This question tests whether the candidate has taken initiative to test finance work before applying, which is a strong signal of realistic motivation and self-selection for the detail-heavy analyst role.
Use the STAR format and spend the most time on the action and result. End with one clear lesson that connects the experience to the specific duties of the role you are applying for.
Start by choosing a concrete project, ideally one where you did the analytical work yourself rather than just presenting someone else's findings. Explain the specific problem you were solving, such as valuing a company, building a financial model, or managing a treasury budget. Then walk through your process plainly, mentioning how you dealt with messy data, tight deadlines, or conflicting assumptions, because that is the real texture of analyst work. When you reach the result, state it honestly, whether it was a strong finish or a lesson from a stumble, and resist the urge to polish it into a victory. The heart of your answer is the reflection, so say plainly what you discovered about your own temperament. For instance, you might note that you enjoyed reconciling every line item to the last peso, or that you found the research phase more absorbing than the pitch itself. Connect that observation directly to the daily duties of an investment banking analyst, like building exhibits, checking figures, and supporting senior deal team members. Close by affirming that the experience confirmed your fit, not because it was glamorous, but because the meticulous parts felt genuinely satisfying to you.
Many candidates overemphasize the award or ranking and skip the reflection. Do not just say 'We won second place po'. Explain exactly which part of the analysis you enjoyed and why that points you toward an analyst seat.
Situation
During my third year, I joined a three-person team for a campus investment case competition where we had to analyze a publicly listed consumer company and recommend a buy, hold, or sell stance.
Task
My specific responsibility was to build the comparable company analysis and present the valuation section under a strict 15 minute limit.
Action
I gathered basic financial data from public quarterly reports, normalized the figures in Excel, and created a one-page chart comparing three key margins across five peer companies. I then rehearsed explaining each assumption in plain language before the judges.
Result
Our team placed second out of twelve entrants, and the judges specifically praised the clarity of my valuation slide. More importantly, I realized I enjoy the process of turning messy data into a defensible recommendation.
A short, intense project reveals whether you truly like the analyst workflow, not just the idea of being in finance.
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