Currently work as associate in lower MM firm. There is variation but this is correct. A lot of your work is analysis, which means making models, drafting investment memos, researching industries, conducting due diligence on potential targets, etc. I would just add that you need great people skills at every level (maybe less so at associate but still)…your job still depends on effectively communicating internally and potentially externally as well. In my role, I’m talking to bankers, helping coordinate diligence, talking to operating partners etc, constantly updating my team on various projects, sharing my opinions, etc. To add another skill set: you always have different projects going on at once so organization is key.

Not sure what your 2nd question is. You need to know corporate finance, valuation (DCFs, LBOs, comps, etc.), know basics accounting (know your 3 statements, understand basic methodologies, familiarize your self with common line items)…after that, it’s mostly about being very proficient in excel. Your best bet would be anything IB and then work your way up. it’s competitive