As a finance major at New York University, I developed a strong interest in investment banking early in my academic journey. Through an alumni referral, I secured an internship at China International Capital Corporation (CICC) in their Investment Banking Division—an experience that bridged my classroom knowledge with real-world financial operations.
I focused on core finance courses such as Financial Modeling and Capital Markets, which equipped me with technical skills in valuation and market analysis. Beyond coursework, I joined NYU’s Finance Club and competed in simulated investment tournaments. One memorable project involved analyzing a distressed asset acquisition case, where my team applied LBO modeling techniques to propose a turnaround strategy. These experiences solidified my passion for investment banking, though I ultimately landed the CICC opportunity.
To prepare for interviews, I immersed myself in CICC’s recent deals, studying their role in landmark transactions like the IPO of a leading Chinese EV manufacturer. During the interview, I presented a class project on cross-border M&A, reframing theoretical concepts like synergy valuation into practical frameworks for due diligence.
The internship crystallized my career goals: I now view financial models not as academic exercises, but as narratives shaped by market realities. One defining moment came when my analysis of a retail chain’s inventory turnover helped restructure a client’s financing plan—proving classroom theories could drive tangible business outcomes.
This experience didn’t just enhance my technical toolkit; it taught me that investment banking thrives at the intersection of quantitative rigor and human insight. As I pursue full-time roles, I carry forward CICC’s ethos: "Numbers inform, but people decide."
Release time:2025-04-22
