Investment Banking Coaches

With direct investment banking and investing experience across multiple sectors, I bring a well-rounded perspective to help you target and excel in specialized groups. At Lazard, I worked directly on Media & Telecommunications mandates, gaining firsthand exposure to the strategic and financial nuances of the industry. I also supported several Restructuring (RX) engagements during my internship, giving me practical experience with distressed situations and debt advisory, and I’ve since helped clients successfully place into top restructuring groups at elite boutiques. In addition, I gained Financial Institutions Group (FIG) experience through my work on an insurance-focused private equity investment, developing a strong understanding of how investors and banks evaluate capital-intensive, regulated businesses. Beyond traditional coverage groups, I’ve recruited for and coached candidates into Energy investment banking, having gone through the Houston recruiting process myself and understanding both the technical depth and industry-specific expectations of those roles. I also bring experience in Software, having worked on a growth-stage software investment and successfully coached multiple clients into leading software-focused growth equity and private equity firms. This cross-sector exposure allows me to provide tailored coaching not only on technical and market-specific preparation, but also on how to differentiate yourself for specialized groups. Whether you are targeting Media & Telecom, FIG, Energy, Software, or Restructuring, I can help you craft a compelling story, sharpen your technicals, and position yourself as a top candidate.

With a robust background in finance and investment banking, I bring over two decades of experience to my coaching practice. As a former Director at Merrill Lynch, I led numerous IPOs and raised over $1B for Asian companies, working closely with top institutional funds such as Fidelity and Vanguard. In addition to my transactional experience, I was involved in interviewing and evaluating candidates as part of the hiring process, giving me firsthand insight into how banks assess talent. My expertise extends to coaching startup founders and C-suite executives, empowering them to unlock their full potential and thrive in dynamic environments. Whether you’re aiming to break into investment banking or advance your career, I help clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. Let’s connect and chart your path to success

I’m an investment banker with ~8 years of experience advising companies and sponsors on complex M&A, capital raises, and restructuring transactions across media, sports, consumer, and technology. I’ve worked at Citi, Three Ocean Partners, and currently LionTree, where I advise founders, executives, and investors on high-stakes transactions with real strategic and financial complexity. I also hold an MBA from Columbia Business School. I work with candidates not only on breaking into investment banking, but also on succeeding once they’re on the job. I help clients prepare for interviews, develop strong technical and deal discussion skills, and build confidence in financial modeling, valuation, and transaction structuring. For those already in seat, I also provide hands-on support with modeling, diligence, and thinking through how deals actually progress — from initial materials and outreach through execution and closing. My goal is to help clients think clearly, communicate crisply, and operate at a high level in real banking situations.

Having started out my post-MBA career in investment banking and then transitioning to private equity, I bring a wealth of experience in entering and advancing careers in investment banking and private equity. I began my career in the Financial Management Program at GE and then, after receiving my MBA from HBS, made the leap to Investment Banking as an Associate at Wells Fargo Securities. Following my time in IB, I spent 20 years in private equity at middle-market investment firm, Reynolda Equity Partners, ultimately becoming a Managing Partner, before leaving to invest independently under my 1780 Capital banner. I have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at all levels in the competitive world of finance and M&A. I am passionate about helping aspiring investment bankers and finance professionals enter the industry and navigate their career paths.

I was a senior associate in Investment Banking (FIG) at Goldman Sachs in London, where I worked on strategic and advisory projects for financial institutions across EMEA, building my skills in financial modelling and valuation analysis. I've also co-founded initiatives and advised entrepreneurs through Antler, a global VC firm. I hold an MBA from Harvard Business School, where I was nominated to tutor in business and international economy courses. I'm passionate about helping people from underprivileged or non-traditional backgrounds break into this often opaque industry and figure out if it's the right fit for them. Let’s chat!

I'm an investor with 10 years of experience across hedge funds, growth equity and investment banking. I started my career at Goldman Sachs in the Investment Banking division for 2 years in the Financial Institutions Group (FIG). I interned at GS in my junior year summer and received a full time offer. I then went on to spend the next year years in the hedge fund world with roles at Citadel and Echo Street (~$15bn long short and long only manager) focusing on both public equities and private growth equity investments. I graduated first class honors from Queen's University and held internships every year of college. My approach is personal. I can help candidates break into hedge funds, growth equity and investment banking roles including deep dives into industry trends, stock ideas, thesis crafting and conviction, valuation and risk analysis and mock interviews. I can also help with crafting resumes, behavioral and technical preparation. I can also help with deep dives also can help candidates prepare for the day to day rigor of working in the hedge fund and investment banking industry. If you are looking for honest and candid feedback from someone with significant industry experience I'm happy to help.

Fiona Taft is an exceptional coach for investment banking careers, with deep expertise developed through her leadership of career services at UC Berkeley’s elite Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) Program—one of the top pipelines for investment banking, sales and trading, and quantitative finance roles. She has successfully coached students into front-office positions at leading global banks by providing targeted guidance on technical and behavioral interview preparation, networking strategies, and offer negotiation. Fiona has also cultivated strong relationships with top-tier investment banks and led career treks to financial hubs like New York and Chicago, resulting in increased placement rates and stronger employer engagement. Her deep understanding of the finance landscape, coupled with her data-driven approach and individualized coaching style, uniquely equips her to help candidates break into and thrive in competitive investment banking roles.

Welcome to my profile! With a robust background in finance and investment banking, I am here to help you navigate the competitive world of investment banking applications. I have firsthand experience as a Summer Investment Banking Analyst at J.P. Morgan, where I received a full-time offer, and have interned with prestigious firms like The D. E. Shaw Group and Rothschild & Co. As the President of Bocconi Students Women in Finance, I have honed my leadership and mentorship skills, which I bring to my coaching practice. Having successfully coached 20+ individuals, I specialize in guiding clients through resume building, interview preparation, and networking strategies. Let's work together to secure your dream role in investment banking!

I broke into Goldman Sachs investment banking without a finance degree. Here's how I did it. I started in biotech investor relations at one of the most active boutique IR firms in the country, advising on some of the busiest biotech IPOs during the record breaking 2020 boom year. From there I moved to Wells Fargo Securities investment banking in the REGAL group covering Real Estate, Gaming and Lodging. I worked on landmark deals including Aristocrat's $3.7B acquisition of Playtech and MGM's $3.9B sale of CityCenter, advising institutional clients like Blackstone, VICI Properties, Red Rock Resorts and Bally's. Then I lateraled to Goldman Sachs TMT and Consumer where I was exclusive buy-side advisor on Amazon's $3.9B acquisition of One Medical and Amazon's $1.7B acquisition of iRobot. I also worked on transactions for Nike, Starbucks and Nordstrom. I help two types of people. First, non-traditional candidates including non-finance majors, non-target school students and career switchers who feel like the door is closed. I got in without a finance degree and I know exactly how to position your story to get past the gatekeepers. Second, analysts at regional or middle market banks who want to lateral up to Goldman, Morgan Stanley or top boutiques. I made that exact move and I know what it takes on both sides of the table. If you think your background disqualifies you, it probably does not. Mine almost did and I found a way through anyway.

I successfully broke into investment banking from a non-finance background while at Wharton, landing first-round interviews across top bulge bracket and elite boutique firms—both in coverage and product groups. I ultimately accepted an offer from J.P. Morgan’s M&A team, my top choice, and received a return offer after a strong summer internship. Having gone through the process myself, I understand how overwhelming MBA recruiting can be—especially for career switchers. I can help you clarify your story, prepare for behavioral and technical interviews, and navigate firm preferences and group selection. Beyond the recruiting process, I also coach on how to succeed during the internship itself and evaluate whether banking is the right path based on your long-term goals. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or are deep in prep, I’m here to help you make confident, well-informed decisions.