Investment Banking Coaches, Events, and Resources

I started in investment banking at Lazard, advising on technology M&A, before moving to the buy-side in credit at KKR, so I've seen deals from both the sell-side and the investor's seat. I later deployed capital as a crypto-native investor (Hashed, Parataxis) and today run my own M&A advisory boutique with active client mandates. I know exactly what gets a candidate hired because I've been on the other side of the table, screening resumes, running technicals, and deciding who makes the cut. I coach on the things that actually move the needle: financial modeling (DCF, LBO, M&A, comps), the technical interview, deal walkthroughs, and the judgment that separates a top-1% candidate from a competent one. Whether you're targeting bulge-bracket IB, an elite boutique, private equity, or breaking in from a non-target background, I'll get you sharp, fast.

I spent ~10 years working in IB and PE. During that time, and after, I've worked with dozens of Investment Banks in my operating roles.

Welcome to my profile! I'm Jake Winans, a former investment banking analyst and strategy consultant who broke into Wall Street from a non-target background and later transitioned into corporate strategy roles at The Walt Disney Company and ExxonMobil. With firsthand experience in both M&A and capital markets, I bring a practical, insider-level understanding of what it takes to succeed in the recruiting process and on the desk. I’ve coached over 200+ students and early-career professionals, helping them master technicals, craft elite-level behavioral answers, refine their resumes, and build networking strategies that actually lead to interviews. Many of my clients have gone on to secure roles at firms like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Evercore, Centerview, and top middle-market and boutique banks. I specialize in helping candidates—whether from target, semi-target, or non-target schools—stand out through strong narrative positioning, polished communication, and strategic preparation. My coaching is grounded in real transaction experience, resume screening/hiring exposure, and years of mentoring aspiring bankers through university programs and private consulting. If you're aiming for investment banking and want structured, actionable guidance from someone who's successfully navigated the path and helped hundreds do the same, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s elevate your recruiting strategy and get you where you want to go.

I have worked at Goldman Sachs (TMT IB), Stifel (TMT IB), and J.P. Morgan (Corporate Banking). I can help you prepare for summer analyst recruiting, full-time recruiting (which is super unstructured), or lateral recruiting -- I've done all 3. I have also helped 75 individuals prepare for technical, behavioral, networking meetings, resume prep, and everything in between.

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.

◆ I'm a Principal at Warburg Pincus, a top 10 global PE firm managing $100B+, and I'm the most senior finance professional coaching on Leland ◆ As an active hiring manager in both PE and IB, I've personally interviewed hundreds of candidates and made the hiring decisions, so I know exactly what the person across the table is looking for ◆ I've coached dozens of clients who have landed offers at Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Evercore, PJT, Lazard, among others. I've also helped many of these same clients get PE offers and get into top 3 business schools ◆ I have 15+ years experience in finance: Blackstone M&A, then a decade at Warburg Pincus, with an MBA from HBS and a finance degree from Wharton ◆ I wrote the "Comprehensive Finance Interview Guide" over a decade ago while prepping for my own IB/PE recruiting, and I've been refining my system ever since ◆ I work with candidates at every stage, including resume help, mock interviews, or a full multi-month partnership covering networking, resume, story, technicals, and modeling tests

Evercore M&A Landed offers at EB and BB firms, picking Evercore. During my time at UT, after I successfully recruited, I was a mentor in the Investment Banking Association and Wall Street for McCombs where we would walk younger students through curriculum, training and preparing students to land offers. Through this I've developed the playbook on how to land a top offer regardless of your background. I can shed light on nuanced networking strategies, behavioral prep, technical prep, and everything in between. During my time at Evercore, I was also responsible for screening resumes and conducting first round interviews. Through all my experience I have a database of actual interview questions asked at various banks.

I help candidates prepare for investment banking by bringing the perspective of a principal investor who evaluates transactions, businesses, and financial analysis for real investment decisions. My experience spans private equity, growth investing, transaction evaluation, financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and capital allocation across global investment platforms. I have worked at the Africa Finance Corporation, a $15B investment institution, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, a $5B platform, and now lead Zeus Global, where I source, underwrite, diligence, structure, and pursue acquisitions of software and technology-enabled businesses. I hold an MBA from Stanford GSB and a B.Eng. with summa cum laude honors. While my career has been on the principal-investing side rather than in a traditional investment-banking seat, I have spent years working with the same analytical foundation bankers are expected to master — and assessing the work product that ultimately supports investment decisions. I coach candidates on recruiting strategy, résumé and narrative positioning, accounting and valuation, financial modeling, transaction analysis, deal discussions, and technical and behavioral interviews. My focus is not simply helping candidates memorize answers, but helping them understand how the analysis fits together so they can communicate clearly, defend their thinking, and perform confidently under pressure.

I bring a wealth of experience to help you break into the competitive world of finance. I began my career as an Investment Banking Analyst at J.P. Morgan, focused largely on TMT deals. After banking, I moved to Bain Capital where I worked in tech private equity & growth investing and then Squarepoint Capital, a large hedge fund where I managed a book of software stocks and oversaw our private growth investing efforts. I have since decided to work on my own endeavor, having raised capital and launched a private investment firm focused on down-market acquisitions of B2B businesses. I've always enjoyed spending time mentoring and have recently decided to do it more formally. Looking forward to connecting on your goals & aspirations!

I work with MBAs and career switchers who are exploring or recruiting for investment banking. I’ve been through the process myself, and I remember how overwhelming it can feel—figuring out if banking is the right path, how it compares to other options, and how to navigate recruiting effectively under tight timelines. I’ve also spent time in tech as well as quantitative finance roles, so I can help clients evaluate the tradeoffs across different paths. We’ll break down what the day-to-day really looks like, what skills are actually valued, and how each option aligns with your longer-term goals—so you can make a thoughtful, well-informed decision. If you decide to pursue banking, I focus on being practical and supportive. That might mean refining your story, approaching networking in a more natural and effective way, or building confidence on technicals without just memorizing answers. My goal is to make the process feel more manageable and give you a clear, structured plan forward. If you’re considering investment banking—or deciding between a few different paths—I’d be happy to work with you to navigate the process and prepare in a way that’s both realistic and effective.