Faith Nagra, an Analyst at Greenhill, originally joined as an Intern in 2020. Below, she has outlined her journey from Intern to Analyst and the skills you'll need to be successful.
''I appreciate the opportunity that Greenhill provides to work across a wide range of sectors, enabling you to make an informed decision as to which you might wish to focus more upon at a later stage of your career.''
Why did you decide to start your career as an Analyst at Greenhill?
The people I met at a number of networking and case study events throughout the application process left me convinced that Greenhill would be the right cultural fit for me. I enjoyed the smaller, more collegiate atmosphere, and I found the conversations I had felt natural and relaxed. I also appreciated the opportunity that Greenhill provides to work across a wide range of sectors, enabling you to make an informed decision as to which you might wish to focus more upon at a later stage of your career.
What were the biggest challenges of getting up to speed?
One of biggest challenges for me was in building up the confidence to take initiative and drive workstreams forward. At first, taking on responsibility can feel like a lot of pressure, but with time it also becomes extremely rewarding. This is something Greenhill really does encourage, and has enabled me to learn at a quicker pace than I think I would have done in other banks (or industries). I also found attention to detail to be one of the most important skills to develop as an Analyst in investment banking. I had to learn to prioritise accuracy, even when I had multiple deadlines as you ultimately save time in the long-run.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
For me, the most rewarding part of my role is working as part of a team to meet key milestones and receiving positive feedback from a client. Whilst the job can be demanding, feeling as though you have achieved something, and that you are one step closer to closing a deal, is what keeps me motivated.
What skills would you say you use the most on an everyday basis?
The most important skills for my role on an everyday basis include attention to detail, clear communication, remaining organised and accountable, remaining enthusiastic and motivated when faced with a busy period and being able to pick up new skills quickly.
From your current position, what advice would you give to students considering an internship at Greenhill?
My advice would be that if you think investment banking could be of interest to you then an internship is as much an opportunity for Greenhill to decide if you are the right fit for the team as it is for you to decide if investment banking and Greenhill are the right fit for you. The networking and case study events that Greenhill hold throughout the year are great opportunities to meet the people that make Greenhill unique, and I would strongly recommend attending these events in advance of making an application.
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