Gayathri Shankar Gayathri Shankar is an Investment Banking Analyst at Gresham Partners. She graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Law. In this interview, she shares what it is like working in investment banking and her advice for potential candidates. Gayathri also discusses how Gresham cultivates its employees to become leaders and what leadership means to her.
Describe your pathway into Gresham, what was the interview process like, and what parts of your application do you feel helped you stand out? Similar to many organisations, the interview process comprises of the first round of interviews with junior staff, and the second round of interviews with mostly senior directors. At Gresham, we also have a cocktail event that allows you to meet the team prior to the interview stage which is a good opportunity to learn more about the firm. In an application, it is key to show why you are interested in the industry and specifically why you have selected the firm you are applying for. I believe the best way to stand out, however, is through your interview where you can express your interest in person or over Zoom by engaging with your interviewers. Someone with a good attitude and willingness to learn will really shine in an interview, and this is what companies are looking for.
What parts of your university experience have helped you succeed at Gresham? My involvement in university societies such as the University Network for Investing & Trading (UNIT) and interest in coaching sports has taught me how to balance extracurricular activities alongside my studies. It’s important to demonstrate to interviewers that you can maintain a balanced lifestyle. Gresham really values individuals who enjoy things in life outside of work.
WOMEN ENTERING BUSINESS
What advice do you have for potential candidates? It’s important to understand where your interests lie and which industry or sector is best placed for those interests. I encourage all university students to talk to people who have graduated or are older than them and can share what they do for work. This will also help once you reach the interview stage and are posed with questions about why you have chosen the industry.
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