How to Prepare for an Industrials Investment Banking Interview

Industrials interviews test the same accounting, valuation, and transaction skills as other investment banking interviews, but they also require you to understand a broad, cyclical sector. Here is how to build credible industry knowledge, prepare relevant technical answers, and discuss companies and deals without pretending to be an expert.

Author: Michael Harris Updated 4 min read

Understand What the Industrials Group Covers

Industrials is a broad investment banking sector that can include aerospace and defense, transportation and logistics, machinery, building products, business services, automotive suppliers, and other manufacturing businesses. Coverage varies by bank, so review the firm’s website, recent transactions, and team structure before your interview.

Learn the basic business model and demand drivers for several important subsectors. For example, machinery demand may depend on capital spending and factory activity, while transportation companies can be influenced by shipment volumes, capacity, and fuel costs. Aerospace suppliers may have long production cycles and exposure to aircraft delivery rates.

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