IE Talent and Careers Welcomes Global Banks to Campus at Investment Banking Day

Investment Banking Day returned to IE Tower on September 18, bringing nearly 600 IE students together with the world’s leading investment banks and allowing them to engage directly with recruiters from industry leaders like J.P. Morgan, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Evercore, UBS, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America.

The flagship finance careers event offered students a rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from 14 global banks through flash presentations, panel discussions, and a networking cocktail. For aspiring finance professionals, the event provided both insider knowledge and personal connections in a highly competitive job market.

"We are hungry for talent, which is very rare," said Andres Alonso, Head of International Corporate Bank (ICB) Southern Europe for Barclays. "We look for a balance between hard skills and soft skills, with soft skills being absolutely crucial and a pillar for any candidate."

Recruiters emphasized that while technical knowledge is essential, employers are increasingly valuing personality, motivation, and the ability to work in teams. At the graduate level, experience plays a secondary role. 

"Experience is not that relevant at the graduate level," the Barclays recruiter added. "It is more a signal of interest and initiative rather than specific expertise."

Many of the company representatives were IE alumni who returned in their current roles. Jorge San Román Rodríguez, Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore, who graduated from the Bachelor of Business Administration at IE, emphasized that candidates can stand out by showcasing their initiative and interests beyond academics.

"When I look at a CV I usually go straight down to the interest section and try to see something different," he said. "Sports teams, debate clubs, student government, these experiences help you mature as a candidate and make you come across more polished in interviews."

He credited IE with shaping that mindset and opening doors that proved decisive in his career.

"I can remember quite vividly three things the T&C team helped me with," he explained. "Any idea I had, they encouraged me to pursue it,  from creating finance clubs to representing IE in international debates. They also gave me the flexibility to take on internships during my studies, which translated into real experience by the time I graduated. And when I interviewed at Evercore, the careers team connected me with an alumna in New York who mentored me through the process. That support made all the difference."

Banks emphasized the importance of authenticity during interviews, noting that cultural fit and the ability to collaborate are often decisive factors in the hiring process. In smaller teams especially, analysts explained, employers look for candidates who can balance strong analytical foundations with the resilience and interpersonal skills needed for demanding environments, according to recruiters and industry professionals.

For Greenhill Investment Banking Analyst, Ainhoa Gallego Varela, cultural fit is central to the hiring process, particularly in smaller firms.

"At Greenhill we are really small, about 20 people, so we really appreciate who the person is," Gallero said. "Be yourself, because we spend up to 16–17 hours together every day. IIf you put on a mask in the interview, it won’t last. Every bank has its own culture, so it’s about finding the right fit both ways."

She added that Greenhill is increasingly opening opportunities for IE students through internships and off-cycle programs.

Students who attended said the event was eye-opening.

"For me, the highlight was being able to connect directly with recruiters and analysts,” said Andrei Carstea, a Bachelor in Business Administration student. "Hearing first-hand what banks are looking for gave me a clearer picture of how to prepare my applications."

The event reinforced IE University’s growing reputation as a bridge between top international talent and the financial sector. By blending professional access with alumni mentorship, Investment Banking Day continues to support students with the skills and connections needed to navigate one of the most competitive industries.

The Barclay’s representative also highlighted a personal connection with IE, noting that his daughter had just enrolled at the university. He praised IE’s modern, student-centered approach, describing it as “outstanding” for the way it combines new content with a strong focus on communication, mindset, and applying knowledge to real-world challenges.

As the recruitment cycle accelerates and banks increasingly turn to off-cycle hiring, students at IE are positioning themselves at the forefront of global finance opportunities.