Things I wish I knew before IB/PE recruiting in Canada (went through it recently)
Recently finished the recruiting cycle and landed a PE role at a Canadian fund. Wanted to share a few things I noticed that separated people who got offers from those who didn't.
- The story matters more than the technicals
Everyone studies the same WSO guide. The people who got through first rounds were the ones who had a clear, genuine narrative — why finance, why IB/PE specifically, and why now. Vague answers to these questions kill more candidacies than failed LBO questions.
- Networking calls are conversations, not interrogations
Most people go in with a list of questions and hammer through them. The calls that actually lead somewhere are the ones that feel like genuine conversations. Do your research on the person. Build on what they say. Ask for a connections at the end.
- You need to know how to articulate what you know — not just know it
There's a big gap between understanding a DCF and being able to walk someone through your thought process calmly under pressure. That's a skill you have to practice.
- Start earlier than feels necessary
If you're starting to network in January for February recruiting (depending on cycle), you're behind. The relationships that open doors in February were built in October.
Happy to answer questions in the comments. Also put together a full vault covering all of this if anyone wants the complete framework