11:00 PM in New York. I received the call from Morgan Stanley. I knew immediately, it would be another sleepless night. Not from stress this time,
but from the realization that everything had come together. Looking back at the countless late nights, the repetition, the pressure, it was all worth it.

I joined PGP in August of my junior summer. Coming from a business school background, with prior internship experience, I had a reasonable foundation in technicals. But I also knew that “good enough” would not be enough in this process.

Where I lacked was refinement. More importantly, my behavioral responses and overall interview execution were not at the level required. These are areas that are difficult to improve independently, they require external perspective and structured feedback.

Initially, I considered preparing on my own. But recruiting is a one-shot process. There is no second cycle within the same timeline. If I was going to go through it, I wanted to execute at my highest level. That was the reason I chose PGP.

After joining, both founders were directly involved in my preparation. We worked through every behavioral story in detail, refining structure, tightening language, and eliminating weak points. Even non-verbal elements, such as body language and presence, were addressed with precision.

Equally important, during periods of stress, there was constant support to maintain clarity and composure. The process was demanding, but focused.

The outcome followed. Securing Morgan Stanley IBD was the result I had been working toward.

Q: Why PGP? What differentiates it from other platforms?

A: The difference is in structure and execution. PGP’s Unlimited model allows for continuous iteration. You are not constrained by session limits, which means progress is directly tied to how much you are willing to invest in preparation.

More importantly, the environment is constructive. There is no unnecessary pressure. When setbacks happen, the focus is on adjustment and improvement — not blame. That creates a stable mindset throughout a volatile process.

Q: How did PGP help you most?

A: My technical foundation was already in place. The primary focus was on behavioral execution and overall interview strategy. We worked extensively on refining my stories, making them sharper, more structured, and aligned with what interviewers are actually evaluating.

At the same time, I developed a much stronger awareness of how I present myself in interviews, including body language, tone, and overall presence. The biggest shift was in structure. Every answer became more concise, more intentional, and easier for the interviewer to follow.

Q: What were your key strengths as a candidate?

A: In finance recruiting, there are five core components: technicals, behavioral, resume, networking, and interview strategy. I would say I was competitive in two areas.

First, my resume. I had relevant internship experience, and more importantly, I had been actively involved in those roles. That gave me real deal exposure to speak to in interviews. Second, my technical foundation. I had started preparing early through student organizations, which gave me an advantage in technical discussions.

Beyond that, I would say personality also matters more than people think.

Q: What defines a strong IBD banker?

A: Beyond the obvious, multitasking ability and attention to detail. There is one trait that is often overlooked: Resilience.

The environment is demanding. Feedback can be direct, and at times, harsh.

If every piece of criticism leads to self-doubt, it becomes difficult to operate effectively. A strong banker is able to absorb feedback, adjust quickly, and move forward, without becoming overly reactive.

Q: Why IBD?

A: I am fundamentally interested in business. IBD provides exposure to a wide range of business models, and the opportunity to learn directly from management teams and senior executives.

At the same time, it builds a strong network and a broad foundation.

I do not view this as a narrow path. Banking is a platform, one that keeps future options open.

Q: What advice would you give to candidates?

A: Preparation is everything. Securing an interview is already difficult. Losing that opportunity due to insufficient preparation is avoidable. Even when you feel ready, there is always another level of detail you can refine.

In the end, outcomes are often determined at the margin. The difference is rarely dramatic, it is in the details.