Investment Banking Coaches, Events, and Resources

Having successfully recruited for two investment banks, Evercore and Piper Sandler's energy division (formerly Simmons & Company Intl.), I've picked up a thing or two as to what makes a successful candidate. I've synthesized my experiences and institutional knowledge into a digestible, proven program that ensures applicants are prepared, polished, and confident by the time they sit down for that first interview. Whether you're trying to break into banking from a non-target school, or just looking for that bit of additional mentoring that could make the difference, I can help you achieve your goals. Optimize your Profile: 1. Resume workshop to ensure you shine on paper 2. LinkedIn profile review to best highlight your strengths so you stand out 3. Mock interview focused on you resume to help you speak clearly to all your experiences Networking: 1. Build a personalized networking plan 2. Guidance for coffee chats and informational calls 3. Templates for email/LinkedIn intros and cover letters 4. Support and accountability as you execute on you networking plan Behavioral: 1. Craft 'Your Story' which will answer the 'why banking?' question 2. Custom behavioral interview guide to help you focus on nailing the most important questions 3. Mock interviews to ensure answers are crisp and succinct Technical: 1. Review of technical question guides often referenced by interviewers 2. Mock interviews to develop mastery of commonly asked questions and key concepts 3. 3-statement and LBO modeling practice 4. Intangible coaching on how to remain composed during these high-stress situations

Group focus / specialty: Technology (TMT) My involvement with the investment banking industry began in 2018 when I secured three coveted early investment banking offers from top investment banks (e.g., J.P. Morgan, Barclays) before even stepping foot on campus for my MBA. I also landed multiple fellowships, such as the J.P. Morgan Early Advantage Fellowship, that translate into six-figure bonuses in addition to standard signing bonuses. For the last 5 recruiting cycles, I've leveraged my know-how to help a variety of applicants land investment banking and fellowships offers. At J.P. Morgan, I covered the technology sector in the investment bank and served as a Harvard and UChicago School Captain for campus recruiting. In the Captain role, I was heavily involved with interviewing at the firm and have a strong understanding of what it takes to build a compelling profile to land a top investment banking offer. My experience as a coach at the boutique MBA consulting firm Ivy Advisors and SEO Career has further honed my skills in mentorship and coaching. I have helped hundreds of clients achieve their educational and professional goals. I am especially helpful to investment banking applicants who are looking to: ◉ perfect their "why investment banking" story ◉ refine their technical interview skills ◉ land a spot on a coveted technology coverage group ◉ recruit for West Coast opportunities ◉ transition from a different industry ◉ develop a pitch for why they find a company or deal interesting and what the value proposition is there ◉ leverage their unique BIPOC and/or international lived experience ◉ compete for fellowships that provide significant payouts for summer and full-time joiners - especially for women, BIPOC, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ candidates

Having personally gone through multiple recruiting cycles and later transitioned to Private Equity at a top megafund, I understand what banks look for at every stage from resume screening to final-round interviews. I’ve also been on the other side of the table, helping recruit and prepare candidates for banking roles. I know the nuances of each firm’s interview style, the most common technical pitfalls, and what differentiates top-performing analysts from the rest. Whether you’re preparing for technical interviews, refining your story, or navigating the recruiting process, I’ll help you approach recruiting with clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge.

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! I’m currently a Private Equity Associate at Abry Partners, a Boston-based firm managing over $18B in assets. I began my career in Investment Banking at Solomon Partners and graduated from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. At Solomon, I was actively involved in recruiting — interviewing and screening 50+ candidates — and developed a strong sense of what top firms are really looking for. I’ve since gone through the on-cycle private equity process myself and know how tough and opaque it can feel, especially without the right guidance. I’m here to help demystify the process — whether you’re prepping for IB/PE interviews, refining your story, or just trying to break in. Let’s connect.