We’re proud to be working with SEO London to support students preparing for investment banking.

But more importantly, we’re focusing on a problem most candidates don’t even realise they have.

The Problem with IB Prep

Most candidates aren’t short on effort.

They’re short on direction.

They spend months:

• going through question banks

• memorising answers

• trying to predict what might come up

And then get caught off guard when interviews don’t follow a script.

Because they don’t.

Interviewers:

• push your thinking

• challenge your assumptions

• take your answers further than you prepared for

And that’s where most candidates struggle.

What Actually Makes the Difference

From our own experience successfully going through the process, and being on the other side in investment banking, the candidates who stand out aren’t the ones who memorise the most.

They’re the ones who can:

• think clearly under pressure

• structure their answers properly

• adapt when the conversation moves beyond rehearsed responses

That’s what this work with SEO London is built around.

What We’ll Be Focusing On

Over the coming months, we’ll be working together to help students focus on what actually matters:

• Developing real commercial awareness: not just headlines, but how to think

• Understanding what the role actually looks like day-to-day

• Avoiding the common mistakes that cost candidates return offers

• Taking a more structured, deliberate approach to applications

How We Approach It

SelfCapital Network was built by former investment bankers, including SEO alumni, having gone through the process ourselves and working in the role.

Everything on the platform - every question, every task, every model answer - has been manually written and reviewed by our team and wider investment banking network, grounded in real expectations.

No guesswork. No filler.

Just what actually matters.

What This Means for You

If you’re preparing for investment banking, this is about shifting your approach.

Not:

“How many questions have I covered?”

But:

“Can I actually perform when I’m pushed beyond what I prepared?”

That’s the difference.

And that’s what we’ll be building towards with SEO London over the coming months.

What’s Next

We’ll be rolling out more content, sessions, and support throughout this!

Go explore the platform now -> selfcapitalnetwork.com

About SEO London:

SEO London is a UK charity that unlocks potential and transforms careers. We empower students and young professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, bridging the gap between untapped talent and the world's most competitive industries. Since 2000, our alumni have excelled in top global firms, proving that access and opportunity drive success

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Disclaimer: SelfCapital Network provides educational content based on general industry experience from former investment banking professionals. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any university, employer, or financial institution.