment Trends 02:14 Cultural Shifts in Investment Banking 02:35 Sector Activity and Career Challenges 03:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    3 min
  6. Buckle up! Fed Moves, Hiring Sprees, Networking Fails

    09/08/2024

    Buckle up! Fed Moves, Hiring Sprees, Networking Fails

    In this episode of the Weekly IB Recruiting Brief, Meridith Dennes discusses the effects of the current economic climate on investment banking recruitment. Key topics include the U.S. inflation report, the Fed's upcoming rate decision, and their implications for the sector. She highlights a notable uptick in recruitment, especially for Junior Analyst and Associate positions, emphasizing the importance of preparation, brand name experience, and closed deal records. The episode concludes with advice for job seekers and a promotion for new courses on Prospect Rock Academy. 00:00 Introduction and Economic Climate Overview 00:30 Key Economic Updates 01:09 Recruiting Update 02:00 Recruitment Strategies and Tips 02:26 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    3 min
  7. Goldman Slashes Jobs, VCs on the Struggle Bus, PE Slowly Rebounds

    09/02/2024

    Goldman Slashes Jobs, VCs on the Struggle Bus, PE Slowly Rebounds

    Goldman Slashes Jobs, VCs on the Struggle Bus, PE Slowly Rebounds In this episode of the Weekly IB Recruiting Brief, host Meridith Dennes discusses the impact of the current economic climate on investment banking recruiting. Highlights include post-Labor Day activity on Wall Street, uncertainty in job markets, and significant job cuts at Goldman Sachs. The venture capital industry is expected to see a steep decline in fundraising, while the U.S. private equity market shows some signs of life. The episode also explores the phenomenon of 'ghost jobs' and resilient M&A activity, with emphasis on strategic hires.  00:00 Introduction and Economic Climate Overview 00:39 Wall Street's Post-Labor Day Outlook 01:12 Goldman Sachs Job Cuts and Workforce Trends 01:34 Venture Capital Industry Challenges 02:00 Private Equity Market Insights 02:24 The Rise of Ghost Jobs 02:41 Global M&A Activity and Trends 03:09 Implications for IB Recruiting 03:27 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    4 min

  8. 08/11/2024

    JPM Tightens Policy on Analyst Retention, Return Offers are Out, Early Bonus Intel

    Weekly IB Recruiting Brief: Bonus Predictions and Career Advice In this week's IB recruiting brief, Meredith Dennis discusses the impact of the current economic climate on investment banking recruiting, including substantial bonus increases predicted by Johnson Associates for 2024 and the Fed's potential rate cuts. Additionally, the episode covers JP Morgan's steps to curb aggressive recruitment by private equity firms and provides valuable advice from Andrea Benson on handling a no-offer situation after an internship. Meredith also announces new courses at Prospect Rock Academy targeting undergrads, MBAs, recent grads, and laterals, offering insider networking tips and tricks with a special discount code. 00:00 Introduction and Economic Climate Impact 00:27 Exciting Bonus Predictions for 2024 01:07 FedWatch: Rate Cut Predictions 01:33 JP Morgan's Recruitment Strategy 02:00 Handling a No Offer Situation 02:32 Conclusion and Career Advice 03:01 Prospect Rock Academy Courses

    3 min
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Deep thoughts on the investment banking recruiting market.

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  • Creator
    Meridith Dennes
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Prospect Rock Partners LLC
  • Show Website
    Weekly IB Recruiting Brief